The Fairgrounds in St. Petersburg, Florida, stands as the anchor of a renaissance in the once-seedy warehouse art district of this picturesque Tampa Bay waterfront city. Despite the numerous jokes made about Florida, the Fairgrounds delivers the perfect punchline: “Yeah, the Sunshine State is wacky, but let’s have some fun with it.”
Opened in 2021, The Fairgrounds is an indoor, interactive art museum celebrating the familiar, stereotypical Florida lifestyle: cheap motels, alligators, flamingos, and state and county fairs (hence the name). All showcased in the brightest, gaudiest fluorescent color schemes on the planet. There’s even a bit of a freak show vibe.
Witness the digital chickens desperately running back and forth, trying not to get crushed by human hands. It’s quirky and entertaining—though PETA may not share my sense of humor. It’s a modern twist on the old carnival game of the Dancing Chicken, where a coin would make a chicken dance behind glass for food. Since this new chicken game is digital, no harm, no… fowl? Let’s move on.
At the Fairgrounds, you won’t find anything related to Florida’s most odious reputation as a haven for serial killers. However, the diorama room may come pretty close. This art form showcases many truly interesting and fascinating displays, but some are undeniably creepy and disturbing.
Take, for example, the display featuring an assortment of ghoulish eyeballs. Then there are the big-headed dolls on the beach. To me, it seems like both creators might need appointments with therapists.
Overall, The Fairgrounds offers a whimsical journey through Florida’s unique culture and lifestyle. It provides a thoroughly enjoyable experience, especially if you’re seeking something off the typical tourist path.
Story & Video: Steve Geiger
Photos: Susan Geiger
