2018 Florida Strawberry Festival Guide

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER | FEBRUARY 23, 2018 | 2018 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE

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LOCAL MARKET DRIVEN

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INSIDE Paul Davis Introduction 5 StrawBuddy

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Festival Schedule

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Festival Exhibits

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Strawberry Quiz

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Grandstands

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Ernest Hooper Column

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Beyond the Grandstands

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Gospel Night

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Tales from Al Berry

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Local Parking

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Volunteers

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Map

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Hi! I’m StrawBuddy, and I want you folks to follow me on a journey through the ages of the legenberry Florida Strawberry Festival.

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Food Features

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Car Raffle

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Queen and Court

Call Al Berry, Sarah Holt or Chandler Workman at (813) 704-6850

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Former Queen Shopping Guide

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Farm to Festival

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Festival Flashback

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Now and Then

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Strawberry Facts 62

Publisher Karen Berry, KBerry@PlantCityObserver.com Managing Editor Sarah Holt, SHolt@PlantCityObserver.com Associate Editor Justin Kline, JKline@PlantCityObserver.com Staff Writer Daniel Figueroa IV, DFigueroa@PlantCityObserver.com Staff Writer Breanne Williams BWilliams@PlantCityObserver.com Editorial Designer C.J. Major, cmajor@YourObserver.com Circulation/Office Manager Linda Lancaster, llancaster@PlantCityObserver.com

SEND US YOUR NEWS

To contact us, send your information via: Email: Sarah Holt, SHolt@PlantCityObserver.com.

Mail: The Plant City Times & Observer, 1507 S. Alexander St. Suite 103, Plant City, FL 33566

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER | FEBRUARY 23, 2018 | 2018 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE

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STRAWBERRY TIME

m s e o t C i c e s g i a P L

PAUL DAVIS

m s e o t C i c e s g i a P L

WORKING TOGETHER TO

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T

here is no better place in Plant City to make memories than at the Florida Strawberry Festival. With entertainment for each member of the family, livestock shows, rides and tasty treats, we cater our event to families and pride ourselves on always having a family-friendly environment.

Beginning March 1, our agriculture industry and our people will be on display as we invite more than 500,000 individuals to join in the celebration of our most prized commodity. They will come from other towns and states and some from other countries, anticipating the southern hospitality for which we are famous.

With the debut of our recently constructed GT Grandstands, along with the new Stadium Exhibit Hall, we are looking forward to “Building New Memories!” with leading artists such as Casting Crowns, Reba McEn-

PlantCityObserver.com

tire, Earth, Wind and Fire and many more. Building on to the festival creates new experiences.

And new experiences create new memories.

For our 83rd 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.

For several years now we have proudly partnered with Publix Super Market stores to bring discounted admission tickets to you and your family to make your visit as cost effective as possible. For information on admission tickets, concert tickets, events and more, please visit us at www.flstrawberryfestival. com. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for updates and pictures of festival fun. You can also receive direct reminders and infor-

mation by subscribing on our website to our “Berry Latest” emails.

Our staff is working diligently to ensure a successful festival, but the help and support from our community is paramount.

We are truly grateful for every one of our nearly 2,500 volunteers and for the warm, welcoming spirit they show to our visitors. If you have never volunteered at the festival, I encourage you to do so. It’s much more fun than it is work!

In addition, I would like to thank our board members, sponsors, committee members, community stakeholders and every one of our visitors. Each of you has a hand in making our festival such a success.

At the 2018 Florida Strawberry Festival we’re “Building New Memories!” and I hope you, your family and all your friends will join us. I look forward to seeing you and hearing about the new memories you have made.

Paul Davis is the General Manager for the Florida Strawberry Festival.

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Good luck to all those competing in Ag events at the 2018 Florida Strawberry Festival

Follow us on facebook and instagram @InTheFieldMagazine OFFICE PHONE 813-759-6909 1507 S Alexander St. #103, Plant City, FL 33563

www. inthefieldmagazine.com 2018 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE | PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER | FEBRUARY 23, 2018

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Florida Strawberry Festival President Paul Davis is looking forward to the new memories that will be made at the 2018 festival.

www.aloeveralipstick.com www.aloeveralipstick.com

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As a young seedling, I always dreamed of being something big. I always wondered, ‘Is there life out there?’ Now, as the local berry patch celebrity, I live with the constant flashes of paparazzi cameras. This contest thrust me into the spotlight and I’ve learned what it’s like to be Beyoncé. Check out the details on how you can get a very special selfie taken with me. But don’t ask me to change my smile. I can’t. I’m paper.

