2016 Florida Strawberry Festival Guide

2016 Florida Strawberry Festival Guide March 3-13 This year’s festival theme is ‘Royal Fun for Everyone.’

~ Melissa P., a patient of South Florida Baptist Hospital

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER 2016 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER 2016 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE 3

It’s time for some royal fun Weekday Lunch Specials 11am-3pm

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agriculture our claim to fame.

The agriculture industry embodies some of the finest qualities: leadership, innovation, generosity, humility, stewardship, dedication, environmental responsibility and much more. As far as I can tell, it seems that we, as a community, have adopted these same qualities to represent our town as a whole.

The citizens of Plant City are well known for their generosity with time and resources, their nationally recognized leaders and their dedication to heritage and innovation. In my opinion, there is no better place to see the heart of our people and our town than at the Florida Strawberry Festival.

Each year, our agriculture industry and our people are placed on display as we invite over 500,000 individuals to join in the celebration of our agricul-

For information on admission or concert tickets, events and more, visit FlStrawberryFestival.com

tural harvest. They come from other towns and states and some from across the pond, looking forward to the southern hospitality they will receive from the people of Plant City.

While our event has evolved in our 81 years, we still pride ourselves on being a slice of Americana, where tradition and values are of the utmost importance and our environment is friendly for the whole family.

For our 81st year, we have an exciting festival planned just for you. We’re inviting 24 of the country’s top entertainers, bringing in over 85 of the most exciting rides, hosting hundreds of youth exhibitors in seven different livestock shows, displaying the artwork, photographs and homemade items thousands of our local residents enter into competition, cooking up some of the tastiest treats from hundreds of food vendors and, most of all, picking more strawberries than you could ever imagine for shortcakes, milkshakes, cheesecakes, cobblers, ice cream and more.

SOCIAL MEDIA Be sure to follow the Florida Strawberry Festival on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and its free mobile app for updates and pictures of festival fun. Use #BerryFest16 on your posts.

Come and see us at the Florida Strawberry Festival

To learn more about Florida strawberries, visit our web site.

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER 2016 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE

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Office: 813.752.6822 Fax: 813.752.2167

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INSIDE Events Schedule

6

Lecrae 8 The Band Perry

9

Charlie Wilson

10

NRG 11 Stingray Car Giveaway

12

Strawberry Health Benefits

13

Shopping Guide

17

Weird Festival Foods

22

Variety Stage Lineup

24

RedHead Express

26

Get a Strawberry Calendar

27

Meet the Queen and Court

30

Catch up with Former Queen 33 Historic Festival Photos

34

What is your Festival Favorite? 36 Take our Festival Poll

37

Wallendas Circus Act

38

Festival Tips

40

Festival Map

41

Meet a Red Coat

44

ABOUT THE COVER With the 2016 Florida Strawberry Festival theme being “Royal Fun for Everyone,” the Plant City Times & Observer decided there would be no better art for the guide cover than Strawberry Queen Haley Riley — and there would be no other artist better at drawing her than Plant City native Jesse Starr.

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$ Starr has a background drawing caricatures at Busch Gardens, in addition to building monster trucks, designing a boat wrap for Shaquille O’Neal and creating ultra-realistic portraits with ballpoint pens. In addition to our cover, he most recently did two international covers for BIC Graphic.

Starr used photographs from the 2016 Florida Strawberry Queen Pageant to create Riley’s likeness and topped her with a sparkling crown as brilliant as her beautiful smile.

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ENTERTAINMENT SCHEDULE 6

n 6 p.m. Jake Castro Band (Tampa Bay Times Variety Stage) n 7:30 p.m. NRG (Bright House Networks Showcase Tent) n 7:30 p.m. Lonestar (Wish Farms Soundstage)

DAILY SHOWS BELMONT MAGIC SHOW (on grounds) 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m.

TUESDAY, MARCH 8

BRANCH AND DEAN (Bright House Networks Showcase Tent) 1 p.m., 4 p.m.

CIRCUS INCREDIBLE (on grounds) 12:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m.

DENNIS LEE (Bright House Networks Showcase Tent; no 12 p.m. show March 6) 12 p.m., 3 p.m., 6 p.m.

KARI AND BILLY (Truwhip Strawberry Tent) 1 p.m., 5 p.m., 7 p.m.

MAXIMUS G (on grounds) 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 7 p.m.

MEET AND GREET WITH MR. BERRY (Parke Building Gazebo) 11 a.m., 3:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m.

NATHAN OSMOND (Tampa Bay Times Variety Stage) 12 p.m., 3 p.m.

RED HEAD EXPRESS (Bright House Networks Showcase Tent; no 11 a.m. show March 6) 11 a.m., 2 p.m., 5 p.m.

ROBINSON’S RACING PIGS (on grounds) 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m., 4 p.m., 6 p.m., 8 p.m.

RUNA PACHA INDIAN WORLD (on grounds) 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m., 4 p.m., 6 p.m., 8 p.m.

SOUTHWEST DAIRY FARMERS MILKING SHOW (on grounds) 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m.

THURSDAY, MARCH 3 n Florida Blue Senior Citizen Day | Patrons 60 years or older get $2 off $10 admission. n 10:30 a.m. Jimmy Sturr & His Orchestra (Wish Farms Soundstage) n 11:45 a.m. Senior Citizens Drawing (Wish Farms Soundstage) n 3 p.m., 6 p.m. The Gothard Sisters (Truwhip Strawberry Tent) n 3:30 p.m. Charley Pride (Wish Farms Soundstage) n 6 p.m. Rosewood Creek (Tampa Bay Times Variety Stage) n 7 p.m. Mosaic Youth Swine Show (Patterson Co. Livestock Arena) n 7:30 p.m. Josh Turner (Wish Farms Soundstage)

FRIDAY, MARCH 4

n Publix Feeding Florida Day | Bring in a Publix-brand nonperishable to receive $5 off $20 Fun Pack Ride Coupon Book. n 12 to 4 p.m. Meet Pro Football Hall of Famer Derrick Brooks (Carolina Carports Inc. Display) n 1 p.m. Dairy Contest Judging (Patterson Co. Livestock Arena) n 2 p.m. Fried Corn on the Cob Eating Contest (Stingray Chevrolet Entertainment Tent) n 3 p.m., 6 p.m. The Gothard Sisters (Truwhip Strawberry Tent) n 3:30 p.m. Mickey Gilley (Wish Farms Soundstage) n 6 p.m. Truitts (TBT Variety Stage) n 7 p.m. Mosaic Youth Swine Sale (Patterson Co. Livestock Arena) n 7:30 p.m. Big & Rich (Wish Farms Soundstage) n 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Moonlight Magic (Midway)

SATURDAY, MARCH 5

n Free Kids Day | Kids through high school age admitted free. n 11 a.m. 43rd Annual Civitan’s Florida Strawberry Festival Youth Parade (State Farmer’s Market) n 11 a.m. Dairy Show Showmanship (Patterson Co. Livestock Arena) n 12 to 4 p.m. Meet Pro Football Hall of Famer Derrick Brooks (Carolina Carports Inc. Display) n 1 p.m. Dairy Show (Patterson Co. Livestock Arena)

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER 2016 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE

n 2 p.m. Youth Strawberry Stemming Contest (Stingray Chevrolet Entertainment Tent) n 3 p.m., 6 p.m. The Gothard Sisters (Truwhip Strawberry Tent) n 3:30 p.m. Lecrae (Wish Farms Soundstage) n 6 p.m. Danny Moody Band (Tampa Bay Times Variety Stage) n 7:30 to 10 p.m. Gospel Night Featuring Pastor Calvin “Pee Wee” Callins (Bright House Networks Showcase Tent) n 7:30 p.m. Cheap Trick (Wish Farms Soundstage)

SUNDAY, MARCH 6

n Fanta Family Day | Present any Fanta or Coca-Cola can or bottle to receive $5 off $25 ride wristbands. n 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Baby Contest (Bright House Networks Showcase Tent) n 11 a.m. Dairy Adult Showmanship (Patterson Co. Livestock Arena) n 11:30 a.m. Dairy Pee Wee Showmanship (Patterson Co. Livestock Arena) n 12:30 p.m. Dairy Costume Ball (Patterson Co. Livestock Arena) n 3 p.m., 6 p.m. The Gothard Sisters (Truwhip Strawberry Tent) n 2 p.m. Youth Plant Sale (Patterson Co. Livestock Arena) n 3:30 p.m. Shenandoah (Wish Farms Soundstage) n 6 p.m. HOLA, Plant City!

(Tampa Bay Times Variety Stage) n 7:30 p.m. Donny and Marie (Wish Farms Soundstage)

MONDAY, MARCH 7

n Ride-A-Thon | Ride wristbands on sale for $20. n 10 a.m. Invitational Parade Luncheon n 1 p.m. Grand Parade (Historic Downtown Plant City) n 3 p.m., 6 p.m. The Gothard Sisters (Truwhip Strawberry Tent) n 3 p.m The Home Depot Kids Workshop (East Ind.) n 3:30 Gene Watson ( Wish Farms Soundstage) n 5 p.m. Lamb Showmanship and Show (Patterson Co. Livestock Arena)

n Twosday and Ride-A-Thon | From 12 to 11 p.m. ride a single ride for $20 or buy a ride wristband for $20. n 2 p.m. Adult Strawberry Stemming Contest (Stingray Chevrolet Entertainment Tent) n 3 p.m., 6 p.m. The Gothard Sisters (Truwhip Strawberry Tent) n 3 p.m. Lamb Jumpin Contest (Patterson Co. Livestock Arena) n 3:30 p.m. Dick Fox’s Golden Boys Starring Frankie Avalon, Fabian and Bobby Rydell (Wish Farms Soundstage) n 6 p.m. Denise Moore and Then Some (Tampa Bay Times Variety Stage) n 7 p.m. Lamb Costume Contest (Patterson Co. Livestock Arena) n 7:30 p.m. Trace Adkins (Wish Farms Soundstage)

EXHIBITS

ASTIN FARMS PAVILION n Swine: Thursday, March 3, to Saturday, March 5 n Dairy: Thursday, March 3, to Sunday, March 6 n Steer: Wednesday, March 9, to Saturday, March 12 SWINDLE FAMILY PAVILION n Mosaic Poultry and Rabbit Shows: daily n Beef Exhibit: Friday, March 11, to Sunday, March 13 n Youth Plant Show: Thursday, March 3, to Sunday, March 6 n Lamb Show: Monday, March 7, to Wednesday, March 9 n Neighborhood Village Garden Club Horticulture Show: daily n Strawberry Queen Exhibit: daily n Neighborhood Village and Youth Village: daily ROY AND HELEN PARKE BUILDING n Shoebox Float Display: daily MILTON E. HULL ARMORY BUILDING n East Hillsborough Art Guild Art Show: daily n Photography Contest: daily STRAWBERRY PRODUCTION EXHIBIT, daily PIONEER VILLAGE, daily

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9 n American Heroes Day | Active, reserve, retired military, veterans, law enforcement and first responders admitted free with valid ID. n 12 p.m., 3 p.m., 6 p.m. The Walker Boys (Truwhip Strawberry Tent) n 1 p.m. Super Dog Mega Corndog Eating Contest (Stingray Chevrolet Entertainment Tent) n 3:30 p.m. Ray Stevens (Wish Farms Soundstage) n 6 p.m. Mosaic Youth Steer Show (Patterson Co. Livestock Arena) n 6 p.m. Bobby G. Summers (Tampa Bay Times Variety Stage) n 7:15 p.m. Honor American Heroes (Wish Farms Soundstage) n 7:30 Martina McBride (Wish Farms Soundstage)

THURSDAY, MARCH 10

n Florida Blue Senior Citizen Day | Patrons 60 years or older get $2 off $10 admission. n 10:30 a.m. Tommy Dorsey Orchestra (Wish Farms Soundstage) n 11:45 a.m. Senior Citizens Drawing (Wish Farms Soundstage) n 12 p.m., 3 p.m., 6 p.m. The Walker Boys (Truwhip Strawberry Tent) n 2 p.m. Strawberry Shortcake Eating Contest (Stingray Chevrolet Entertainment Tent) n 3:30 p.m. Oak Ridge Boys (Wish Farms Soundstage) n 6 p.m. Skyler Clark (Tampa Bay Times Variety Stage) n 7:30 p.m. Casting Crowns (Wish Farms Soundstage)

FRIDAY, MARCH 11

n Tampa Bay Times Day on the Midway | From 12 to 10 p.m. receive a $5 discount with a coupon from the Tampa Bay Times for the $20 Fun Pack Ride Coupon Book. n 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Meet Pro Football Hall of Famer Derrick Brooks (Carolina Carports Inc. Display) n 12 p.m., 3 p.m., 6 p.m. The Walker Boys (Truwhip Strawberry Tent) n 1 p.m. Strawberry Mashed Potato Pie Eating Contest (Stingray Chevrolet Entertainment Tent) n 3:30 p.m. Tanya Tucker (Wish Farms Soundstage) n 6 p.m. Beef Breed Showmanship (Patterson Co. Livestock Arena) n 6 p.m. Sara Rose Band (Tampa Bay Times Variety Stage) n 7:30 p.m. Cole Swindell (Wish Farms Soundstage) n 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Moonlight Magic

SATURDAY, MARCH 12

n Farm Worker Appreciation Day | From 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. a ride wristband will be $30. n 9 a.m. Registration for Livestock Judging Contest (Patterson Co. Livestock Arena) n 10 a.m. Livestock Judging (Patterson Co. Livestock Arena)

PlantCityObserver.com

Headliners

Wish Farms Soundstage

Plant City’s Leisure Lifestyle Manufactured Home Community

M THURSDAY, MARCH 3

MONDAY, MARCH 7

Charley Pride, 3:30 p.m.

