The 2013 Florida Strawberry Festival in Plant City, FL opens on February 28th and continues through March, 10th. Look forward to lots of fun and entertainment along with plenty of food, contests, shows and all around good times on any day you chose to attend.
Many of the highlights will be touched on here, but for exact times, ticket prices, show locations please visit, as well as information on festivals in future years please check out www.flstrawberryfestival.com. Daily gate admission tickets average $10 for adults and $5 for children aged 6-12 with age 5 and under allowed free admission, so come on out and have a blast! The festival commences daily 10 am – 10 pm.
Headlining Entertainment – Ticket prices for these shows range from $15 -$30 depending on seating availability and locations and are not included with your gate admission. Scheduled performers this year include Chubby Checker, Foreigner, Casting Crowns, Gene Watson, Gloriana, Justin Moore, Randy Houser, Alan Jackson, Grits & Glamor with Lorrie Morgan and Pam Tillis, Dwight Yoakam, Bobby Vinton, Martin McBride, Neil McCoy, Trace Adkins, Mel Tillis, Brantley Gilbert, TG Sheppard, Janie Frickie, Scotty McCreery, The Gaither Vocal Band, Bret Michaels, Hunter Hayes, and Blake Shelton.
Free Entertainment – These shows run throughout the festival and are included with your gate admission. Featured artists for the free entertainment include Steve Hall and the Shotgun Red Show, Caroline Kole, Jimmy Sturr, Dennis Lee, Jay Taylor Band, Sweeney Family Band Country Comedy Review, Ron Diamond, The Gothard Sisters, and Lloyd Mabrey.
Shows and Attractions – The Strawberry Festival always has a midway full of rides and games, but there are also television personalities making appearances and many other livestock shows and entertainment. This year these include RJ and Jay Paul Molinere from Swamp People, Bobby Brantley from Lizard Lick Towing and Recovery, The Kandu Magic Show, The Grand Parade featuring Strawberry King and Queen, Robinsons Racing Pigs, World Champion Lumberjills highlighting women and their skills with chainsaws and lumber games, Pioneer Skills & Early Arts and Trades demonstrations, The Neighborhood Village showcasing local foods, crafts, and quilts, JUMP! The Ultimate Dog Show, Rock-It the Robot, RUNA PACHA Indian World shows with music and culture, and The Strawberry Production Exhibit showing the lifetime of strawberry harvesting and enjoyment and how that has changed over the years.
Contests – Adding to the fun of the festival are the contests. This year there will be a float contest for entries in the parade, a karaoke contest, corn on the cob eating contest, corn dog eating contest, strawberry shortcake eating contest, strawberry mashed potato pie eating contest, and both adult and children can compete in a strawberry stemming contest. Additionally, there are ribbons and awards for local baking, art, 4H exhibits, and livestock.
Food – You will find an assortment of food available at the festival, including many strawberry confections. Typically the local restaurants offer fare and the midway is filled with funnel cakes, corn dogs, steak sandwiches, blooming onions, pizza, and the other expected festival foods. A check of the Strawberry Festival website will give you a map of the midway and other overviews of food availability throughout the entirety of the festival. Be sure to check it out so you do not miss your favorite festival food.
The Florida Strawberry Festival is a wonderful attraction offering many music stars, contests, attractions, and exhibits. You will not find a better offering of fun and folly in the Lake City area, so please plan on attending to support the strawberry growers and enjoy the superb festival that has been organized for the area. There are daily specials and discounts available through local grocery stores and organizations. A quick check of the website will highlight these specials and the days they are offered, or you can contact the box office by phone at 813-754-1996 for tickets and show information.
The Florida Strawberry Festival
303 North Lemon St.
Plant City, FL 33563-4706
Ticket Office: 813-754-1996
Photo credit: Sam Howitz on flickr
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