StrawBuddy blurbs and bio courtesy of James Jackson.

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nce again, the Plant City Times & Observer’s mascot StrawBuddy is here to highlight everything the 2018 Florida Strawberry Festival and his beloved town has to offer. The witty berry is excited to hit the streets and meet his fellow residents.

In conjunction with the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce and Fryed Egg Productions, the 2018 StrawBuddy Selfie Tour Challenge will allow members in the community to go on a scavenger-style hunt to find him in local businesses throughout town and on the festival grounds.

If you find him peeking out of a window or lounging in a chair, take a selfie with him and post it to social media using the hashtags

#PlantCityStrawbuddy, #BerryFest18 and #VisitPlantCity. The more you post the more you’ll be entered into the contest. Lucky winners will receive tickets to the Reba McEntire concert on March 4 or the Brad Paisley concert on March 11. The cutoff for each giveaway will be at 5 p.m. on March 1 for Reba and March 8 for Paisley tickets.

Winners will be announced March 2 and March 9 and the tickets may be picked up at the Plant City Chamber of Commerce booth at the festival on the day of the show.

Stop by the Observer office, 1507 S. Alexander St. #103, check the next page and go online at PlantCityObserver.com to see more StrawBuddy locations.

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER | FEBRUARY 23, 2018 | 2018 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE

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SPOTTING STRAWBUDDY AROUND TOWN

DARK HORSE MUSIC STORE

Hours: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Friday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Saturday. 108 N.E. Drane St.

JARRETT-SCOTT FORD

Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Friday and 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. 2000 E. Baker St.

HAMPTON INN PLANT CITY Hours: 24/7. 2702 Thonotosassa Road

INSPIRE QUILTING

Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Saturday. 101 N. Collins St.

NORMA'S CUBAN SANDWICH SHOP

Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Saturday. 3318, 120 N. Collins St.

FRINGE BOUTIQUE

Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m Monday-Wednesday and Friday. 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursdays and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays. 601 E. Alexander St.

A PEACE OF PLANT CITY

Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Saturday. 120 N. Collins St. #101

KRAZY KUP

Hours: 8:13 a.m. to 8:13 p.m.

Tuesday-Friday and 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Saturday. 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd.

BING HOUSE MUSEUM

Hours: 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Monday-Thursday. 205 S. Allen St.

CHRIS WELBON KARATE

Hours: 2 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. Monday-Friday. 204 N. Mobley St.

RAOK BOUTIQUE

Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday. 2804 James L. Redman Parkway #103.

Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. 208 S. Collins St.

THE KANDY SHOPPE

Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. 106 N.E. Drane St.

DAIRY QUEEN

Hours: 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday-Saturday and 12 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Sunday. 1902 W. Reynolds St.

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ACE REALTY ADVISORS

Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday. 111 S. Palmer St.

JOHNSON’S BBQ

Hours: 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday. 1407 W. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Blvd.

WALDEN LAKE CAR WASH

Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Saturday. 1414 S. Alexander St.

TANI’S FOR DESSERT

Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday-Wednesday and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday-Saturday. 2804 James L. Redman Parkway

MAIN STREET

PLANT CITY FAMILY YMCA

PARKESDALE FARM MARKET

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Hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Friday and 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday. 2002 N. Frontage Road

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THE CORNER STORE

Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Saturday. 121 E. Reynolds St.

After the festival,

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day and 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday. 1507 YMCA Place

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Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

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2018 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE | PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER | FEBRUARY 23, 2018

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FESTIVAL EVENTS SCHEDULE GATES OPEN AT 10 A.M. DAILY

THURSDAY, MARCH 1

FLORIDA BLUE SENIOR CITIZENS DAY AND O’REILLY AUTO PARTS RIDE-A-THON Patrons 60 years of age or older get $2 off the gate admission of $10.