Josh Turner, 7:30 p.m.

Gene Watson, 3:30 p.m.

Lonestar, 7:30 p.m.

FRIDAY, MARCH 4

TUESDAY, MARCH 8

Mickey Gilley, 3:30 p.m.

Big & Rich, 7:30 p.m.

SATURDAY, MARCH 5 Lecrae, 3:30 p.m.

Cheap Trick, 7:30 p.m.

SUNDAY, MARCH 6

Shenandoah, 3:30 p.m.

Donny and Marie, 7:30 p.m.

a H i l o n g a ill 55+

Community

Dick Fox’s Golden Boys starring Frankie Avalon, Fabian and Bobby Rydell, 3:30 p.m.

Trace Adkins, 7:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9 Ray Stevens, 3:30 p.m.

Martina McBride, 7:30 p.m.

THURSDAY, MARCH 10 Oak Ridge Boys, 3:30 p.m.

Casting Crowns, 7:30 p.m.

FRIDAY, MARCH 11

Family Owned & Operated

Tanya Tucker, 3:30 p.m.

Cole Swindell, 7:30 p.m.

SATURDAY, MARCH 12 Merle Haggard, 3:30 p.m.

Charlie Wilson, 7:30 p.m.

n Fanta Family Day | Present any Fanta or Coca-Cola can or bottle to receive $5 off $25 ride wristbands.

PlantCityObserver.com

(813)754-8059 R. W. Willaford, P.O. Box 251 Plant City, Florida 33664

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SUNDAY, MARCH 13

n 11 a.m. Youth Beef Breed Show (Patterson Co. Livestock Arena) n 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Meet Pro Football Hall of Famer Derrick Brooks (Carolina Carports Inc. Display) n 12 p.m., 3 p.m., 6 p.m. The Walker Boys (Truwhip Strawberry Tent) n 1 p.m. Kitchen Craft Cooking Drawing (Neighborhood Village) n 2 p.m. Club Med Giveaway (TECO Expo Hall) n 3:30 p.m. Echosmith (Wish Farms Soundstage) n 5 p.m. Stingray Chevrolet Vehicle Drawing (East Ind.) n 6 p.m. HOLA, Plant City!

(Tampa Bay Times Variety Stage) n 7:30 p.m. The Band Perry (Wish Farms Soundstage)

Joe McInto

n 10:15 a.m. Baby Parade (Morrow Steel Free Grandstand) n 12 p.m., 3 p.m., 6 p.m. The Walker Boys (Truwhip Strawberry Tent) n 3:30 p.m. Merle Haggard (Wish Farms Soundstage) n 6 p.m. The Moriah Project (Tampa Bay Times Variety Stage) n 7 p.m. Mosaic Youth Steer Sale (Patterson Co. Livestock Arena) n 7:30 p.m. Cigar City Blues Band (Bright House Network Showcase Tent) n 7:30 p.m. Charlie Wilson (Wish Farms Soundstage)

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER 2016 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE 7

3:30 P.M. SATURDAY, MARCH 5

Lecrae SARAH WHITMAN TAMPA BAY TIMES

Hip-hop artist Lecrae wants fans to know he carries scars.

As a boy he experienced neglect and physical abuse. As a teen, he turned to drugs, guns and women. He once attempted suicide.

Then he found healing, through music and a belief in Jesus Christ.

Since releasing his first album, “Real Talk,” in 2004, Lecrae has managed to achieve success in mainstream hip-hop rapping about God and positivity.

In 2013, he joined the Rock the Bells tour featuring Common, Kendrick Lamar and Wu-Tang Clan. In 2014, his album “Anomaly” debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 charts.

In May, Lecrae will release his first book, “Unashamed,” detailing his early life struggles and rise through the ashes.

Lecrae will perform March 5 at the Florida Strawberry Festival.

In the last couple years, you’ve managed to transcend the Christian hip-hop and gospel genre. Why do you think that is? Do things such as landing the top spot on Billboard’s 200 surprise you?

Music is music. Christianity is a faith not a genre. It’s about musical expression.

Accolades and things like that are always a surprise. Me, most of the time, I keep my nose down working in the studio. The only thing through that process I’m thinking about is making the best music possible.

How does your faith impact your work?

My faith impacts every aspect of what I do and who I am. There is that moral line. I never write music that contradicts it, at least not on purpose. My music is not about being degrading or misogynistic. It’s glorifying.

Is it difficult keeping the music positive in an industry saturated with the opposite?

Honestly Kendrick, J. Cole, in a lot of ways they are taking a similar path, going against the grain of what you see in hip hop a lot of times.

How does the crowd react when you tour with artists such as Kendrick Lamar?

Everyone loves it and wants to know why I’m not there more often. I come in as the underdog to a lot of people, and then when I’m finishing, they’re like, ‘Man, you need to keep going.’

Have you experienced any backlash from within Christian hip-hop?

My fans support me and know what I’m about. I would never slander or put down another genre. Philosophically, that’s just not where I see myself.

Why did you write ‘Unashamed?’

It chronicles my journey.

I’m very candid about being physically abused and sexually molested ... The stories in the book are raw and real and hopefully will be able to help people. Leaders lead in vulnerability.

When you’re vulnerable you heal people. You show people your scars, and they see how deep the wounds are, but they see they’ve healed. Maybe it gives them some hope.

Sarah Whitman can be reached at hillsnews@tampabay.com.

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JAY CRIDLIN TAMPA BAY TIMES

As far back as last fall, it was clear The Band Perry was cooking up something different for their third studio album, “Heart + Beat.”

For starters, there was anthemic lead single Live Forever, which the band pushed toward pop radio. And then there were the band’s new, wildly colorful promotional photos.

“When we sit down to write songs, everything’s connected for us, from the visuals to the sounds to even what we say from the stage,” said bassist Reid Perry. “The visual side of it just represents a little bit of happiness and joy that The Band Perry’s feeling. We’re not fighting anyone, we’re not really the underdogs anymore.

We’re just actually enjoying who we are.”

And who wouldn’t? Last year Reid, Neil and Kimberly Perry took home their first Grammy for a cover of Glen Campbell’s

Gentle On My Mind, and on March 13, they’ll close out the 2016 Florida Strawberry Festival.

Reid said the band has been playing some new songs live, but fans of their more traditional country songs, such as their breakout hit If I Die Young and their chart-topping sophomore album “Pioneer,” might be in for some surprises on “Heart + Beat.”

“For ‘Pioneer,’ we were very much in a kind of underdog, rock and roll, black leather kind of mindset,” he said.

“Whenever we went in to write and record ‘Heart + Beat,’ it was all about making us smile whenever we left the studio.

We accomplished that, so we want to bring that to visual life.

We haven’t gotten rid of all the black leather, but we’ve gotten rid of a lot of it.”

They’ve enlisted the help of producers such as Pharrell Williams and Diplo on songs that will further their mainstream pop crossover.

“Country is a very living and breathing genre,” Reid said.

“We’re influenced by a ton of different things. We’re not the same people we were five years ago. I would imagine that if anyone is the same person they were five years ago, they wouldn’t really be happy with themselves.”

This will be the third Straw-

berry Festival for The Band Perry, and they have plenty of fond memories from past trips to Plant City. It’s where Kimberly met her future husband, Philadelphia Phillies catcher J.P. Arencibia, and as Reid said: “We get pallets of strawberries given to us, which we love.”

And it fits right in with The Band Perry’s strategy of play-

ing any show, anytime .

“We actually love playing live,” Reid said. “Before we wrote songs or did interviews, that’s what we did — that really was our first true love. That’s how we fell in love with music, is actually being up on stage.”

Contact Jay Cridlin at cridlin@ tampabay.com.

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PlantCityObserver.com

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER 2016 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE 9

7:30 P.M. SATURDAY, MARCH 12

Charlie Wilson KENYA WOODARD TAMPA BAY TIMES

Fans can expect two things – without fail – at a Charlie Wilson concert.

One: a high-energy, powerhouse of a performance.

Backed with a live band and flanked by leggy dancers in colorful costumes, the 63-year-old Wilson zips almost breathlessly through a cascade of hits from his solo career and from his days as leader of the Gap Band.

Two: a sincere testimony about the importance of his faith and how it saved him from drug dependency and homelessness.

Fans attending Wilson’s March 12 show at the Florida Strawberry Festival undoubtedly will get both, Wilson said.

“Someone needs to hear my story,” he said. “Someone needs to know God still lives.”

For years, Wilson has shared how God rescued him

from a life of despair that stemmed from an ugly cocaine habit. He’s even detailed the experiences in his autobiography, “I Am Charlie Wilson.”

But one night, Wilson left the story out of the show.

Wilson thought the omission went unnoticed – until a fan stopped him as he was leaving the venue.

“A woman stopped me and said, ‘Don’t ever not talk about your testimony,’” Wilson said.

Wilson said he’s kept his promise and now understands why his story remains critical: Fans have credited him with helping them overcome their own habits, Wilson said.

“I think I’m doing the right thing,” he said.

When it comes to music, Wilson has done it right for more than 40 years.

True funkateers know that the roots of the Gap Band stretch back to the late 1960s, when Wilson and brothers Ronnie and Robert founded

the group as the Greenwood, Archer, and Pine Street Band.

The brothers later shortened the name, an ode to the center of the city’s black business community, to just the first three letters of each word.

The brothers earned a solid reputation performing at venues around Tulsa, before relocating to Los Angeles in the 1970s. The group caught fire when Shake, from its self-titled 1979 album, became

an R&B hit. In 1980, The Gap Band III reached the top of the R&B charts, buoyed by popular radio jams Burn Rubber on Me (Why You Wanna Hurt Me) and Yearning for Your Love.

A string of hits followed throughout the decade: Early in the Morning, You Dropped a Bomb on Me, Outstanding and All of My Love.

But in the midst of the group’s success, a feud and

subsequent split between the brothers and their manager over a publishing deal slowed their performing to a crawl.

Booking work became nearly impossible, and it was during this downtime that Charlie developed a drug habit that would consume him for years.

Wilson lived on the streets of Los Angeles until 1995 when a cousin persuaded him to check into a rehabilitation program.

It was in recovery that Wilson found redemption and love with the help of his counselor – and now wife – Mahin.

The pair celebrated 20 years of marriage last year. Wilson said staying close to his wife is his secret to marital happiness.

In the last decade, Wilson – who released his latest CD “Forever Charlie” last year – has reinvented himself as a soulful crooner. Tunes like Without You, There Goes My Baby and Goodnight Kisses have won him a new legion of fans.

“The music your mother loves – that’s me,” he said.

“I’m still the same guy.”

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7:30 P.M. MONDAY, MARCH 7

NRG ABBY BAKER STAFF INTERN

Back when Next Radical Generation was a handful of nervous middle schoolers, the group had its second-ever performance on a Florida Strawberry Festival stage.

On Monday, March 7, it will be singing on that same stage for the fifth consecutive time.

Now the group has evolved to encompass many age groups and perform at many venues.

Formed in 2011, NRG has made its rounds throughout the community as well as outside of it, including a show at the Florida State Fair.

While the group is still deciding on the details of the festival show, it will be performing for about one hour. The performers usually do a set list of positive-pop songs with coordinated dance moves, and this year is no different.

“It’s such a high honor that the festival gives us the stage,” Yvonne Fry, NRG’s manager,

File photo

NRG hosted a community talent show last year where the founding members retired and new members took the stage. It will be performing on the Bright House Networks Showcase Tent at the festival.

said. “I’m excited to see what the future holds.”

NRG was created to promote good character and skills in local youth. Today, while all of the original members have left, new singers are being taught something everyday.

“My philosophy is that you

can practice, practice, practice, but the only way to be a seasoned performer is to perform,” Fry said. “We’ve had people walking on stage, we’ve had a stage fall out from under us, and it should teach that if they can handle that, they can handle anything.”

25

Originally one sensation, today NRG is a collection of 25 members split into four talent-level based groups. Every NRG member must be chosen from a live audition to be in the program.

“We put on a really great show and have a lot of fun,”

Fry said. “The kids are not only singing and dancing, they’re doing all the talking and transitions.”

The group’s four divisions vary from first to ninth grade.

The oldest is NRG Uprising; the two middle groups are NRG Extreme and NRG Revolution; and the youngest is NRG Junior.

The group decided to split when requests and events started to stack up.

“The oldest group did 37 shows in December,” Fry said.

“When locations wanted us to perform back to back, it was intense.”

Whether you know the group personally or are a new fan, this year will be a unique one for the youth involved as well as the audience.

“We’ve got new performers from last year, new dance moves. It’ll be a lot of fun,” Fry said.

While this year’s festival show will be a big deal for the new performers, the group is also recording music and has recorded several music videos.

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As we are still freshly into 2016, it is never too late to start new eating and diet resolutions and thankfully, in Plant City, there is no more delicious and nutritious food source than Florida strawberries.

Plant City has been proclaimed to be The Winter Strawberry Capital of the World. The ideal climate and productive soils have helped the town rise to the top.

There are also plenty of dedicated family farms that have existed for many generations, such as the Astin family, of Astin Strawberry Exchange, who has grown strawberries in Plant City for over 95 years.

SUE’S RECIPES

The Florida Strawberry Growers Association is a nonprofit, voluntary organization that represents more than 8,000 acres of berries.

