sky-flyer_web.jpgThis year’s Broward County Fair is all new. Besides 50 midway rides, concerts and entertainment, the fair will feature the world famous Wallendas thrill show, Kazoobie Kazoo Show with Rick Hubbard, daily contests, a sports bar tent and student, agriculture and animal exhibits.

This year, the fair has moved to a 115-acre new location at 10300 Pines Blvd., Pembroke Pines, and will run from Nov. 24 through Dec. 5. One highlight is bound to be a ride known as the Sky Flyer, which will make its Florida debut. Fair officials say there is no other ride like it in existence.

The Sky Flyer consists of a 110-foot-tall tower with vertically moving arms that have swinging bench-type seating at the bottom, something like a porch swing. The ride starts out with the seats swinging in a circle, then they rise to the top of the tower, still swinging. The seats then go down the tower about a third of the way, then back up to the top, and down all the way to the bottom, swinging in a circle the whole time.

The Wallenda family will perform several high-wire shows daily, including a special high-wire performance by 74-year old Carla Wallenda at 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 26.

The fair will also feature a full line-up of concerts, with acts such as Amber Leigh, Yo Mama’s Big Fat Booty Band, Blues Brothers Soul Band, Bill “Sauce Boss” Wharton and the Hep Cat Boo Daddies.

Rounding out the entertainment will be a step competition, the Miss Broward County Fair pageant, student and adult talent competitions, a cheerleading competition, a bike show, a drumline competition, a Millers Miami Heat Watch party, a boomer and senior lifestyle expo and a classic car show.

Fair goers will be able to purchase all of the traditional fairgrounds foods such as corn on the cob, cotton candy and giant turkey legs. Dieters beware, as fair desserts will include the “Deep Fried Oreo,” served by the originator, Rene Piche, who celebrates his 50th year providing a variety of food to fairs across the country.

The fair will also continue its tradition of showcasing local agriculture. Strawberry the Pig (a 500-lb. porker), cows, rabbits, cavies (guinea pigs) and chickens will be on display. Horticulture displays created by South Florida students will also be exhibited.

Special agriculture events will include Everglades Sugar Cane Growers' grinding machine demonstrations, 1 p.m. Nov. 27 and Dec. 4; Beef Cattle Show, noon, Nov. 28; beekeeper John Getzel with live bees and fresh honey, noon, Dec. 4); Market Lamb Show, 1 p.m., Dec. 4; and Market Steer Futurity Show, 1 p.m., Dec. 5.

If you go

WHAT: The Broward County Fair

WHEN: Nov. 24 – Dec. 5. Check www.BrowardFair.org for hours of operation.

WHERE: Pembroke Pines City Center, 10300 Pines Blvd., Pembroke Pines

COST: General admission, excluding the cost of rides,  is $10 for ages 12 and older and $5 for ages 3-11; free for ages 2 and younger.

CONTACT:  Call 954-922-2224 or visit www.BrowardFair.org. 

Photo Courtesy of Coran Conway. New Ride: The Sky Flyer will make its Florida debut.