The annual Strawberry Festival began in 1930 when members of a newly organized Plant City Lions Club conceived the idea of an event to celebrate bountiful harvests of strawberries. In 1948, the American Legion Post #26 helped get Florida Strawberry Festival reactivated following a six year hiatus. Lions Club and other organizations have participated ever since. Now the festival is ranked amongst the top 40 fairs in North America.

The fabric of American life is woven into the Festival through social events, contests, youth developmental programs, top-name entertainment, and parades with glorious floats. General admission for adults is ten dollars, five for children ages 6-12, and kids under 6 get in free. Since it’s opening, the festival has expanded in its food, activities, and entertainment. Every year the festival hold an overall theme to the area. This year’s theme is, Florida’s Best Family Recipe.

“We chose this theme because we feel it fits the essence of what we’re all about; food, fun, and family.” Florida Strawberry Festival general manager Paul Davis said.

Families from all over can show off their best and most famous recipes for all to enjoy. It’s only fitting that the festival would have the most delicious and mouthwatering food available. Over 10,000 acres of strawberries are planted in the same area as the festival, providing bountiful berries for everyone who attends. One of the bestselling items is the strawberry shortcake. This dessert can be found throughout the park to satisfy anyone’s cravings. Other foods and products are available including the limited addition strawberry pizza.

“Their strawberry shortcakes are to die for; there is nothing better than the taste of biting into one.” Junior Brilly Gomez said.

Along with the great food the Florida Strawberry Festival features some of the biggest stars and names in Hollywood. Each year musical performers and big hit TV show eyes come out to entertain. This year includes country superstars Rascal Flats, The Band Perry, and Kellie Pickler. Musical performers appear on specific set dates with varying prices depending on the special guest. 3,000 free seats are a viable on a first come first serve basis. Other guests include R.J. and Jay Paul from the hit TV show Swamp People.
“The musical performances are always cool to see, it’s great they would come out to support the festival,” Gomez said.

The food and entertainment aren’t the only things the fair has to offer. Other activities like crafts, rides, and livestock shocks are also available for the fair goers. Robinson’s racing pigs is an animal show that features a dual to the finish line amongst two daring pigs. The Strawberry Kiddy Coral is also available for the young attendees.

No matter your age or level of thrill seeking, The Florida Strawberry Festival offers an atraction for all. The festival will run from February 28, to March 9.