FSGA is headquartered in Dover. Sue Harrell has been the marketing director and spokesperson of the association for over 10 years.

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Sue Harrell is the marketing director for the Florida Strawberry Grower’s Association. She has a website with strawberry recipes: StrawberrySue.com.

ries, Harrell knows a thing or two.

She is married to Mark Harrell, a third-generation strawberry farmer. They reside in Plant City/ Dover area.

“I’ve been working for Florida strawberries almost all my life,” Harrell said. “The farmers in Plant City and neighboring Dover, Florida are truly a family.

There are about a hundred of us.

We pitch in to help each other and and work together to get the word out about winter berries.”

If you’re ready to eat fresh, Harrell has her own website, StrawberrySue.com, that is filled with strawberry recipes. There is everything from “Candy Corn Strawberries” to “Strawberry S’mores” and “French Toast Strawberry Kabobs” to a Strawberry Christmas tree for the holidays.

ONLINE For a breakdown of what you need to make the dishes, steps and a video, check out StrawberrySue.com

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER 2016 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE

PlantCityObserver.com

RECIPE BOOK The Florida Strawberry Grower’s Association partnered with the Florida Strawberry Festival to make a hardback recipe book for this year’s festival. Learn more about “Florida Strawberries: A Taste of Summer All Winter Long” on page 51.

HEALTHY HIGHLIGHTS n Orange You Glad | One serving of about eight strawberries provides more vitamin C than an orange, or about 140% of the U.S. recommended dietary allowances for vitamin C.

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n Hearty | Strawberries are one of the most antioxidant-rich foods you can eat.

Among many health benefits, they’ve been shown to boost heart health.

Strawberry-Pineapple Salad, Page 64 of recipe book

n Bye Bye, Fat | There’s virtually no fat and there’s no cholesterol in strawberries. n Vitamin Rich | Strawberries pack a lot a fiber for their size. In addition to lots of vitamin C, they offer potassium, magnesium, iron, vitamin B-6 and calcium.

Fresh Strawberry Soup, Page 35 of recipe book

Strawberry Basil Lemonade, Page 30 of recipe book

Place

n Gym Buddies | Eating strawberries, which are rich in nitrates, can increase the flow of blood and oxygen to muscles by 7%. This prevents muscle fatigue, making exercise more easy and productive. n Forever Young | Studies have shown that strawberries stop wrinkles. The vitamin C in the berries help build collagen and keeps skin smooth. n Low Cal | One cup of strawberries contains only 47 calories, a great alternate to other fat and sugar-filled treats.

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Strawberry-Mascarpone Pie, page 78 of recipe book

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER 2016 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE 13

VALUE

$70,000 — a $15,000 increase from 2015 prize

HAND ASSEMBLED

To reduce gaps after paint job

NICE WHEELS

Chrome 18-inch wheels in front; 19-inch wheels in back

PAINT JOB

Custom House of Kolor mix

JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS EDITOR

T

his year’s Unity in the Community raffle car turns heads like a strawberry queen in a festival

crowd.

The prize, a strawberry candy-red 2016 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, was custom-made and donated by Stingray Chevrolet.

It’s not the first Corvette that the charity group has raffled off, but it’s undoubtedly the coolest.

And, the best part: it can be won for as little as $5.

“I don’t know anybody that raffles a brand new car, like a Corvette, and does it for only five bucks,” Stingray Chevrolet owner Steve Hurley said.

Internally, the new ‘Vette is a lot like last year’s car. It’s got 455 horsepower and an eight-speed, automatic transmission. That’s taking drivers from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 3.7 seconds. Inside the cockpit, the interior is made with gray leather.

While it’s not a typical daily commuter — the car gets about 29 miles per gallon in highway driving and retails for around $55,000 — it’s hard to get from point A to B more stylishly.

14

Stingray Chevrolet custom-made this 2016 Chevrolet Corvette on-site in Plant City. This strawberry candy-red beast packs 455 horsepower under the hood.

Candy & chrome: The festival’s sweetest ride ever One lucky person will leave the Florida Strawberry Festival with a one-of-a-kind Chevrolet Corvette.

That’s because the ‘Vette’s exterior is what really shines here — literally.

The first thing anyone will notice is the candy-paint job, a custom House of Kolor mix that was applied in three go-rounds at the dealership. Hurley said, to avoid overspray, this paint job wasn’t done traditionally: instead of taping up the windows and tires and going to town, the ‘Vette was stripped apart, and each panel of the fiberglass exterior was painted separately.

When it was time to put the ‘Vette back together, the exterior pieces were realigned and matched up by hand. Rather than having a machine put the car together, as it is on the factory assembly line, hand-placing these panels allowed the Stingray

team to match them up perfectly and reduce panel gap size. It’s most noticeable with the hood of the car.

In other words, it’s like they took a suit from off the rack and tailored it for a better fit and a cleaner look.

This is a process that Stingray has done several times before, but only for unique, custom orders.

And, unlike other customs, it’s the first time Stingray has ever used this particular color.

As if the car didn’t already have enough visual pop, the dealership slapped some chrome Chevrolet wheels on it — 18 inches in the front, 19 in the back.

Hurley pegs the car’s value at around $70,000 — a $15,000 increase from the 2015 raffle car, which raised $162,000.

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER 2016 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE

“It has to be aspirational,” Hurley said. “We keep raising the bar just to change it up and make it more interesting. It costs Stingray more money, but we’re doing well over the years, and it’s a way to, hopefully, generate more funds …

The ‘cool’ factor is everything.”

There is no limit to the number of tickets one can buy. They are available for purchase through March 11 at StingrayChevrolet. com and at the dealership, located off exit 22 on Interstate 4 in Plant City. Tickets can also be purchased each day of the Florida Strawberry Festival, at Stingray Chevrolet’s vehicle display on the event grounds.

Contact Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com.

ABOUT UNITY Unity in the Community, one of Plant City’s largest charity organizations, has been actively supporting Plant City since 1999. Run by volunteers, the group pours all the money it earns through its fundraisers back into the community.

It’s also well-known around these parts for its annual golf tournament, but the Strawberry Festival raffle is its heaviest hitter. Since Steve Hurley and Stingray Chevrolet partnered up with Unity seven years ago, the raffle has raised well over $600,000.

“The car is completely donated to Unity,” Hurley said.

“In most of these charitable donations, some of the money goes to cover the cost of the car. Once they cover that cost, then the money goes to donations. That’s not the case with us. Even if we only raise $20,000 on a car that cost us $65,000, that $20,000 is what Unity would get.”

PlantCityObserver.com

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER 2016 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE 15

Shopping Guide:

BERRY BLING T G APRIL 1, N I T 20 R 1 TA

Call

STRAWBERRY LEGGINGS

These strawberry, onesize-fits-all leggings are perfect for all the women in your family. Wear them proudly at festival concerts, or show them off while you leisurely explore the fairgrounds. You’re sure to get compliments every time you wear them.

6

S

he Florida Strawberry Festival has more to offer than just strawberry shortcake. From statement clothing to knick-knacks that will never go out of style, these featured festival collectibles are sold right here in local Plant City stores or handmade by festival vendors.

Southside Western & Outdoor Wear 3014 James L. Redman Parkway Price: $9.99

to make your appointments! at

L’PAIGE LIPSTICK

615 E. Alexander Street

Make your festival outfit pop with this fun and fiery lipstick by L’Paige Cosmetics. Owner Marilyn Villar has been a festival vendor for over 25 years. Her lipsticks are a blend of aloe vera, beeswax, Vitamin E and oils. Festival goers can enjoy a free consultation on color matching other cosmetics, such as blushes and foundations, at the L’Paige booth.

Offering quality services, compassionate care and a convenient location for Plant City residents.

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER 2016 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE

L’Paige Cosmetics, aloeveralipstick.com Booth #33 in the main building Price: $14 197115

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PlantCityObserver.com

Y A W ID M N O Y A D S E IM T Y A TAMPA B AT THE

STRAWBERRY PEPPER JELLY

FLORIDA

You’ll want to grab a world-famous strawberry milkshake from Parkesdale when you visit the festival, but why not take a keepsake home with you? This five-pepper jelly includes sugar, strawberry juice, thai peppers, habanero peppers and cayenne peppers to create the perfect blend of spicy and sweet.

STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL

Parkesdale Farm Market 3702 W. Baker St. Price: $5.49

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FRIDAY, MARCH 11, 2016

STRAWBERRY PURSE

This “Mama Knows Bows” bag can dress up a simple blouse and blue jeans or be the finishing touch on a perfect concert outfit.

Available in both black and cheetah print, this stylish bag is one you’ll want to show off beyond the gates of the festival — just don’t spill a strawberry milkshake on it.

It’s Royal Fun for Everyone on Tampa Bay Times Day. On this day, automatically receive $2 Off the $20 Fun Pack Ride Coupon Book. Plus, clip this coupon or print from tampabay.com to get an additional $3 Off same book for a total savings of $5.

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ADDITIONAL $3.00 OFF THE FUN PACK RIDE COUPON BOOK*

TISSUE HOLDER

What do you get when you combine cats and strawberries? A “berry” cute tissue holder, made

by Country Corner’s Lisa Cooper. The idea for a fun and colorful tissue holder was one of her ideas when she first started her business 36 years ago. The tissue holder is made of 100% cotton and is one of Cooper’s own designs.

PlantCityObserver.com

PRINTED COUPONS ONLY. ELECTRONIC IMAGES NOT ACCEPTED.

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER 2016 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE 17

HAND-PAINTED COFFEE POT

This coffee pot can do more than just serve your morning brew: it’s a conversation piece for anyone who walks into your kitchen.

Anita Chapman, of Anita’s Country Keepsake, handpaints the strawberries and other original designs on home furnishings, which are made by her husband.

STRIPED TUNIC & BERRY NECKLACE

Anita’s Country Keepsake Booth #178 Price: $49.95

You don’t have to give up style to stay comfortable in the Florida heat. This lightweight black and white striped tunic, paired with a statement strawberry necklace, make an easy and stylish outfit to wear any day of the festival.

Pair the tunic with your favorite leggings and make it a dress.

Both the necklace and the tunic are RAOK brands, which are made of the company’s own ideas.

RAOK Boutique 2804 James L. Redman Parkway, #103 Tunic: $28.75 Necklace: $16

WORLEY’S WONDER

Foggy glasses? A smudged television screen? With just a few spritzes, Worley’s Wonder will have your glass, granite and plastic clean and smudge-free. Worley’s Wonder is made of all-natural ingredients and does not use alcohol or abrasives. It can also be used to clean your favorite strawberry-themed jewelry.

Worley’s Wonder Booth #79 Price: $35 for set of three

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER 2016 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE

PlantCityObserver.com

‘HOME’ STRAWBERRY SHIRT

This shirt is perfect for anyone who has made a home in the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World. The word “home,” paired perfectly with a strawberry, sum up the essence of the Florida Strawberry Festival and life in Plant City. The shirt is soft and has three-quarter sleeves, perfect for a day of hopping on rides and watching livestock shows.

RAOK Boutique 2804 James L. Redman Parkway, #103 Price: $30

TEA POT PLACEMAT

Break out these berry-covered placemats for a tea party or just for fun. Shaped like a teapot and machine washable, these placemats are perfect for either adults or kids to use. The design is made by Lisa Cooper, owner of Country Corner.

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Country Corner Under the festival’s west bleachers Price: $8

PlantCityObserver.com

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER 2016 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE 19

BERRY TUMBLER

Sip on lemonade at the festival in this sweet strawberry tumbler. Decorated simply with a bright red berry, this tumbler is lightweight and can easily be hand washed. Besides being cute, it’s also environmentally friendly — no more wasting plastic bottles or small paper cups. And if you love Fringe, you’ll love what they have in stores for the rest of the season: strawberry-covered clothing will make a return in March.

Fringe Boutique 601 E. Alexander St. Price: $14

STRAWBERRY TOTE

Don’t let a bunch of bags full of your purchases weigh you down at the festival.

This tote will be able to hold all of your goodies, while still looking stylish.

Fringe Boutique 601 E. Alexander St. Price: $12

HAND-PAINTED BREAD BOX

Say goodbye to ugly, metal bread boxes. This beautiful hand-painted bread box is one of a kind, and decorated with a doodle of beautiful strawberries. Anita Chapman of Anita’s Country Keepsake paints and decorates all of the furniture that her husband makes.

Anita’s Country Keepsake Booth #178 Price: $49.95

It’s Strawberry Season at RAOK RAOK boutique is located in The Village

RAOK Regular Business Hours Monday - Saturday 10:00AM to 5:00PM 20

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You’re going to eat what?

W

hat fair doesn’t have farfetched food? The Florida Strawberry Festival is no exception to the rule and has no problem accommodating food vendors that embrace weird eats.

While many of these foods work as simple novelties, others are legitimately delicious.

And, yes, you can get a strawberry variation of just about anything.

Everyone has different tastes but,

if you ask the Plant City Times & Observer staff, you need to be on the lookout for these items while you’re roaming the festival grounds.

— JUSTIN KLINE

THE SWEETHEART

Almost as famous as the festival’s strawberry shortcakes are its Amish doughnuts, which locals will rave about.

This year, the Amish bakery is whipping up a variation they’ve dubbed “The Sweetheart.” It’s a chocolate-filled doughnut, which is then covered in chopped strawberries and topped with whipped cream and a strawberry. Consider it a chocolate lover’s strawberry shortcake.

“The Sweetheart” can be bought at the Amish doughnut stands near East and West Independent streets.