From noon to 11 p.m. buy a wristband at the Midway for $20 and ride most mechanical rides. Present voucher from participating O’Reilly Auto Parts stores at Midway to ride all day for only $17. n 10:30 a.m. Jimmy Sturr & His Orchestra, Wish Farms Soundstage n 11:45 a.m. Senior Citizens Drawing, Wish Farms Soundstage n 2:30 p.m. Fanta Strawberry Soda Throwdown, Scott’s World of Magic Stage n 6 p.m. Bob Green, Publix Showcase Tent

FRIDAY, MARCH 2 PUBLIX FOOD AND FUN FRIDAY

Present any Publix brand non-perishable item at the entry gate and ride most mechanical rides for only $25. n 2 p.m. Amish Doughnut Eating Contest presented by Peachey’s, Stingray Chevrolet Entertainment Tent n 2:30 p.m. Fanta Strawberry Throwdown, Scott’s World of Magic Stage n 6 p.m. Eli Mosley, Publix Showcase Tent

SATURDAY, MARCH 3

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SUNDAY, MARCH 4

COCA-COLA FAMILY DAY Present any Coca-Cola brand can or plastic bottle product at the entry gate to receive $5 off the $25 wristband, and ride most mechanical rides from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. for $20. n 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Registration for Baby Contest, Admin. Office n 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Baby Contest, Decorated Diaper Contest, Baby Features Contest and Diaper Derby, Publix Showcase Tent n 2:30 p.m. Fanta Strawberry Soda Throwdown, Scott’s World of Magic Stage n 6 p.m. Randy McNeeley Band, Publix Showcase Tent

MONDAY, MARCH 5

GRAND PARADE DAY AND RIDE-A-THON DAY 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. A wristband purchased at the Midway for $20 will entitle the wearer to ride most mechanical rides. The Grand Parade will begin at 1 p.m. in Historic Downtown and will pass by the Florida Strawberry Festival at 2 p.m. n 1 p.m. Grand Parade begins, Historic Downtown Plant City n 2 p.m. Grand Parade passes the Florida Strawberry Festival, Reynolds Street n 2:30 p.m. Fanta Strawberry Soda Throwdown, Scott’s World of Magic Stage n 5 p.m. Strawberry Spaghetti Eating Contest, Stingray Chevrolet Entertainment Tent n 6 p.m. Next Radical Generation (NRG), Publix Showcase Tent

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER | FEBRUARY 23, 2018 | 2018 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE

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So many events! Hey, do you think Reba’s favorite ketchup is “Fancy”?

Kids through high school age are admitted for free. Buy a wristband at the Midway for $30 and ride most mechanical rides from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. The Strawberry Youth Parade, led

by Grand Marshal Caroline Brummer, will begin at 11 a.m. n 11 a.m. 45th Annual Strawberry Youth Parade, State Farmer’s Market n 2 p.m. Youth Strawberry Stemming Contest, Stingray Chevrolet

Entertainment Tent n 2:30 p.m. Fanta Strawberry Soda Throwdown, Scott’s World of Magic Stage n 6 p.m. First Baptist Church of Plant City Modern Worship Team, Publix Showcase Tent n 7:30 p.m. Gospel Night featuring Pastor Calvin “Pee Wee” Callins, Publix Showcase Tent

PlantCityObserver.com

HEADLINERS

mechanical rides for $25 per person.

All patrons entering the Midway must have a wristband and are subject to a search. n 2:30 p.m. Fanta Strawberry Soda Throwdown, Scott’s World of Magic Stage n 3 p.m. Strawberry Mashed Potato Pie Eating Contest, Stingray Chevrolet Entertainment Tent n 6 p.m. Tobacco Road Band, Publix Showcase Tent n 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Moonlight Magic, Midway

WISH FARMS SOUNDSTAGE

SATURDAY, MARCH 10

FARM WORKER APPRECIATION DAY AND SUPER SATURDAY WRISTBAND DAY

TUESDAY, MARCH 6

THURSDAY, MARCH 8

TWOSDAY AND RIDE-A-THON DAY

FLORIDA BLUE SENIOR CITIZENS DAY AND O’REILLY AUTO PARTS RIDE-A-THON DAY

Noon to 11 p.m. Ride any single ride for $2, or ride most mechanical rides all day with a $20 wristband purchased at the Midway. n 2 p.m. Adult Strawberry Stemming Contest, Stingray Chevrolet Entertainment Tent n 2:30 p.m. Fanta Strawberry Soda Throwdown, Scott’s World of Magic Stage n 6 p.m. 33 Years, Publix Showcase Tent

