TAMPA - The Florida State Fair opens Thursday morning for a 12-day run. As the first state fair of 2026, the fair is the first to host a special observation wheel themed for the nation's 250th birthday. Executive director Cheryl Flood says it has 45 gondolas, each themed to honor an American president. Other elements honoring the 250th anniversary include a traveling history exhibit, a red white and blue water show, and a special patriotic look to the perennial Cracker Country attraction.