STRAWBERRY FRITTER

Perhaps the Lions Club’s strawberry fritter isn’t the strangest thing anyone could cook up, but where else could this be found?

This doughnut, which can be bought at the Arthur Boring Building, is a musthave for people who enjoy apple fritters but feel that something could make them even better. As an added bonus, fritter sales will benefit the Lions Club and their efforts to raise money for a shade structure for the Willis Peters Exceptional Center’s playground.

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Who doesn’t like Oreo cookies?

Here’s a variation on the American classic that can only be found on the festival grounds. The Best Around Concessions has created the “Orie,” a sandwich of flavored funnel cakes with cream cheese filling in the middle. The end result is quite a bit larger than an actual Oreo, so don’t expect to dunk this thing in a glass of milk.

There are three variations to choose from: chocolate, strawberry and “chocoberry,” which has a top layer of strawberry and a bottom layer of chocolate.

Look for these at Best Around funnel cake stands.

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HUSH PUPPY BURGER

Burger Time

B

urger lovers will leave the Strawberry Festival with something to talk about.

There’s no shortage of tasty burgers coming to the grounds in 2016, but four in particular have caught the eye of the Plant City Times & Observer staff. All of them can be found at Carousel’s burger stands.

HAWAIIAN BURGER

The Hawaiian Burger is this year’s take on the Luther Burger, which is known for replacing buns with glazed doughnuts. The Hawaiian adds pineapple to the mix, in both chopped and glazed form, as well as some ham. It’s served skewered and with a cherry on top.

REDNECK BURGER

First, there’s the Redneck Burger.

It’s a perfectly normal hamburger at first glance, but peek under the bun and you’ll find a slab of fried bologna on top.

ICE CREAM BURGER

Sweet-toothed burger lovers who enjoyed last year’s deep-fried strawberry burger may want to try the Ice Cream Burger. This one tops an otherwise normal hamburger with a scoop of frozen ice cream — a unique experience for the tastebuds, if nothing else.

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Last, but not least, is the burger that made the Plant City Times & Observer staff drool. The Hush Puppy Burger is what happens when a grill master, bored with traditional buns, decides to sandwich the meat and fixins’ with giant hush puppies. They may not look anything like buns, but few can argue against the hush puppy as a Southern food staple.

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER 2016 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE 23

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER 2016 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE

TAMPA BAY TIMES VARIETY SOUNDSTAGE

SUPER

There’s plenty of star power on the Tampa Bay Times Variety Stage, including Donnie and Marie Osmond’s nephew Nathan Osmond. While Nathan Osmond is playing daily, each night will feature a new artist with a talent in jazz, classic country, funk and more. Headline entertainment on the Wish Farms Soundstage comes at a concert ticket price, but the performances on the Tampa Bay Times Variety Stage are free.

AMERICANA ROOTS ROCK

ROSEWOOD CREEK 6 p.m. Thursday, March 3 Rosewood Creek is a five-piece band based in St. Petersburg. Its high-energy show consists of the band’s original material, written by one of the three songwriters in the band, with cover songs sprinkled through in the band’s unique style. In addition to bass and drums, the band also plays acoustic and electric guitars, 12-string and lapsteel guitars, mandolin, fiddle, percussion and even a banjo or ukulele.

POP COUNTRY

COUNTRY

NATHAN OSMOND 12 p.m., 3 p.m. daily Rising country star Nathan Osmond has four singles that have risen to no. 1 slots on music charts. With titles The Tailgate Song and Stars & Stripes, these anthems can easily fit onto a football pregame playlist. Osmond has recently opened for Chris Young, Carrie Underwood, Clay Walker Lonestar, Martina McBride and more. He was in the North American tour of the hit musical, “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” is a motivational speaker and does work with Children’s Miracle Network, a foundation started by his grandmother.

THE TRUITTS 6 p.m. Friday, March 4 Brett and Brigetta Truitt are a brother-sister duo based in Nashville but have local ties to Auburndale, Florida. The two are five years apart, but their musical tastes are similar. Brett produces most of the duo’s songs. The Truitt’s latest demo, “Break,” dropped in November.

LATIN

HOLA PLANT CITY! 6 p.m. Sunday, March 6, and Sunday, March 13 HOLA Plant City! is back on the Tampa Bay Times Variety Soundstage. Last year, there were a variety of bands and comedians to spice up the night at the Florida Strawberry Festival. This year, bands will be returning to play festive music in the most festive place in Plant City.

AMERICANA ROOTS ROCK

DANNY MOODY BAND 6 p.m. Saturday, March 5 The Danny Moody Band is an Americana group based out of Tampa. The band mixes southern roots rock music with vintage vibe and a Florida tone. Among the band’s influences are the Eagles, Allman Brothers, Tom Petty and Lynyrd Skynyrd. The band just realeased its debut self-titled EP recorded at the Red Room in Ybor City.

PlantCityObserver.com

CHRISTIAN

THE MORIAH PROJECT 6 p.m. Saturday, March 12 The Moriah Project was formed out of a genuine desire to create a worship atmosphere that is engaging and that resonates with the joy of Christ. The founding members, Mathew Leach, Caleb Higgins and Collin Higgins, have a combined 35 years of worship ministry experience. Experience this uplifting, energetic contemporary band that enjoys bringing its music to its audience and sharing its love for music and word.

CLASSIC AND LATIN ROCK, BLUES

JAZZ

DENISE MOORE AND THEN SOME 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 8 This ensemble is brimming with sultry energy and rhythmic poise. Front woman Denise Moore has been a professional vocalist for 30 years. She began with one of Athen, Georgia’s best-known college bands, the Blanketts. When she moved to Tampa, she joined Paul Wilborn and the Pop Tarts before starting Denise Moore and Then Some in 1994.

SOUL, FUNK AND R&B

BOBBY G. SUMMERS 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 9 Bobby G. Summers began his music career in the ‘80s with the urban group Deele. His first big production opportunity came when Motown offered him the chance to work on General Kane’s “In Full Chill” album, in 1986. Summers co-wrote, produced and performed on it.

Since then, he’s worked with Caren Glasser, The Bar-Kays and Al Green.

COUNTRY

SKYLER CLARK 6 p.m. Thursday, March 10 Skyler Clark recently released “Tear It Up,” his debut EP, with production help from Plant City artist and Grammy-certified producer Cliff Brown. Clark, a 20-year-old University of South Florida student, spends his time between his daytime textbooks and nighttime gigs. The Thonotosassa native got his first music start in Plant City at O’Brien’s Irish Pub and has since been touring other Tampa Bay venues.

He also has a Brooksville following, where he plays at Captain’s Corner bar.

CLASSIC COUNTRY

SARA ROSE BAND 6 p.m. Friday, March 11 This five-piece — sometimes six — band is based in Tampa and specializes in pre-1980 country and western music by stars like Loretta Lynn, Patsy Cline, Hank Williams and George Jones. Sara Hagan is the vocal powerhouse to this group, and the band gets the “Rose” from her mother. (What’s more country than naming your band after your mama?)

JAKE CASTRO BAND 6 p.m. Monday, March 7 Jake Castro is the 14-year-old lead guitarist and singer for his Palmetto-based band, which plays classic rock from the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s, as well as Latin rock and blues. Jake got his first guitar at 6 and began taking lessons. When he outgrew his teachers, he began learning by ear. He’s been touring since he was 9, playing at the Florida Strawberry Festival, the Tootsie Orchid Lounge in Nashville and Club Vamp’d. He considers himself an old soul.

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER 2016 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE 25

IT RUNS IN THE FAMILY

Red hair, don’t care TAMPA BAY TIMES

You don’t have to search long on the Internet to find all kinds of amusing asides about people with red hair, and RedHead Express — four musical sisters performing at the Florida Strawberry Festival — practically invite an inquiry with their ginger strands.

The Walker sisters commented on just such observations while watching the BuzzFeed video 11 Facts That’ll Make You Fall in Love With Redheads, and they agree that women with fiery locks are a unique breed.

Yes, one sister said, she’s sensitive to temperature changes.

And yes, they are more resistant to anesthesia.

“They say pain-killers are really hard for redheads, and it is for me,” said 25-year-old LaRae, the band’s banjo player. “When I had my wisdom teeth out they had to keep giving me those shots.”

Pain medications aside, what emerged during the conversation was a quiet presence — a sisterly bond — that becomes powerful

when they play.

The band is bringing their original music to strawberry lovers for the third consecutive year.

They left their Alaskan home in 2007 in search of a music career.

The group has built a diverse fan base through original bluegrass and country songs as well as stylized versions of recent pop hits. Their video cover of I Lived

by One Republic got more than 202,000 hits on YouTube after only two weeks.

“Sometimes someone will come to a show and say, ‘I really like this, do you think you could learn it?’” said Alisa, who plays fiddle and mandolin and is a “social butterfly.”

“So we’ll go home and learn it and make it our own,” Alisa said.

A joy arises from pleasing fans.

“It’s fun because we have some unique instruments, like that banjo, which can really be versatile,” said songwriter and guitar player Kendra, a self-described introvert. “I do a lot of the research as far as trying to find something that people are really

FUN FACT

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Red hair and blue interested in, and we’re trying to REDHEAD EXPRESS eyes is the rarest build our audience too, so we try combination in the 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. daily (no 11 to find something that people are world: only 1% of the a.m. show Sunday, March 6 excited about.” population have both Where: Bright House Networks Although it sounds sittraits. Both are recesShowcase Tent com-worthy — a family band of 10 (they travel with three young® sive traits, meaning that both parents er brothers who perform as the must carry the gene.

Walker Brothers, their parents, house to spread out in.” and LaRae’s 1-year-old son) — all As for those redhead traits, four sisters agree they couldn’t when asked if it is true that anyimagine it any other way. one who stares into the eyes of a ® “I’d rather that, than us being redhead for more than 10 seconds all split up,” said youngest sister will fall in love, they just giggled.

Meghan, a 19-year-old who plays a standup bass named Eddy. “It’s Editor’s note: Correspondent Courtneybut Paat, Agent Kelsey Sunderland just a different lifestyle, we’re also the has red You’ll feel difference.

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KELSEY SUNDERLAND

The band members of RedHead Express are sisters of another Florida Strawberry Festival band: The Walker Boys When: 12 p.m., 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.; March 9 to 13 Where: Truewhip Strawberry Tent

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER 2016 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE

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PROUDLY MADE IN AMERICA

Strawberry Fields Forever The calendars have strawberry festival-related themes and coupons from local businesses.

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Botanical Gardens presents the

in the area and many have provided coupons that don’t expire for a year. Some of the businesses include Nick’s Pizza, Valerie’s Attic, The Corner Store and Blue Thumb Computer Repair.

“The calendar is a three-dimensional, multipurpose tool because it has something for children and parents,” Davis said.

After the Florida Strawberry Festival, Davis plans on expanding to make coloring books.

Davis is also a musician, writer and traveler. He has been to 44 states and has visited more than 10 cities.

“Overall, my goal is to travel around the country and sell my product,” Davis said.

Calendars can be purchased for $10 near festival gates and Taco Loco on Lemon Street. He also plans on handing out 50 free calendars during the parades. Davis will be at the Youth Parade Day on Saturday, March 5, and the Grand Parade Day Monday, March 7.

APPEARANCES other than at the festival 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Friday, March 4 The Corner Store, 121 E. Reynolds St. 6 to 8 p.m.

Saturday, March 5 The Revolution Ice Cream Co., 220 W. Brandon Blvd. #104, Brandon 8 p.m. to 12 a.m.

Tuesday, March 8 Big Dog’s Patio, 103 N. Palmer St. Contact: strawberrycomics@gmail.com or search “strawberry short stories” on Facebook.

27th Annual

Spring Plant Festival Saturday, April 9th from 10-4pm Sunday, April 10th from 10-3pm $5 admission

Children under 12 & USF Botanical Garden members are admitted free.

Talks on Saturday: Starting at 11:00am Check our website for schedule

Beekeeping Basics Talk & Tour Sunday at Noon

Over 70 vendors selling plants and plant-related items that include Butterfly Plants, Crotons, African Violets, Orchids, Bromeliads, Cactus & Succulents, Bamboo, Bonsai, Bougainvillea, Native Plants, Camellias, Tropical Fruit Trees, Palms, Carnivorous Plants, Gesneriads, Hardier Shrubs & More!

FREE Childrens’ Craft Area

FREE Parking

This event supports USF Botanical Gardens, a nonprofit facility.

12210 USF Pine Drive, Tampa, FL 33612 http://gardens.usf.edu (813) 974-2329

197140

Plant City artist Morgan Davis has created a second edition of his strawberry-themed calendars to celebrate the Florida Strawberry Festival. The calendars, known as “Strawberry Short Stories,” include comics with strawberry characters for each month, along with coupons from local businesses.

Davis and his brother, graphic artist Jesse Starr, teamed up again to create the art for the calendar.

The idea of the calendar originated a couple of years ago from some sketches Davis came up with. Starr took those sketches and formed them into digitalized pieces of work.

“My brother does a lot of the computer work like shading and making sure everything is finalized for production,” Davis said.

“Strawberry Short Stories” is not your typical yearly calendar because of its one-of-a-kind comics. The 12-month calendar has a different theme each month, such as Powered Sugar on Me, The Spring Ripe Race and much more. The comics are also filled with fun facts about strawberries for people of all ages.

The calendar has 24 sponsors from small and local businesses

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER 2016 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE 27

Win a 2016 Corvette Stingray At The 7th Annual Stingray Chevrolet Raffle Benefiting

Haley Riley, 2016 Florida Strawberry Festival Queen

<ďż˝ Unity in the Community, Inc.

