The 111th South Florida Fair is here in West Palm Beach and it's 'Dino-Myte'

Eddie Ritz, Palm Beach Post
·3 min read

Yes, last year's fair was pretty amazing with all the robots, but what's even better than robots?

Dinosaurs.

That's right, dinosaurs beat robots and this year's South Florida Fair is packed with the towering reptilian titans.

With the theme "Dino-Myte," the fair will be a bit like a stroll through Jurassic (or even Cretaceous) Park.

Tyrannosaurus, an animal that could likely have eaten a person in one bite, will be at this year's South Florida Fair.
Tyrannosaurus, an animal that could likely have eaten a person in one bite, will be at this year's South Florida Fair.

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There will be up to a dozen full-scale, moving, animatronic dinosaurs throughout the fair as well as dinosaur-related exhibits, docents with realistic baby dinosaur puppets and more.

Presented by Imagine Exhibitions, these animatronic dinosaur displays are second to none. The traveling exhibit, titled “Dinosaurs Around the World,” will showcase some of the world’s most unique and newly discovered dinosaurs. Guests will learn where the various species lived, how they arrived and the latest paleontological, cutting-edge research.

One of the many dinosaur-related events will be the Jurassic Kingdom Lockdown show where fairgoers can see lifelike dinosaurs in action and will be allowed touch and interact with them.

The theme of this year's South Florida Fair is "Dino-Myte" and for good reason as you can actually meet and pet a dinosaur.
The theme of this year's South Florida Fair is "Dino-Myte" and for good reason as you can actually meet and pet a dinosaur.

Keeping with the dinosaur theme, Dinotopia On Ice, by Rosstyn Ice Shows, will feature professional performances by adagio pairs along with star soloists and talented skaters perform with elaborate costumes, lighting, sound, special effects, scenery and more.

The "Dinotopia On Ice" show at this year's fair will feature world-class skaters and costumes keeping with the dinosaur theme.
The "Dinotopia On Ice" show at this year's fair will feature world-class skaters and costumes keeping with the dinosaur theme.

Though dinosaurs rock (and beat robots) the fair extends the fun beyond those beasts.

The Extreme Illusions and Escapes show, featuring Josh and Lea Knotts, is a mixture of stage illusions, skillful escapes, audience participation and music. Not an everyday magic act, this show is a crowd favorite everywhere it is performed.

There will be five stages featuring live country, rock, disco and folk music. These bands include 56 Ace, Alexandra Kay, Alyssa Coon, the Brenda Johnson Band, Bryce Allyn, the Derek Mack Band, Guerra Grooves and many more.

The entertainment will also include comedians, dance demonstrations, animal shows, robot fights and so much more.

And, of course, there will be rides — lots of them. This includes the return of the Midway Sky Eye, known as the “giant wheel.” As North America's largest traveling Ferris wheel, the ride reaches a peak height of 155 feet and is comprised of more than 500 pieces. More than 524,000 individual LED red, green, blue, yellow, orange and purple lights, make it the brightest spectacle at the fair. Guests also can see for miles from the top of this ride.

New rides include the Wave Swinger and Corky’s Wipeout.

Finally, let's talk food.

Yes, some healthy options will be available, but let's face it ... fairs are for going wild.

Fairs are where those dream concoctions become reality and mad culinary scientists reign supreme. A place where every crazily-delicious, as-God-intended, chocolate-dipped and/or fried delicacy on Earth can be found.

Among the new items, Miller Lemonade's pickle lemonade and Holy Marcaroni's Thai bowls.

The fair will be open for 17 days — so get planning now and experience it all.

South Florida Fair

Where: 9067 Southern Blvd., West Palm Beach

When: Jan. 13 through 29

Hours: Noon to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. MLK Day and Friday, Saturday, Sunday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. closing day

Cost: 10 and younger free; 11 and older at gate $15 on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and $20 on Saturday and Sunday; Tuesdays $2. Entry fee does not include rides or parking. Ride wristbands $25 at gate Monday through Friday, $40 at gate on Saturday and Sunday. Parking $10 general, $20 premium.

Information: 561-793-0333; 800-640-FAIR; southfloridafair.com

Note: On Friday and Saturday nights, all guests under 18, when entering the fairgrounds, must be accompanied by an adult. Proof of age will be required for the accompanying adult. In addition to the gate admission, all guests ages 6 to 17 must purchase a ride wristband prior to entering the fair.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: South Florida Fair in West Palm Beach: Rides, tickets, Dinosaurs theme