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 7

AMERICAN HEROES DAY AND RIDE-A-THON DAY Noon to 11 p.m. Buy a wristband at the Midway for $20 and ride most mechanical rides. All active, reserve, retired military, veterans, first responders and law enforcement officers are admitted free with valid ID. n 1 p.m. Super Dog Mega Corndog Eating Contest, Stingray Chevrolet Entertainment Test n 2:30 p.m. Fanta Strawberry Soda Throwdown, Scott’s World of Magic Stage n 6 p.m. Single Malt Brothers Band, Publix Showcase Tent n 7:15 p.m. Honor American Heroes, Wish Farms Soundstage

Patrons age 60 and up get $2 off the gate admission of $10. From noon to 11 p.m., a wristband purchased at the Midway for $20 will entitle the wearer to ride most mechanical rides.

Present voucher from participating O’Reilly Auto Parts stores at Midway to ride all day for $17. n 10:30 a.m. to noon: The Lettermen, Wish Farms Soundstage n 11:45 a.m. Senior Citizens Drawing, Wish Farms Soundstage n 2 p.m. Strawberry Shortcake Eating Contest, Stingray Chevrolet Entertainment Tent n 2:30 p.m. Fanta Strawberry Soda Throwdown, Scott’s World of Magic Stage n 6 p.m. Steve Minotti, Publix Showcase Tent

FRIDAY, MARCH 9

TAMPA BAY TIMES DAY ON THE MIDWAY AND MOONLIGHT MAGIC NIGHT Noon to 10 p.m. Receive $5 off discount with a coupon from the Tampa Bay Times for the $20 Fun Pack Ride Coupon Book. During Moonlight Magic from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., ride most

10 a.m. to 11 p.m. A wristband purchased at the Midway for $30 will entitle the wearer to ride most mechanical rides. n 10:15 a.m. Baby Parade, GT Grandstands n 2:30 p.m. Fanta Strawberry Soda Throwdown, Scott’s World of Magic Stage n 6 p.m. Soul Circus Cowboys, Publix Showcase Tent

File photo

Reba McEntire performed at the 2015 Florida Strawberry Festival.

SUNDAY, MARCH 11

THURSDAY, MARCH 1

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 7

Oak Ridge Boys, 3:30 pm.

Gary Allan, 7:30 p.m.

Engelbert Humperdinck, 3:30 p.m.

Trace Adkins, 7:30 p.m.

FRIDAY, MARCH 2

COCA-COLA FAMILY DAY

Jerry Lee Lewis, 3:30 p.m.

Justin Moore with Dylan Scott, 7:30 p.m.

Present any Coca-Cola brand can or plastic bottle product at the entry gate to receive $5 off the $25 wristband, and ride most mechanical rides from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. n 1 p.m. Kitchen Craft Cookware Drawing, Neighborhood Village n 2 p.m. Pulaski Vacation Giveaway, TECO Expo Hall n 2:30 p.m. Fanta Strawberry Soda Throwdown, Scott’s World of Magic Stage n 5 p.m. Stingray Chevrolet Corvette Drawing, East Independent n 6 p.m. HOLA Plant City!, Publix Showcase Tent

SATURDAY, MARCH 3 Cam, 3:30 p.m.

Big & Rich featuring Cowboy Troy, 7:30 p.m.

THURSDAY, MARCH 8 Drifters, Platters & Cornell Gunter’s Coasters, 3:30 p.m.

I Love the 90s Tour featuring Vanilla Ice, Salt-N-Pepa and Tone Loc, 7:30 p.m.

FRIDAY, MARCH 9

SUNDAY, MARCH 4

Charley Pride, 3:30 p.m.

Earth, Wind & Fire, 7:30 p.m.

Lee Greenwood, 3:30 p.m.

Reba McEntire, 7:30 p.m.

SATURDAY, MARCH 10

MONDAY, MARCH 5 Jimmy Fortune, 3:30 p.m.

Josh Turner, 7:30 p.m.

TUESDAY, MARCH 6 Gaither Vocal Band, 3:30 p.m.

Casting Crowns, 7:30 p.m.

Sawyer Brown, 3:30 p.m.

Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds & Anthony Hamilton, 7:30 p.m.

SUNDAY, MARCH 11 Chase Bryant, 3:30 p.m.

Brad Paisley, 7:30 p.m.

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AG SHOW SCHEDULE THURSDAY, MARCH 1

Lamb jumping?

Why do I picture people highjumping over Lambchop? These are the jokes that never end. They go on and on, my friend.

YOUTH PLANT SHOW 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Swindle Family Pavilion MOSAIC YOUTH SWINE SHOW Begins at 7 p.m.

Patterson Co. Livestock Arena

FRIDAY, MARCH 2

MOSAIC POULTRY & RABBIT SHOWS 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Swindle Family Pavilion YOUTH PLANT SHOW 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Swindle Family Pavilion DAIRY CONTESTANT JUDGING Begins at 1 p.m.

Patterson Co. Livestock Arena MOSAIC YOUTH SWINE SALE Begins at 7 p.m.

Patterson Co. Livestock Arena

FRIDAY, MARCH 9

MOSAIC POULTRY & RABBIT SHOWS 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Swindle Family Pavilion

SATURDAY. MARCH 3 File photo

YOUTH PLANT SHOW 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Swindle Family Pavilion

DAIRY PEE WEE SHOWMANSHIP Begins at 11:30 a.m.

Patterson Co. Livestock Arena

DAIRY SHOW SHOWMANSHIP Begins at 11 a.m.

Patterson Co. Livestock Arena

DAIRY COSTUME BALL Begins at 12:30 p.m.

Patterson Co. Livestock Arena

DAIRY SHOW Begins at 1 p.m.

Patterson Co. Livestock Arena

YOUTH PLANT SALE Begins at 2 p.m.

Patterson Co. Livestock Arena

SUNDAY, MARCH 4

MONDAY, MARCH 5

MOSAIC POULTRY & RABBIT SHOWS 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Swindle Family Pavilion

MOSAIC POULTRY & RABBIT SHOWS 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Swindle Family Pavilion

YOUTH PLANT SHOW 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Swindle Family Pavilion

LAMB JUMPING CONTEST Begins at 3 p.m.

Patterson Co. Livestock Arena

DAIRY SHOWMANSHIP (ADULTS) Begins at 11 a.m.

Patterson Co. Livestock Arena

LAMB COSTUME CONTEST Begins at 7 p.m.

Patterson Co. Livestock Arena

TUESDAY, MARCH 6 MOSAIC POULTRY &

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CHARLIE GRIMES FAMILY AGRICULTURAL CENTER Livestock shows, sales and contests ASTIN FARMS PAVILION n Swine Exhibit: March 1-3 n Dairy Exhibit: March 1-4 n Steer Exhibit: March 7-10

MOSAIC POULTRY & RABBIT SHOWS 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Swindle Family Pavilion

MOSAIC POULTRY & RABBIT SHOWS 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Swindle Family Pavilion

DAILY EXHIBITS

RABBIT SHOWS 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Swindle Family Pavilion LAMB SHOWMANSHIP AND SHOW Begins at 5 p.m.

Patterson Co. Livestock Arena

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 7 MOSAIC POULTRY & RABBIT SHOWS 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Swindle Family Pavilion

MOSAIC YOUTH STEER SHOW Begins at 6 p.m.

Patterson Co. Livestock Arena

THURSDAY, MARCH 8 MOSAIC POULTRY & RABBIT SHOWS 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Swindle Family Pavilion

MOSAIC YOUTH STEER SHOWMANSHIP Begins at 7 p.m.

Patterson Co. Livestock Arena

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER | FEBRUARY 23, 2018 | 2018 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE

BEEF BREED SHOWMANSHIP Begins at 6 p.m.

Patterson Co. Livestock Arena

SATURDAY, MARCH 10 MOSAIC POULTRY & RABBIT SHOWS 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Swindle Family Pavilion

MOSAIC YOUTH LIVESTOCK JUDGING Begins at 10 a.m.

Patterson Co. Livestock Arena MOSAIC YOUTH STEER SALE Begins at 7 p.m.

Patterson Co. Livestock Arena

SUNDAY, MARCH 11 MOSAIC POULTRY & RABBIT SHOWS 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Swindle Family Pavilion

YOUTH BEEF BREED SHOW Begins at 11 a.m.