All proceeds to go "Unity in the Community" Inc. benefiting local Plant City Charities

WIN this 2016 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray BRIGHT CANDY APPLE RED AUTOMATIC 8-SPEED

2016 Corvette Stingray On Display and 2015Raffle Corvette Stingray On Display $5.00 Tickets Available at the and $5.00 Strawberry Raffle Tickets Available at the Florida Festival 3/3 - 3/13

Florida Strawberry Festival 2/26 - 3/8

Winner will be drawn at 5pm Sunday Winner13th willatbethe drawn at 5pm Sunday March Festival.

March 8th at the Festival.

WINNER REQUIRED TO SHOW PROOF OF IDENTIFICATION.

Exit 22 1-4, Plant City

FINONf' ROADS

Tickets also available Stingray Chevrolet and StingrayChevrolet.com until &pm March 6th

i

194187

AA raffle a new Chevrolet Corvette Stingray is being

by Unily in the Community, Inc, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization located in Plant Florida. locatedticket in Plant City, Florida is on the3-08¡ source of the The winning ticket beWinner drawnneed at not 5pm at The Florida Strawberry Plant City, not beApresent to win.

Allper proceeds the raffle in the necessary.

Community, Inc., organization. $5 minimum raffle ticket is suggested members andAimmediate family donation members of per Stingray Emp loyees, is suggested but notbenefit required.Unity No purchase Winner musta be501 18 (c)(3) years ornon-profit older. in the Community, Inc., Florida. a 501(c)(3)Winner non-profitneed organization. $5 minimum donation raffle ticketfrom raffle forfor a new 2015 2016 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray is being conducted

by Unilyconducted in lhe Community, Inc, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization located in Plant Cily, Florida.

Stingray Chevrolet, located in PlantCily, City, Florida is theStingray source ol Chevrolet, the prize. The winning will be drawn at 5pm EDT 15 at The Floridaprize.

Strawberry Festival, Plant City, will Florida. be EDT presentonto3/13/16 win. All proceeds from the raffle benel t UnityFestival, Chevrolet, Unity in theNo Community, Inc. living in the sameWinner householdmust are not to win.orRaffle tickets will be available at Stingrayand Chevrolet until 6pmfamily EST Friday 3/06/15, and at the FloridaChevrolet, Strawberry Festival 26-March 08, 2015)Inc. during hoursinofthe operation to 4:30pm EDTare 3/08/15. rickets will availabletickets on-line atwill stingraychevrolet.com 6pm ESTChevrolet Friday 3/06/15.

Limit 50 tickets per person.

Winner and will beatpromptly notifiedStrawberry of the drawing Festival by phone. (March If failure to03-March contact winner 72 during hours of hours the drawing occurs, another will be EDT drawn.3/13/16.

Winner responsible for tax,also tag,be titleavailable and fees pluson-line any prizeatrelated federal taxes (Fonm 1099 will be 6pm provided.) where3/06/16. Limit 50 tickets but not required. purchase necessary. beeligible 18 years older.

Employees, members immediate members of Stingray Unity (Feb. in the Community, living sameuphousehold not eligible to also win.beRaffle be available atuntil Stingray until 6pm EST Friday 3/06/16, the Florida 13,within 2016) of operation upwinner to 4:30pm Tickets will stingraychevrolet.com until ESTVoid Friday prohibited.

No cash optionwill available.

Participantsnotified agree to release, andbyhold harmless Stingray Chevrolet, Unitywinner in the Community, participating stations,occurs, radio programs, parent, subsidiary their respective directors, employees, and representatives, any claim, or 1099 expensewill arising participation in where the raffle prohibited. and/or acceptance use ofoption any prize.available.

Must be a legal U.S. residentagree of the Continental U.S.discharge to be eligible toand participate.

Winner is responsible taking local Unity deliveryinof the the Corvette Stingray Inc, at Stingray Chevrolet. radio stations, radio programs, parent, subsidiary and affiliated companies, and their per person.

Winner be promptly of thedischarge drawing phone.

If failure to contact within 72Inc,hours of theradio drawing another winner willand beaffiliated drawn.companies, Winnerand responsible forofficers, tax, tag, title and fees agents plus any prize relatedagainst federal taxesliability (Form be from provided.)

Void Noorcash Participants to release, hold harmless Stingrayfor Chevrolet, Community, participating respective officers, directors, employees, agents and representatives, against any claim, liability or expense arising from participation in the raffle and/or acceptance or use of any prize. Must be a legal U.S. resident of the Continental U.S. to be eligible to participate. Winner is responsible for taking local delivery of the Corvette Stingray at Stingray Chevrolet.

28

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER 2016 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE

PlantCityObserver.com

PlantCityObserver.com

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER 2016 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE 29

2016 QUEEN HALEY RILEY 30

The 2016 Florida Strawberry Festival Queen has lived in Dover most of her life and comes from a family with deep roots in agriculture.

BIO HALEY RILEY AGE: 17 GRADE: Junior SCHOOL: Durant High School COLLEGE OF CHOICE: University of Florida FUTURE GOAL: To compete in the Miss America pageant

EMILY TOPPER STAFF WRITER

H

aley Riley is not your average beauty queen.

Sure, she’s been down the pageant circuit before: first in the Baby Parade when she was 2 or 3, then Junior Royalty and Harvest Queen pageants, all the way up to being crowned the Teen Blueberry Queen in 2014.

But those who know Riley best know that the newly crowned 2016 Florida Strawberry Festival Queen is happiest in her outfit of choice: a black skirt paired with a velvety blue jacket, stitched with the gold letters that detail her Future Farmers of America chapter.

A 17-year-old Durant High School junior, Riley is heavily involved in FFA and is the vice president of her school’s chapter. She has shown a variety of livestock animals both at the Florida Strawberry Festival and at shows around Hillsborough County. She plans on quickly changing out of her queen gear to show her steer at the 2016 Florida Strawberry Festival.

Her love for agriculture is what drives her the most.

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER 2016 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE

“I have a passion for the strawberries,” Riley, a Dover resident, said. Her great-grandfather was a strawberry farmer, and both her parents and siblings have participated in either FFA or 4-H. “But I also have a passion for animals, livestock ... agriculture has played a very large role in my life.”

But for a large part of the next year, Riley will trade out her boots and blue jacket for dresses, sashes and a trademark red lipstick. As queen, she is responsible for representing the Florida Strawberry Festival, Plant City and the wide world of agriculture through the end of 2016.

It’s a position her FFA roots and strong agricultural background have more than prepared her for.

Still, those ties to agriculture and the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World didn’t stop her from being shocked the moment she was crowned the 2016 Strawberry Queen on Jan. 23.

“I actually was like, ‘No, no.

This is a dream. I’m going to wake up in five minutes ... this isn’t really real,’” Riley said.

But it wasn’t a dream. And slowly, it dawned on Riley that this — a moment girls in Plant City and Hillsborough County dream about for years — was really happening.

“At that moment, I saw my parents,” Riley said. “And I started crying, because ... I

don’t think they’ve ever been this proud before. It was an amazing, exhilarating feeling.”

Riley has always known she would compete in the pageant. That, combined with the opportunity to spread her love and knowledge of agriculture throughout Hillsborough County, put participating in the pageant at the top of her to-do list.

“It’s a good way to represent agriculture in our community and how it influences each of our individual lives,” Riley said.

“I really want to do that.”

The new queen credits much of her success in the pageant to FFA, where she honed her public speaking skills. Once a sixth grader who quivered at the mere thought of speaking at a small contest, Riley is now prepared to speak in front of thousands of people this year.

“I’m definitely big in FFA,” Riley said. “I love to shed a positive light on the agricultural industry. Really, FFA and public speaking together forms confidence. I really think it’s prepared me for this pageant and just representing our community.”

She hopes to use her new position as queen to encourage girls in the community.

“You should be confident in yourself,” Riley said. “No matter what you look like, where you come from, age, anything. I just really want to make an impact on girls’ lives who don’t think they could be something. But everyone can be something and be confident in themselves.”

Riley is focused on the year ahead and is excited for the opportunities that the crown will bring. As her reign ends halfway through her senior year, she’ll remain focused on her next goal: attending the University of Florida. She later hopes to become a pediatric anesthesiologist.

It’s also likely that Riley’s family and friends will see her on the pageant circuit again when she gets to college, as she hopes to compete in the Miss America pageant.

If and when she does, she knows she’ll have an entire community standing behind her: supporting a Florida Strawberry Festival Queen.

“Agriculture has played a very large role in my life. It’s gotten me to FFA, which has grown my public speaking skills. It teaches you many lifelong skills and lessons you’re going to need. That’s why I love agriculture.”

— Haley Riley, 2016 Florida Strawberry Festival Queen

PlantCityObserver.com

2016 QUEEN’S COURT

MORGAN GAUDENS

ALEX APONTE

ASHTYN STEELE

ASHLYN YARBROUGH

What made you decide to compete in the Florida Strawberry Festival Queen’s Pageant, and is this your first time ever competing?

This is my first year competing in Strawberry Queen. I was going to do it last year but I was a senior at Strawberry Crest last year ... so I decided that this was a better year for me to fully commit to the position. I go to HCC in Plant City, so I’m able to have a flexible schedule and fully commit to this. I know we do a lot of events in the community and give back to the community and show them what Strawberry Queen’s all about. So, I’m really excited to be a part of that.

How did your theater training prepare you for this pageant?

It really helped a lot. Being out on stage and being there with the lights helps with pageants because you’re on stage out in the lights in front of everybody. It helped me with confidence, being able to go out there and speak in front of people. I really think it was positive.

What made you decide to enter this pageant?

Well, as a little kid I’ve grown up watching the strawberry queens and the court, and they do so much to help our community out. So I just think seeing them as a role model for me definitely made me want to do it.

You have a ton of extracurriculars and interests that you’re involved in. What would you say drives you the most?

I think I’m most driven by wanting options for college.

I’ve always been taught to just really try my hardest in everything so that once I get to where I want to be, I can have the option to choose. I really want to attend the University of Florida. They accept the best of the best, so I want to be able to be one of those candidates.

FIRST MAID

What goal do you hope to accomplish within the next year as first maid?

Well, as first maid, I am kind of on the older side of the spectrum. I really hope that the girls on the court can look up to me and come to me for advice. But community-wise, I think all of us have really wanted to push to promote the agricultural industry. That’s what our city is about.

What are you most looking forward to at the Florida Strawberry Festival?

At the festival, I’m looking forward to just being out there, being with all the visitors that are coming to the festival, meeting all the entertainers and just being part of every single event at the festival.

What made you decide to major in business (at HCC)?

Well my dad owns his own company. It’s Hi Performance Designs, selling wheels and tires — mostly wheels. Our family has always had this family business ... just the concept of owning a business I think has really interested me through my dad.

PlantCityObserver.com

COURT MEMBER

How did you first get interested in doing theater?

I started when I was about 8. I was really shy and didn’t really didn’t talk a whole lot.

So my mom stuck me in it and kind of made me do it, but I fell in love with it and from then on I chose to do every show.

What’s your favorite show that you’ve been in?

That would have to be “Guys and Dolls.” I played Sarah in that. It was a lot of fun.

There’s a lot of dancing and singing, and it was really cool.

How do you hope to be a role model at Newsome High School?

I hope to encourage more girls at Newsome to get out here and try it. I show steers at the festival so I do have my ties with Plant City. I really hope to encourage them and tell them that it’s a lot of fun and that you meet a lot of great girls and to come out and try for themselves.

What are you most looking forward to about the Florida Strawberry Festival?

I would have to say meeting Josh Turner. I love him, he’s really cute. And Martina McBride, I love her too. And just having fun and meeting all the people at the festival.

COURT MEMBER

Why do you want to study film?

Performing has always been a huge passion of mine, and so I’ve really taken on the challenge of putting myself out there. I was part of a performing group called the Next Radical Generation (NRG) a couple years ago, so that really gave me the confidence and the passion to do what I love.

What are you most looking forward to about the Florida Strawberry Festival?

There’s so much I cannot wait to do. I can’t wait to get more involved with the girls and really get to meet some of the directors and just the people at the festival. I know a lot of little girls and even older people look up to the queen and her court, and I want to make an impact on their life.

What is your favorite thing about Plant City?

The historic downtown district. It’s awesome to see the train depot and really the history of Plant City come together and see what we’re built on.

What message do you hope to send to people who look up to you?

Love yourself. It’s so easy to compare yourself to other people. That’s definitely one thing I learned throughout the whole entire pageant. Don’t let your insecurity keep you from who you are. Just love yourself, and love what makes you you.

COURT MEMBER

What are you most looking forward to about the Florida Strawberry Festival?

Probably seeing it from a different perspective. I’ve grown up around the festival.

I’m a fourth-generation Plant City citizen, and my grandfather’s one of the directors for the Florida Strawberry Festival. So I’ve been all around it my entire life. Just seeing it from one of the court member’s point of view — I’ve been looking forward to that probably my whole life as well.

What is your key to success?

My key to success is probably my faith in Jesus. I would not be where I am right now without Him ... I’m just very thankful for having that strong foundation to stand on.

What do you hope to accomplish this year as a court member?

I hope that I can touch some people’s lives this year. I want them to see my servant’s heart, and I want to give back to the community and have other people want to do that as well if they see my example now that I am kind of on a platform for the town. I also really look forward to becoming best friends with the four girls.

They’re all so sweet.

