Flying dogs, racing pigs featured at fair | tallahassee.com | Tallahassee Democrat

Flying dogs, racing pigs featured at fair | tallahassee.com | Tallahassee Democrat.

Corn dogs, pig races, stomach-churning carnival rides — must be fair time! The 68th edition of the North Florida Fair kicks off its annual 11-day run today. The Giant Wheel towering over South Monroe Street starts turning at 5 p.m., when the gates open on the usual collection of agricultural exhibits, commercial interests, rides, games, fried food and other curiosities. Of special interest this year is a portrait display of the 233 Floridians who have died serving the nation in Iraq and Afghanistan. "It is a tribute to our fallen soldiers," said fair manager Mark Harvey. New this year on the fair's family-oriented entertainment line up is the K9 Kings Flying Dog Show, a group of acrobatic American Indian Dogs featured on Animal Planet. Also, returning after three years is the popular Wild World of Animals show, featuring a variety of rare animals. Those acts join the crowd-pleasing Show me Swine Racers. "People love those pigs," Harvey said. "They hustle around the track for an Oreo." The Orlando-based Strates Shows is also back for a second year on the Midway with carnival games and more than 65 rides — all brought to Tallahassee on a 61-car train. "We've got more rides this year than we've ever had," Harvey said.