DADE CITY
The Pasco County Fair kicks off this week with a sweet deal, a new ride and a special appearance by some famous baboons.
Gates open Monday, but on Tuesday, organizers are knocking $5 off the admission price. For $3, guests can enjoy everything but the midway and elephant ears.
It's the first entry bargain the fair has offered.
"We're trying to make it feasible for everybody who is a little tight in the wallet," said Tracy Thompson, fair chairman. "Our theme (this year) is How Sweet It Is. We think it's a sweet deal."
Unlimited midway ride wristbands are an additional $15 Monday through Thursday, $20 Friday through Feb. 21.
Bargain hunters can take multiple rides on the Vertigo, a new midway ride that makes its Pasco debut this year.
The Vertigo is like a traditional swing ride, but instead of dangling you about 12 feet off the ground, the Vertigo lifts riders 100 feet.
Also performing this year at the Pasco County Fair is the Wild About Monkeys show. The baboons have appeared in multiple movies and commercials, including the 2007 Steve Carell and Morgan Freeman flick, Evan Almighty.
It's the fair's first Hollywood connection.
"We've had some performers (who were) on the Jay Leno show in the past, but none who performed in movies," Thompson said.
On Friday evening, the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association kicks off with a "human ribbon" tribute to cancer survivors.
Men and women who have battled cancer will be invited to the arena to stand in a ribbon formation. The only catch: You have to wear pink.
"It's pretty neat to see 350-pound guys out there wearing their pink shirts," said LeAnne John, rodeo chairwoman.
There will also be a contest honoring the person wearing the most pink articles of clothing.
Last year's winner had on 32 pink pieces, including earrings, a hat, a scarf and pins.
But don't expect your pink underwear to count toward your total.
"It has to be garments we can see," John said.
Helen Anne Travis can be reached at htravis@sptimes.com or (813) 435-7312.
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