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER 2016 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE 31

St. Patricks Day

March 17

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PLANT CITY’S LARGEST St Patrick’s DAY PARTY LIVE MUSIC Thursday 17th

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ROYAL LEGACY: RUBY JEAN REDMAN

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What was your tactic to get the crown?

I just acted very natural. Some people try to put on airs — I did not. Maybe they liked that.

Today I would be eliminated in a heartbeat. They asked me about my future plans and I said, “Oh, I’ll probably be an old maid school teacher.” What if one of the judges was an old maid schoolteacher? I guess they weren’t.

How did it feel when they called your name?

I was totally shocked. I wasn’t even going to go out for it. I just did it for fun. There was a girl who won everything, and I didn’t win anything. We all PlantCityObserver.com

Ruby Jean Redman was 17 years old when she won the 1953 Strawberry Queen Pageant.

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Were you nervous on stage?

A little bit, but not really because I did it for fun. I didn’t sweat it out.

How has the pageant changed?

Today, they wear casual attire, and we didn’t do that. The court members were crowned on a Monday night, and the queen was crowned Thursday. It’s better now because you don’t have to go out both nights.

What did your dress look like?

It was white and strapless. It was a full skirt, and that skirt had some cascading flowers.

What did you win?

Now they get scholarships. I got kitchen utensils. Can you imagine? I guess they assumed that we’d be home. I didn’t use them right away because I was away at college.

What is your biggest accomplishment?

You know, I was in the FSU

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What is your advice for girls who want to be Strawberry Queen?

I actually have a granddaughter going out for it next year. Just be natural, and have a good time.

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What motto do you live by?

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As a 17-year-old senior at Plant City High School, Ruby Jean Redman became the 1953 Florida Strawberry Festival Queen.

After receiving the title, the Plant City native attended Florida State University and earned a bachelor’s degree in education.

Redman graduated from FSU in June of 1957 and was married to her high school sweetheart, Jim Redman, in August of that same year.

With aspirations to become a teacher since she was a little girl, Redman moved back to the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World to launch her career at Bryan Elementary School.

While she enjoyed teaching, Redman quit two years later to raise her first of three daughters.

“Everyone pokes fun of me and says, ‘Oh, she retired after two long years,’” Redman said.

While she stepped out of the classroom, the Plant City native remained active in the community. She brought the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life to Plant City after her husband was diagnosed with cancer.

Her team, the Prune Platoon, raised large amounts of money for the cause. Redman served on the society’s board for eight years.

While the 81-year-old has changed with the growth of her birthplace, the memories of her reign as a queen have not.

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER 2016 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE 33

Photo by Bud Lee

It’s hard to find anything more perfect for the Strawberry Festival as this “Berry-Go-Round.”

This aerial shot of the festival grounds was captured in 1994.

A trip through time L

ike many of America’s finest small towns, Plant City wears its past on its sleeve. The Florida Strawberry Festival has been a big deal around these parts since its inception, and the Plant City Photo Archive and History

Center keeps a treasure trove of past photos on hand. This year, the center was also able to provide some photos taken by the late Bud Lee, a world-renowned photographer.

— JUSTIN KLINE

Photos courtesy of the Plant City Photo Archives and History Center

Schools from all over the Tampa Bay area, such as Kathleen High, have marched in the Strawberry Festival Grand Parade.

Left: Believe it or not, this wagon was pulled down the parade line in 2001.

34

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER 2016 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE

PlantCityObserver.com

Members of St. Clement Catholic Church stemmed strawberries for their famous shortcakes in 1976.

Left: Then-Vice President George H. W. Bush and his wife, Barbara, came to town in 1984.

Keith Belisle was emotional when receiving his Baby Parade King crown from Strawberry Queen Sandra Link in 1965.

The Grand Parade marched down Reynolds Street in 1954.

The Hotel Plant has since been torn down and replaced with the Wesley Centre.

Mike Sansone holds down the booth at the American Legion’s Dodge sedan raffle.

The festival has since grown fond of Chevrolets.

Right: The Strawberry Festival’s concessions have always looked delicious.

Photo by Bud Lee

PlantCityObserver.com

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER 2016 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE 35

AROUND TOWN

THANK YOU! FROM PLANT CITY

PHOTOARCHIVES & &HISTORYCENTER TRUSTEES

George & Cassandra Banning, Liz Brown, Carl Brownlee, Jennifer Closshey, Gil Gott & Betty Patton, Haught Funeral Home, Hopewell Funeral Home, T. Clayton Jenkins, Sonny & Betty Jones, Dub & Pec McGinnes, Platinum Bank, David Patton, Maida Pou, Daybreak Rotary, Jim Scott, Carlos & Linda Smith, Mac & Cookie Smith, Marion Smith, Pat & Darcy Stottlemyer, Sunshine Bank, Bill & Gwen Thomas, Robert & Ann Trinkle, Ed & Amanda Verner, Dr. & Mrs. John Verner, Verner Foundation PATRONS (Cont.)

Mel & Jeanette Belisle

Ken & Debbie Gibbs

Barbara Bowden

Floyd & Mary Ann Hall

Ed Bozeman

Dorothy Harkala

Ken & Peggy Cassels

Charles Harris

Alvin & Mary Jo Futch

Ali & Susan Hasbini

Improvement League

Felix & Susan Haynes

Lions Club of Plant City

J. Myrle & Tommie Henry

Jim & Denise McDaniel

Don & Mary Humphrey

Joe & Kathy Newsome

Larry & Kim Johnson

Ruby Jean Redman

Rick & Di Lott

Rotary Club of Plant City

Bettye Jean Manee

Don Stine

Helen A. Parke

Randy & Laurette Valdez

Parkesdale Farm Market

Don E. Walden

Mikie Snyder

Wells Memorial Funeral Home Billy & Betty Jo Vernon E. Wayne Wiggins

Charles White Dodie White

PATRONS

William & Suzanne Wicker

Arts Council of Plant City

Rob, Laurie, Henry Yoho

Betty Astin Bealsville Inc.

FRIENDS

Al & Patsi Berry

Kathy Betancourt

Bill & Elisa Carr

Les Brewer & Saira Khan

Jim Chancey

Lynn Brewer

Harrison & Jane Covington

Nick Brown

Paul Davis

Maggie Carlisle

Bill & Silvia Dodson

Carl & Marilyn Carpenter

Bob & Patt Edwards

Civitan Club

Cecil & Helen Everidge

Don & Martha Dixon

Harold Falls

Elizabeth Drummond

Yvonne Fry

Rich & Judy Glorioso

Andrew Gibbs

Bettye B. Goodwine

Jack & Liz Gibbs

Gregg & Cindy Gutowski

FRIENDS (Cont.)

Tim Kip Maribeth Mobley Billy & Marsha Passmore Lizzette Sarria Carole Shelton Cleo & Leatrice Townsend Stephanie Varney Carole Wright Esther Ziegler MEMBERS Frank Cummings Coleman & Sue Davis Donnell & Lavon Dudley Paul Hackney Julianna Holbrook Larry & Laina Langford Bill & Laura Midyette David & Emma Miller Sherrie Mueller Robert & Doris Roderick Bruce & Margaret Rodwell Starkey & Janet Tharrington STAFF Gil Gott Betty Patton Kim Hamilton

106 South Evers Street | Plant City, FL | 813-754-1578 www.plantcityphotoarchives.org | info@plantcityphotoarchives.org 36

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER 2016 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE

197545 78770-1

FOUNDERS

We asked: What do you love most about the festival?

Eron Walker, 49 “Amish donuts. They’re worth the trip alone.”

Monet Iverson, 21 “The strawberry shortcake.

That’s what I go for.”

Phununda Cambell, 58 “All the arts and crafts. I’m an ambassador at the festival.”

Natasha Davis, 17 “The animals and the shops.”

Ferzeda Richardson, 53 “The entertainment, the concerts.”

Caren Muse, 52 “The strawberry shortcake and the T-shirts.”

Barbra Angel-Santiago, 46 “The food, the strawberries, of course. The entertainment too, all the dancing.”

Sherri Bummara, 52 “I’m new in town and I’ve never been, but I’m looking forward to the strawberries.”

Connor Steffan, 22 “Probably the arts and crafts.”

Denise Mariscal, 19 “My favorite part is Moonlight Madness. You get to ride all the rides back to back and the food is amazing. I’m a fan of corn dogs — really any fat food.”

PlantCityObserver.com

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hat is your favorite thing about the Florida Strawberry Festival? Is it the strawberry shortcakes? How about the cowboy country singer who makes you swoon? We want to know what readers’ favorite part of the Florida Strawberry Festival is. We will track to see how readers’ favorites change throughout the festival. Go to PlantCityObserver.com to take the poll.

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Say “strawberry” Make sure to be on the lookout for “Strawbuddy.” The poster cutout of the royal strawberry wearing a crown will be making the rounds on the festival grounds.

Take pictures with Strawbuddy and post them on social media using #StrawBuddy and #BerryFest16.

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Pass Strawbuddy along to the next festival guest.

PlantCityObserver.com

Everything we do, we do for you! www.suncoast-chc-org

accredited by

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER 2016 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE 37

Keep your eye out for these tricks.

THE ROLA BOLA

To kick off the show, Simon Arestov will be performing his signature balancing act. The acrobat starts out poising himself on top of a board that is resting on a horizontal cylinder. As the show goes on, the balancing gets more demanding until it seems nearly impossible that anyone would be able to stabilize themselves in such a feat. Arestov has even performed this crowd-pleaser in National Basketball Association halftime shows.

THE CRADLE

Suspended 30 feet above the ground, Rietta and Lyric Wallenda will close the show with their nerve-racking cradle stunt. The mother-daughter duo will hold each other hand-to-hand and foot-to-foot while spinning and flipping in midair.

High Fliers Starting March 3, the Florida Strawberry Festival will welcome three new faces with a big reputation to its daily entertainment.

ABBY BAKER STAFF INTERN

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, children of all ages, welcome to the greatest show on earth — right here, at the Florida Strawberry Festival. For the first time in festival history, an aerial and acrobatics act that focuses on feats of the human body will grace the grounds three times daily.

IF YOU GO

Circus Incredible, a Wallenda entertainment act, will go on at 12:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. for the 11-day festival. The high-flying act stars mother and daughter Rietta and Lyric Wallenda and Lyric’s husband, Simon Arestov. The world-famous Wallenda family is best known for its daredevil stunt performances on high wires — minus the net.

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER 2016 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE

“The name (Wallenda) has a lot of credibility and raw talent,” said Lauren McNair, Florida Strawberry Festival media director.

“Kids, adults, everyone can enjoy this, and we want this to be royal fun for everyone.”

Though the Wallenda family has twirled through all 50 states and traveled out of the country, they have yet to set foot in the

When: Show times are daily at 12:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. (The shows will be 25 to 30 minutes.)

Where: On the Florida Strawberry Festival grounds, located between the carriage house and the strawberry tent.

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197742

SEAMLESS STUNTS

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SEVEN GENERATIONS

The Wallenda’s seven-generation circus legacy dates back to 1929.

When the Wallenda family first came to the United States, they were quickly recruited by Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey.

Family member Nik Wallenda has walked across the Grand Canyon and Niagara Falls.

After decades of performing for various circus troupes, the Wallendas started Circus Incredible three years ago. Rietta Wallenda, Lyric Wallenda and Simon Arestov occasionally bring other famed family members on their act.

“This is our livelihood,” Lyrica said. “We are entertainers. I wouldn’t want any other job.”

Today, the family is spread among the United States, with Rietta Wallenda, Lyric Wallenda and Simon Arestov residing in Sarasota for part of the year and spending the remaining time performing throughout the nation.

“The family has a long history of entertaining people for generations,” said Paul Davis, the general manager of the Strawberry Festival. “We try to bring something new, fresh and exciting every year to that center spot, and we felt they fit the bill.”

MEET THE PERFORMERS

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RIETTA WALLENDA

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Mother to Lyric, Rietta began her affiliation with the high wire at age 13 in New Orleans. The performer has tested her talents in balance, acrobatics and on the sway pole. She performed with many of her family members before settling into the act with Circus Incredible.

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The 31-year-old performer is Rietta’s daughter and aerial partner. Born and raised in the circus, Lyric began performing at age 5.

When given the choice of college or performance, the Sarasota native chose the latter to be with her family and have a life of adventure.

“When my classmates were reading about places in books, I had already visited them,” she said.

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197401

Winter Strawberry Capital of the World. And while the festival has had gymnasts perform in past years, Circus Incredible is the first aerial and acrobatics act that focuses on airborne artistry and unbelievable balancing skills.

“I’ve come up in this area and passed by Plant City, but this is our first time visiting,” Lyric Wallenda. “We are very excited.”

SIMON ARESTOV

Originally from Moscow, Russia, Arestov is a second-generation circus performer. A specialist in balancing acts, Arestov is also Lyric’s husband of 13 years.

When they were 18, they met on tour at the same circus and clicked. The couple is planning on starting a family soon.

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197618

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PlantCityObserver.com

OF EXCELLENCE 1951-2016 PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER 2016 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE 39

Worley’s Wonder

Maximize your festival fun with these good-to-know tips on directions, parking and more.

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TIMES & OBSERVER STAFF

Stepping onto the Florida Strawberry Festival grounds can be overwhelming.

Scratch that.

Trying to find parking before stepping onto the festival grounds can be overwhelming.

Actually, fighting traffic before trying to find parking before stepping onto the festival grounds can be overwhelming.

So how can you navigate through the clutter to make it to the festival in one piece?

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There are many exits that lead into Plant City.