Patterson Co. Livestock Arena

SWINDLE FAMILY PAVILION n Mosaic Poultry and Rabbit Shows: Daily 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. n Beef Breed Exhibit: March 9-11 n Youth Plant Show Exhibit: March 1-4 n Lamb Show Exhibit: March 5-7 NEIGHBORHOOD VILLAGE Daily 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Sponsored by Kitchen Craft n Neighborhood Village Youth: Daily 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. n Garden Club Horticulture Show: Daily 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. n Strawberry Queen Exhibit: Daily 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

ROY & HELEN PARKE BUILDING n Shoebox Float Display: Daily 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Sponsored by HiDow MILTON E. HULL ARMORY BUILDING n East Hillsborough Art Guild Show: Daily 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sponsored by Good Health Saunas n Photography Contest: Daily 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Sponsored by Spivey Concessions STRAWBERRY PRODUCTION EXHIBIT n Demonstration of Strawberry Production: West of the Publix Showcase Tent. Sponsored

by Florida Strawberry Growers Association PIONEER VILLAGE n Demonstration of Pioneer Skills Daily 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Sponsored by Florida’s Best

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Daniel Figueroa IV

A GRAND Me and my buddies have a similar saying.

‘What happens in the produce section, stays in the produce section.’

14

The Florida Strawberry Festival’s new grandstand seating is upping the festivals concert game.

DANIEL FIGUEROA IV STAFF WRITER

A

t 3:30 p.m. on March 1, the Oak Ridge Boys will take to the Wish Farms Soundstage at the Florida Strawberry Festival and for the first time in festival history, fans will watch in a venue designed for live music.

Last month, the Strawberry Festival debuted its new grandstand seating, designed for comfort, safety and an improved sonic experience. Since the festival began hosting headline performers with Dale Evans in 1972, concerts were held on the grounds of the old William Schneider Memorial Stadium. The stadi-

um was once home to Plant City High School’s football team. Its backless concrete bleachers were designed for football, not music.

“We’ve been having and hosting these great names in the football stadium with concrete bleachers,” Festival Board Chairperson Sandee Sytsma said. “We’ve always wanted that experience to be a little better for, not only our guests, but for our entertainers. We wanted it more comfortable, sounding better, closer to the stage. We have that now, thanks to a lot of people.”

The old bleachers were uncomfortable and dangerous, Paul Davis, festival president said.

For years, the Florida Strawberry

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER | FEBRUARY 23, 2018 | 2018 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE

FUN FACTS Seating capacity: 10,500 Project length: Five years of discussion and 11 months of construction.

Highlights: More comfortable seats, better views, closer to the stage, improved safety and sound.

Cost: $5+ million

Festival Board knew it would have to upgrade the seating or lose entertainers and concert goers to places like Orlando and Lakeland.

It was only a question of when.

Construction of new seating had been in talks for many years. The idea began to take shape when the festival’s board of directors started talking to GT

Grandstands during a fair trade show in Las Vegas. Following much discussion, design and behind-the-scenes work, Greg Buckner, general manager of GT Grandstands, said, ground was broken on the new seats in March.

“There’s a saying, ‘what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas,’” Plant City Mayor and festival board member Rick Lott said.

“I’m sure glad this time it didn’t.

You brought it home to Plant City.”

The new seating comes with a number of upgrades aside from backed seats. Every aspect of the design and construction was meticulously planned for a prime concert-going experience, Davis said. The new seating wraps around the soundstage like an amphitheater, its furthest seat from the stage 12 feet closer than the old stadium’s nearest seat.

The facility has improved ramps and walkways, making it safer and ADA compliant and a sound engineer helped improve the acoustics with details from the fencing down to the perforated, mesh-like underside of each seat. Even the lighting was a major decision, Davis said. Planning and meetings led to fourfoot LED lights under the steps that are coated to soften their glow and be weather-resistant.

The new seating means no more free concert tickets for the bleachers, which Davis and Sytsma said they know can be a sore subject. Davis said the festival looked at updating the old seats, but that would’ve meant bringing the whole structure up to code, which proved to be an impossible task given the old stadium’s age and design. Davis said it was important to keep the ticket prices low since the free seating was gone.