The closest to the festival and most congested exit is Thonotosassa Road, which leads directly to the festival.

McIntosh Road and Branch Forbes Road exits will lead you down Highway 92 or Highway 574 (Martin Luther King. Jr. Boulevard) to the festival grounds.

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After the festival,

come enjoy a relaxing meal or drink with us!

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER 2016 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE

197519

after 8:00 p.m.

Buchman Highway exit will split into either street north of the city center. Proceed south on either and look for Baker Street (Highway 92) as you enter town. Take a right on Baker Street, and there is parking throughout the area.

If you take the Park Road exit, go south on Park Road until you hit Baker Street.

“When one (exit) starts to back up the police will begin moving people to the next exit,” General Manager Paul Davis said. “Over the last two years, the Department of Transportation and city engineers in charge of traffic control have studied the situation and collaborated on solving the problem.”

ADMISSION First thing to know: Strawberry Festival general admission and event tickets go fast.

Various Publix stores throughout west central Florida have discounted general admission tickets available starting at just $8 for adults and $4 for children 6 to 12 (kids under 5 are free).

A general admission ticket gets you into many of the festival’s attractions, including access to all the exhibits and competitions, livestock shows, arts and crafts vendors and free entertainers.

OTHER OPTION

MIDWAY WRISTBANDS A $30 Midway wristband entitles you to enjoy nearly all the mechanical rides, however do check the website, FlStrawberryFestival.com, for special Midway discount days that can save you $3 to $10 on each wristband.

FIND A SPOT

HOT, HOT, HOT The weather during the festival has ranged from thunderstorms to sunshine, jacket weather to the low 80s.

Check the weather report on the day you are attending. Don’t forget to bring sunscreen and hats, even if it is a cold day.

To avoid Interstate traffic, you could also come in on State Road 60. Turn north onto Highway 39 (James L. Redman Parkway). Take a left on Baker Street (Highway 92), which leads to the festival grounds.

Whichever route you choose, expect the freeways into Plant City to be crowded, and remember to bring your patient, good-humored self.

The enormous popularity of the 11-day event has meant extra challenges for the festival’s organizers. Davis acknowledged that parking in the past has been a bit problematic, but changes to mitigate any inconvenience are producing results.

Over the last four years, he said, a significant amount of money has gone into solving the parking dilemma. Four acres have been purchased specifically for parking lots, and law enforcement agencies have become more adept at redirecting people off the interstate when there’s a problem.

Total there’s almost 20 acres of parking lots, with 10 to 15 acres accessible by shuttles, and 4 acres that offer parking within three to six blocks of the main gate.

Lots and costs: n Blue, gray and red parking lots located on Ritter Street, off of Highway 92 or Highway 574 n $5 for vehicles under 20 feet n $10 for vehicles 29 to 39 feet n $15 for vehicles and buses over of 40 feet

LOST? Decide on rendezvous sites in case family members are separated. If you become lost or separated from your party or from your belongings, please see the nearest police officer for help.

There is also a Lost & Found Caboose at the east end of the Parke Building. Both missing persons and belongings will be there.

75869-1

PlantCityObserver.com

Risk Street Cleveland Street

2209 W. Oak Avenue, Plant City, FL | 813-752-9194 www.flstrawberryfestival.com, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter (#berryfest16)

Blue Lot

Map Legend

Pavilion

Livestock Arena

Dairy, Swine, Steer

Potillo Restrooms

Parking

Uncommon USA Information Booth

Strawberry Shortcake

Oak Avenue

Ford Lane

ESCOT Bus Lines Ride to Gate

Milking Show

14

Fresh Strawberries Handwashing Station

16

Stroller & Wheelchair Rental

Ticket Gate & Handstamp Re-entry

First Aid EMS HANDICAPPED

ATM

PARKING

Badcock & More

Main Gate

North Exhibit Tent Crafts

1

Northside

Variety Stage

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Cross Pest Control of PC Diamond Resorts Int’l DIRECTV DISH Eurowhipp Florida Blue Florida Dairy Farmers Florida’s Best

Carriage House Crafts

West Grandstand Crafts

Morrow Steel

Crafts

Circus Incredible

Stingray Chevrolet Display

Strawberry Tent Crafts & Entertainment

Exhibits

Gazebo

Lost & Found Caboose

Southside

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Entertainment Tent

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Exhibits, Horticulture, Queen’s Hall

Belmont Magic Show

Art & Photo Shows

Belle City Amusements Guest Services

Armory Front Strawberry Growers Display Connnor Lot

Mosaic Netterfield’s Concessions Northern Sports O’Reilly Auto Parts Pickle Barrel Sirloin Tips Publix Pulaski Tix & Tours Rhineland Cutlery

Armory Back

Hull Armory Building

Smithfield Softub Express Sunshine Bank Southbay Sod Staywell SunTrust Bank Super Dog SunPass

5

Showcase Tent Gran-Plum Lot

Tampa Bay Rays The Hay Exchange Tobacco Free Florida Toufayan Bakeries Uncommon USA USAA Verizon Vision Auto Glass

Plum Street

Woodrow Wilson Street

Parke Building Exhibits & Crafts

Tour Bus Lot

Neighborhood Village

Pig Races Pioneer Village

Reynolds Street (S.R. 574)

Friends of U.S. Military Families GEICO Global Frequency Technology Good Health Saunas Grove Equipment Service Gulf Coast Turf & Tractor Hampton Inn & Suites/Tampa East HiDow

t er nc Co Box ce Offi

Free Grandstand

Arthur Boring Building Exh/Crafts

Mays Street

Maintenance

Ritter Street

Belle City Amusements Guest Services

Expo Hall

John Martin Street

13

Wish Farms Soundstage

West Independent

Edwards Street

Red Lot

Media and Sponsor House

East Independent

HANDICAPPED PARKING

Belle City Amusements Midway

Cell Phone Charging Station Baby Changing Station

Lemon Street

Grimes Family Agricultural Center Swindle Family Pavilion Poultry, Rabbit, Lamb, Horticulture, Beef Breed

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Admin Office

Gray Parking

Florida Strawberry Festival March 3 - 13, 2016

Baker Street (U.S. 92)

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER 2016 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE

J

oe Newsome, a Plant City native, loves being a part of the Florida Strawberry Festival more than most.

Newsome has spent the last 35 years serving on the entertainment board. He’s helped bring plenty of big names to the festival.

— JUSTIN KLINE

What’s your favorite Strawberry Festival memory?

I’ve been on the board for 35 years. In sixth grade, my daddy would give me $5 so I could go to the festival. As I look back at what things cost now, for $5 you could go all day and have fun.

Who do you like to bring to the festival?

I always bring my wife. I have a friend I started first grade with that comes almost every day with me. My family goes a lot.

What do you enjoy most about the festival?

It would be the entertainment.

That’s been my area. I really like to see the exhibits, what the FFA kids are doing. It’s exciting to see what their theme’s going to be and what their booth’s going to look like.

What’s your favorite thing to do at the festival?

I’m backstage. I usually get there at noon and leave at 10, 11 o’clock at night. That’s my main thing. I look forward to that. I get to meet some entertainers I’d never have had the opportunity to meet, if not for the festival.

Which musical performance are you looking forward to the most?

Merle Haggard. I’m a dyed in the wool old country music fan.

I saw Merle in Vegas the year before last, and that gave us the idea to see if we can get him in the festival. I also like Josh Turner.

What’s the best food item to buy at the festival?

The Amish doughnuts.

They’re delicious. I’ve always liked corn dogs, and there are some places that have a really good hamburger.

PlantCityObserver.com

If you could do any of the eating contests, which would you choose?

It would have to be the strawberry eating contest, even though I wouldn’t win it.

What was the best concert you ever attended at the festival?

We’ve had so many great ones.

I guess one that sticks out is Garth Brooks, because we got Garth when he was just starting.

There was also George Strait, Randy Travis — I got to know Randy a little bit. I could go on and on.

If you had to convince a total stranger to go to the festival, how would you do it?

The first thing I would say is, ‘It’s a family affair.’ Second, I would stress the money we spend on protection for our people. We work real hard on making sure that families can come. We have no alcohol — I’m proud of that. Families can come, feel safe, have fun and want to come back next year.

We cater to a broad spectrum of people, from little children to seniors. We really pride ourselves on it being a family event, a clean event.

If you could see any band or artist in concert at the festival, who would it be?

Dolly Parton. Way back, Roy Parke and I had a goal of getting Wayne Newton, Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton. We achieved two of them. We talk to Dolly’s people every year, and she doesn’t tour much anymore, but she’s a dynamic lady.

What are you most looking forward to about this year’s festival?

Good weather. Hopefully, we have that. If we do what we’re supposed to do all year — we all work year-round — when we get to this point, it’s weather, weather, weather. And it’s a good reunion time for people I don’t get to see very often.

What is the coolest souvenir that one can buy at the festival?

There’s a number of booths that sell jewelry and things related to the festival, and I think that sticks with people.

There’s some lovely jewelry that you can wear. It makes me feel good, that people want to wear something that reminds them of the festival.

If you ride the carnival rides, which is your favorite?

The Scrambler. I don’t know why, but we rode that one over and over. Today, my wife and I try to get on one of the ferris wheels once or twice. I like to see the grounds and what’s going on. Rides have gotten so sophisticated since I was a boy, but the Scrambler was one of the most exciting.

Which carnival game is your favorite to play at the festival?

I mostly spent my money buying food and on rides.

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What question are you most often asked by festival-goers from out of town?

Where a certain thing is, an entertainment tent or a booth.

We have roving ambassadors that walk around and answer those questions. If you have a festival shirt on, you get asked those questions a lot.

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER 2016 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE

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‘Steer’ Crazy HOW IT WORKS

KATHRYN MOSCHELLA

The steer show and sale takes place over three days.

Anna Conrad is no stranger to showing livestock around the country.

She has traveled to fairs and festivals in Texas, Tennessee, Mississippi and Kentucky with her third-generation farming family, showing their purebred shorthorn cattle.

But the Florida Strawberry Festival, by far, is nearest to her heart, and not just because its virtually in the Dover teenager’s backyard.

Conrad is a Plant City High School senior and the school’s Future Farmers of America chapter president and twotime district representative. She intends to make her family and the FFA proud when she shows her 10th heifer and fourth steer in March at the festival.

The 18-year-old cattle woman said she especially enjoys being a part of the livestock competition because the community comes out and supports its youth.

“You certainly know everyone you’re showing with, and most of them are my friends, so that’s what makes it different from any other show I’ve been to,” Conrad said. “There’s a competitive edge to it, but it’s a friendly competition so that makes it a lot of fun.”

Conrad’s heifer won Grand

Student exhibitors show the physical attributes of their steer in three separate divisions and classes, culminating in the Grand Championship. Judges concentrate on the structure of the steers, their muscle tone, finish and fat.

DAY 2

Focuses on the skills of the showman, how well the steer handles the ring, the showman’s demeanor and responses to questions about the agriculture industry.

DAY 3

The exhibitors sell the steer to the community through a bidding process.

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Anna Conrad’s heifer and steer for the last two years have both won awards.

Champion in 2014 and her steer won First Division Championship in 2015. Working closely with her show animals and seeing that their individual needs are met is an 11-month regimen that starts in April and ends the following March.

The showing of steers and heifers is similar to a beauty pageant, Conrad said. It’s all about presentation and getting the cattle to look and act their best. During the course of the training period, she bathes the animals three times a week, rinses and brushes their hair daily and gets them used to the show-stick and halters and the pattern of walking together in the ring. Through it all, Conrad uses gentle actions

and communicates softly with the animals to gain their trust.

Inevitably, it’s impossible not to develop a relationship with the animals, and she admits to shedding a few tears when the showing is over.

“It’s a cycle. It’s the way it works, and I’ve accepted that,” Conrad said. “One day they’re going to do their job, and you have to do your job. They’re market animals and not pets, and you have to remember that.”

Some of the money from the sale of her steers has been set aside in an account which Conrad uses to raise future show animals.

Contact Kathryn Moschella at hillsnews@tampbay.com.

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OUR VIEW

Life’s a rollercoaster P

art of the fun of the Florida Strawberry Festival is splurging on carnival tickets and experiencing

the rides. The Plant City Times & Observer staffers enjoy these rides as much as anyone. Amber Jurgensen, Justin Kline and Emily Topper each have their own preferences and know exactly where they’ll be going once the doors open.

JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS EDITOR

LOOP THE LOOP

Ever since I became tall enough to ride adult-sized roller coasters and rides with big air time (and I was a late bloomer), I couldn’t get enough of them. I’ve always loved the adrenaline rush.

The Florida Strawberry Festival isn’t exactly known for its ‘coasters, but it does have plenty of rides that will pick you up, drop you down and spin you every which way around.

Two festivals ago, Managing Editor Amber Jurgensen and I thought it would be a good idea to make readers really sick

— I mean, show them how cool some of the rides were — by strapping a GoPro to my head, buying a fistful of ride tickets and sending me on everything that looked even a little bit gnarly. After I lost my fear of having her friend’s GoPro slip off of my head and fall to its death, I got to work.

There’s a nostalgic charm in many of those rides, as though they hadn’t been updated since you last rode them in 1999. But my favorite was the ring-shaped ride called Firebird (ed. note: I think) that acted like a classic swinging ship on steroids. Although the restraints didn’t give me the ability to try and float out of my seat, like I used to do on the swinging ship at Cypress Gardens, that wasn’t a deal-breaker.

The view of the Strawberry Festival from the top of that ride, hanging upside-down like a heavily secured Spider-Man, is really cool. If you can stomach the sensation of having your blood rush to your head as you dangle from hundreds of feet in the air, then that view’s also for you.

EMILY TOPPER STAFF WRITER

ON THE UPSWING

As a newcomer to the Florida Strawberry Festival, who can’t wait to attend all 11 days of the city’s biggest event, I’m most excited to ride the festival’s swing ride.

Though I’m a Winter Park native, I spent many weekends of my childhood in Georgia

visiting extended family. The visits were always marked with at least one trip to Wild Adventures, which was my favorite amusement park as a kid because it had the biggest and best roller coasters. Though my Florida Strawberry Festival ride of choice lacks the twists, turns and lurches that make rollercoasters appealing to young daredevils across the nation, I’ve always enjoyed taking a turn on the swing ride.

My family and I would make a pit stop at the swings before we left, and I enjoyed slowly rising to roughly 20 feet above ground, patiently swinging my feet while I waited for the ride to start. I was 8 or 9 years old on most of these trips, and being that high up made me

feel invincible.

I remember pretending I was a superhero, flying fast while I waved to my family on the ground. From that high up, they looked like tiny ants.

I haven’t been to Wild Adventures in years, but I still have a love of all rides that are high and flying. I’m excited to ride the swings now, as an adult, and remember what I loved about them as a kid.

I’m also excited to be able to take in the festival from a bird’s eye view, trying to spot friends and locals I’ve met as I swing through the air. It’s a ride that’s perfect for kids and adults, and one that produced some of my favorite memories as a kid on trips with my family.

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exterior (monsters, zombies, mummies and creepy things) hinted at: it was going to be scary.

If you’re in for a good laugh, instead, these rides might be for you. I couldn’t help but giggle at the quirky nature of them.

We entered, going through clear plastic flaps that look like the kind at a butcher’s shop. Then it was pitch black — easily the scariest part. I couldn’t see my hand in front of my face or anticipate the turns and jerks the cart was taking on the tracks. Occasionally lights would flash on some haphazardly-placed Halloween decorations that looked like they came from the bargain bin at Kmart.

The whole ride was about 45 seconds.

I would go on it again in a heartbeat. It was cheesy in the way old-school carnival rides are supposed to be. In the day and age of CGI, 3D movies and virtual reality Google Cardboard glasses, these rides were a refreshing taste of simple entertainment.

AMBER JURGENSEN MANAGING EDITOR

WANT A HAUNT?

Last year, there were several rides at the Florida Strawberry Festival that were distinct from the rest. They are known as trailer haunts.

In the tradition of Tunnel of Love, riders sit in a small car on a track that goes inside of a semi truck trailer, which is decorated according to theme.

Unlike the Tunnel of Love — quite the opposite, actually — trailer haunts aren’t all hearts and everything nice. Trailer haunts live up to their name: inside are ghouls and monsters shrouded in dim light.

When I decided to hand over my tickets last year, I had no idea what the ride was. All I knew was what the airbrushed

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Festival General Manager Paul Davis and FSGA Director of Marketing Sue Harrell are both ‘berry’ excited about the debut of a new strawberry cookbook.

Let’s Get Cooking EMILY TOPPER STAFF WRITER

In March, local strawberry growers may see a surge of berries sprouting up across their fields because of an unusually warm season. But those extra berries will go to good use. This year, the Florida Strawberry Festival and the Florida Strawberry Growers Association have teamed up to create a hardback, strawberry-filled recipe book.

The book, “Florida Strawberries: A Taste of Summer All Winter Long,” will be sold to the public beginning on the first day of the festival, March 3.

The cookbook was produced for free by Hoffman Media, a woman’s interest and lifestyle publisher, in exchange for the festival and the Florida Strawberry Growers Association each purchasing 2,000 copies of the book.

Paul Davis, Florida Strawberry Festival General Manager, suspects that the books will go fast.

He plans on buying the first five copies for his family members.

“We’re thrilled to be partnered with the growers,” Davis said. “Without the growers, we couldn’t celebrate the harvest.”

The cookbook, which sells for $24.95, features over 70 strawberry-centered recipes on over 160 pages. The book is filled with

full-photo pages, all in color, next to a corresponding recipe from Taste of the South magazine, part of Hoffman Media.

The book was produced as a result of efforts by Sue Harrell, known to festival attendees and Plant City locals as “Strawberry Sue.” Harrell, who has been the marketing director for the association since 2007, frequently attends food and wine conferences and trade shows. She noticed the need for a unique, industry-related cookbook.

The Florida Strawberry Growers Association produces its own recipe book every four to five years, but nothing of this caliber, while the festival produces a spiral-bound one every year.

The new visually-focused, joint-venture cookbook will be somewhat of a collector’s item, as it is not something that will be done annually.

“Our industry just hasn’t had anything like this,” Harrell said.

“We’re just kind of really targeting that audience.”

The Florida Growers Association will be selling copies of the cookbook, and festival goers will be able to buy them from the Neighborhood Village in March.

Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver.com.

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER 2016 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE 51

DELICIOUS DELICACIES

T

here are two classic ways to eat delicious, fresh

from the berry box or dipped in delicious chocolate.

But with the Florida Strawberry Festival’s arrival, we have some no-fail ways to make sure your best berries don’t go to waste.

STRAWBERRY LEMON BARS

Julie Hasting, mother of FFA student Adding a little bit of zest to those fresh Florida strawberries will make even the pickiest eaters smile. These strawberry lemon bars are a tasty treat for berry lovers of all ages.

INGREDIENTS 2 cups flour 1/2 cup powdered sugar 3/4 teaspoon lemon zest 3/4 cup cold butter 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese 3/4 cup granulated sugar 2 large eggs 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 1 cup strawberry preserves and cut up fresh berries 1 container Cool Whip DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Stir flour, powdered sugar and lemon zest in medium

STRAWBERRY PIE

Heather Hinson Riley, mother of 2016 Strawberry Queen The perfect dessert for summer or winter, this strawberry pie is an easy make for family and friends or special cook-outs.

INGREDIENTS 1 box Dream Whip 1 graham cracker crust 6 cups sugar 4 cups mashed strawberries 1 1/2 cups sliced strawberries 1 box Sure-Jell

52

bowl.

3. Cut in butter with pastry blender until crumbly.

4. Press mixture onto bottom of lightly covered 13-by-9 greased pan.

5. Bake at 350 for 20 minutes until lightly browned.

6. Beat cream cheese and granulated sugar with mixer until smooth.

7. Add eggs one at a time and beat until blended. Stir in fresh lemon juice and remaining 1/4 lemon zest.

8. Spread preserves over short bread, pour cream cheese mixture over preserves to the edges.

9. Bake 28 to 30 minutes until set.

10. Let cool for about an hour.

11. Cover and chill for four hours.

12. Cut into bars.

13. Add whip cream and fresh berries on top.

DIRECTIONS 1. Make graham cracker crust by package directions. Set in fridge.

2. Boil mashed berries and Sure-Jell to a hard boil. Slowly add sugar while stirring constantly. Bring back to a hard boil for one minute. Set aside.

3. Make Dream Whip by package directions.

4. In pie crust, layer Dream Whip, sliced berries and cooked filling.

5. Cool in fridge.

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER 2016 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE

FRESH STRAWBERRY MONKEY BREAD

from the farm Plant City strawberries: straight

Courtney Panneton, contributor of “Florida Strawberries: A Taste of Summer All Winter Long” This recipe, featured in the new cookbook “Florida Strawberries: A Taste of Summer All Winter Long,” will have you going nutty. A mix of strawberries, cinnamon and pecans makes this a sweet treat for everyone to enjoy.

INGREDIENTS 1/2 cup toasted sliced almonds or pecans 1 (16-ounce) container of fresh strawberries, cut into 1/4-inchthick slices (about two and one half cups), divided 1 1/2 cups sugar, divided 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 3 (12-ounce) cans refrigerated buttermilk biscuits, cut into fourths 1/2 cup butter

DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Spray a 15-cup bundt pan with cooking spray.

3. Sprinkle nuts into the bottom of the prepared pan. Top with one cup of strawberries.

4. In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup sugar and cinnamon.

Dredge biscuit quarters in sugar mixture.

5. Layer half of biscuit quarters over strawberries in prepared pan. Top with one cup of strawberries.

6. Layer remaining biscuit quarters over strawberries and set aside.

7. In a small saucepan, combine butter, remaining 1/2 cup of strawberries and remaining one cup of sugar. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook, stirring constantly, until sugar dissolves. Pour over biscuit quarters in pan.

8. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, covering with foil to prevent excess browning if necessary.

9. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes.

10. Invert pan onto a serving dish and serve.

PlantCityObserver.com

STRAWBERRY CREAM CHEESE SPREAD

DIRECTIONS 1. Combine cream cheese and powdered sugar; beat until light and fluffy.

2. Add strawberries, pecans and lemon juice, blending well.

3. Chill several hours.

4. Serve on crackers or bread.

STRAWBERRY COOKIE PIZZA

Yvonne Fry, Fresh Picked Talent founder The only thing that could make this recipe any better is if your local pizza guy could deliver it whenever you want. This sensational strawberry pizza is sure to be a hit with berry lovers and pizza aficionados.

INGREDIENTS 1 package sugar cookie dough or dough made from scratch 8 ounces cream cheese 1 stick of butter 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 4 cups of confectioners sugar 2 cups thinly sliced strawberries DIRECTIONS 1.Roll out sugar cookie dough on pizza round, bake and let cool.

2.Beat the cream cheese and a stick of butter until it becomes creamy.

3. Add two teaspoons vanilla extract and slowly add four cups of confectioners sugar until well-blended and fluffy.

4. Spread the icing over the cookie.

5. Decorate with Plant City strawberries and slice like a pizza.

PlantCityObserver.com

Isabel Reis Laessig, Sunday Supper LLC. Forget boring salads as your only healthy option. This flatbread delicacy, which was featured on FamilyFoodie.com, is healthy, easy to make and, most importantly, tasty. It’ll be gobbled up before you know it.

INGREDIENTS 1 large, thin flatbread 6 thin slices of brie cheese, approximately 1/4 of a brie wheel, skin removed and sliced thin.

6 to 9 large Florida strawberries, sliced thin 1 cup arugula 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 tablespoon champagne vinegar or white wine vinegar 1 tablespoon honey Fresh ground sea salt and pepper to taste DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Lay the flatbread on a pizza tray and evenly top with slices of brie cheese.

3. Bake for approximately eight

STRAWBERRY PRETZEL PIE

1 package strawberry-flavored gelatin powder 3 pints strawberries, hulled and halved 2 cups heavy cream

Melissa Gaudens submitted this tasty twist on a classic sweet recipe, originally featured on The Pioneer Woman and the Food Network. This delicious dish provides the perfect match of salty and sweet.

DIRECTIONS For the pretzel crust: 1. Preheat the oven to 350.

2. Crush the pretzels in a large, resealable plastic bag with a rolling pin.

3. Mix in a bowl with the melted butter and brown sugar.

4. Press into a pie pan and bake for eight minutes.

5. Remove and set aside to cool.

Melissa Gaudens, mother of Strawberry Queen first maid

INGREDIENTS For Pretzel Crust: 3 1/2 cups pretzels 1 stick butter, melted 1/3 cup packed brown sugar For strawberry filling: 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar 3 tablespoons cornstarch

For the strawberry filling: 1. Put 1 1/2 cups water, the granulated sugar, cornstarch and gelatin powder together in a saucepan.

minutes, or until the flatbread is crispy and the cheese is bubbling.

4. Let cool for five minutes.

5. In a small bowl, mix the arugula, olive oil and vinegar.

6. Layer a row of Florida strawberries on top of the brie flatbread.

7. Top with the arugula.

8. Add the additional sliced strawberries on top of the arugula.

9. Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with fresh ground salt and pepper to taste.

2. Stir together and bring to a boil.

3. Cook until it begins to thicken and remove.

4. Put the strawberries in a bowl and pour over the sauce, gently tossing together.

5. Allow to cool slightly.

6. Carefully pile the coated strawberries into the cooled pie crust.

7. Spoon over any leftover sauce and refrigerate uncovered for four hours.

8. Pour the cream into the bowl of a mixer and whisk until billowy.

9. Top the pie with a huge layer of whipped cream, spooned on with a big spoon.

See more pictures of the recipes at PlantCityObserver.com

INGREDIENTS 1 (8-ounce) package of cream cheese, softened 1 cup strawberries, chopped 1/4 cup pecans, finely chopped 1/2 cup powdered sugar 1 teaspoon lemon juice

ONLINE

Well-acquainted with the wide world of strawberries, Sandee Sytsma, the daughter of legendary strawberry grower Roy Parke, describes this strawberry cream cheese spread as one of her “simple favorites.” The cream cheese spread is quick and easy to make and doubles as a perfect snack when paired with crackers or spread on some fruit.

STRAWBERRY BRIE FLATBREAD SALAD

Sandee Sytsma, Florida Strawberry Festival director

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER 2016 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE 53

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER 2016 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE

PlantCityObserver.com

PARKESDALE’S Sweet Line Up.

1

Strawberry Shortcake

2

Strawberry Shortcake & Ice Cream

4

3

Sunday Boat

Berries & Cream

(Strawberries & Vanilla Ice Cream)

5

Milkshakes

Voted Best Drinkable Dessert

by Food Network

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER 2016 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE 55

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Plant City - Lakeland - Riverview - Lake Mary 56

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER 2016 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE

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Strawberry Shortcake Served Daily

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