“We try to get just enough money to cover our acts,” he said.

“We don’t try to make a profit here. That way, we bring people in and they enjoy the fair.”

The Wish Farms Soundstage hosts about 24 headline performers over the festival’s 11-day run.

Festival attendance averages well over 500,000 people, with about 541,000 attending in 2017 and about 560,000 attending in 2016.

Davis said the new seating will be given its first true test during Reba McEntire’s Sunday performance.

“She’ll fill the grandstand,” he said. “It hasn’t sold out, not yet, but it’s expected.”

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Ernest Hooper is a columnist for the Tampa Bay Times and serves as its East Hillsborough Bureau Chief.

Be sure to

266584

T

he Florida Strawberry Festival conjures up all kinds of images and sounds.

It's a super sensory smorgasboard of marvelous music, bright lights, aromatic thrills, big cheers, piercing screams and delectable tastes.

Definitely tastes.

Imagine, however, if all the activities titillating your senses paused for 20 seconds. What if the roving red-vested volunteers stopped disseminating information, the midway rides slowed to a stop, the racing pigs stopped racing and the guy screaming, “Let me guess your weight” fell silent? What if the folks devouring strawberry shortcake quieted their ooos and ahhs of delight — just for a moment at 7 p.m. on March 10?

Can you believe it?

Okay, it's probably too much to ask a festival that annually draws more than 500,000 people to corral the masses for a silent moment full of faith and hope and prayer. But for nearly two years, the Tampa-based Soul Circus Cowboys and lead singer Billy McKnight have asked their fans to do just that.

In the wake of the 2016 Pulse Night Club shooting, McKnight, a Brandon native, posted a request on Facebook called “Pause for Peace,” and asked everyone to pause or pray for 20 seconds every day at 7 p.m.

The gesture has ballooned into a following with thousands taking the moment to come together and reflect on the world we live in today. The Soul Circus Cowboys elevated the request with the 2017 premier of an inspiring video of the song Believe It. It begins with McKnight lighting a single candle and then the lights spread to others. The lyrics ask us to imagine an ideal-

istic world.

“I dream of a place where Grace erases hate And Love Takes its place Can you believe it? Can you believe it?

My mind's climb to the top of the stairs Somebody's there who cares and swears If you can dream it, you can believe it.”

The movement and the song continue to grow in popularity even though it’s from a band more likely to show up on a stage in Apollo Beach than in Nashville.

Still, I'm firmly convinced it's a mistake to sleep on the Soul Circus Cowboys, which includes lead guitarist Rick Morgan, bassist Mike McMahon and drummer Jason Alfano.

With a versatile mix of rock, country and soul, they move crowds wherever they go. While moving the world might be a more difficult task, there are signs of growing success.

Top40-Charts.com, an international site based in London, recently praised the song and its inspiring message, stating that “(It’) allows the artists to subtly re-acquaint the viewers with the moral compass which we all seek to keep alive.”

McKnight said Heartland Network, Sidewalks Network out in California have picked up the video and he's received verbal confirmation that GAC cable network will soon air it nationally.

Can you believe it?

So maybe the vision of the entire Strawberry Festival quieting to a hush is more than we can ask, but at 7 p.m. on March 10, inside the festival's Publix Showcase Tent, I'm sure everyone there can pause, pray and dream of a better world.

266663

The Soul Circus Cowboys have a simple request for festival-goers: stop and pray together the evening of March 10.

15

BEYOND THE

MAIN STAGE

I, too, had a band called the RedHead Express.

Unfortunately my career got derailed somewhere between Park Road and Alexander Street.

Despite no more free seating, festival-goers still have plenty of entertainment options to choose from.

JUSTIN KLINE AND DANIEL FIGUEROA IV OBSERVER STAFF

F

Daniel Figueroa IV

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The RedHead Express are Strawberry Festival veterans.

or Florida Strawberry Festival President Paul Davis, making sure each year’s festival is filled with fun, free acts is a priority.

For each of the festival’s 11-day run, Davis walks the grounds, checking out the performers he’s chosen and getting feedback from the crowd. In the country’s turbulent times, Davis said the festival being an escape is important to him.

With the new grandstand seating at the Wish Farms Sound-

stage, some festival goers have found the lack of free seating a tough pill to swallow. Davis said he makes sure that the festival is worth the cost of a ticket.

“We haven’t raised gate prices in 26 years,” he said. “There’s something going on every single hour on these grounds you can see with your paid admission.”

Davis said he tries to make sure each festival run comes with plenty of fresh, new acts and old staples. Sometimes, he said, the fresh faces can become staples.

That’s the case of the four Walker sisters known as the RedHead Express, making their fifth festival appearance this year

PlantCityObserver.com

There’s something going on every single hour on these grounds you can see with your paid admission.

— Paul Davis, Florida Strawberry Festival President

RISE OF THE REDHEADS

The ladies of the RedHead Express have come a long way since forming a band, almost accidentally, in Alaska 11 years ago.

The women were raised on music, taking piano and fiddle lessons from a young age. Alisa, 25, took to the fiddle a little more than the rest and ran with it. Kendra, 28, the eldest sister, got a guitar at a garage sale when she was 13 and that became hers.

LaRae, 26, wound up finding her way to the banjo. The last to choose her own instrument was the youngest sister, 22 year-old Meghan. All that was left was bass. She got a three-quarter sized upright named Bessie from her aunt. With that, the last piece was in place and the sisters started playing together.

They grew up in Alaska and, towards the end of 2007, their family, which includes three younger brothers, had just finished building their dream home in Palmer. Almost before the stain was set on the flooring, the family decided to sell the house, buy an RV and give music a shot at the urging of their father.

“We all felt like that’s what we were supposed to be doing,” LaRae said.

The family headed south, eventually landing in Nashville.

That first RV trip was supposed to last a year, maybe. Eleven years and 3,000 shows later, music has become the sisters’ lives and careers.

They’ve come a long way since wearing overalls and doing Hee Haw sketches on stage. More seasoned and learned on stage, the girls have ditched matching outfits and clogs for hauntingly intimate performances filled with the kind of synchronized harmonies and musical cohesion that can only be achieved through a spiritual connectivity. Endearingly sweet and welcoming, each show is like being invited into a family living room after Sunday supper for a family jam session.

Music — and the Strawberry Festival — seem to be in their blood. Their younger brothers, aged 15, 17 and 19, have their own

PlantCityObserver.com

Courtesy photo

Lucy Pet’s Surfing & All-Star Stunt Dog Show will be held on the grounds.

I have never even been able to get a dog to stop trying to eat me, let alone surf. band, The Walker Boys. This year, they have their own time slot at the festival.

With influences ranging from the Avett Brothers to Alison Krauss, the Dixie Chicks, the Eagles and even Styx and Abba, the RedHead Express’s ever-expanding songbook ensures a new experience no matter how many times you see them, as they play at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. for nearly all 11 festival days.

While the RedHead Express were once young newcomers to the Strawberry Festival, they're now becoming staples.

Then there are the fresh acts.

This year there's no shortage of those either, from musical impressionist Mike Walker to local country act Eli Mosley, the illusions of Scott’s World of Magic, the return of the Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show and, yes, even surfing dogs.

SURF’S UP AT THE STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL

Lucy Pet’s Surfing & All-Star Stunt Dog Show, which uses the world’s only surfing wave machine for dogs, will make a splash on the festival grounds

this year. The show, organized by Stunt Dog Productions, is highlighted by some of the most rad rescue dogs in the country hanging ten (more accurately, 16) like their human counterparts would at the beach.

“We don’t force any dogs up on the board or try to attach them in any way,” Stunt Dog Productions owner Chris Perondi said. “We only use dogs that enjoy it and really love it.”

Training dogs to surf often requires positive reinforcement, toys and treats to get from wading in the water to getting on a board.

After the dogs get comfortable on a board, they learn to ride small waves and eventually move on to bigger ones.

“You don’t have to be a great swimmer to be a surfing dog,” Perondi said.

Though surfing is the highlight of the show, there’s also plenty happening on dry land — feats of agility, frisbee tricks, high jumps and more stunts will be performed, and there is also a segment of the show where young audience members are encouraged to participate. A meetand-greet session with dogs and trainers is held after each 25 to 30-minute show.

Perondi says his group almost exclusively works with rescue dogs in and out of the water. He and his wife own 11 rescues and often work with them in the shows.

That plays in to a segment halfway through the show, where the trainers encourage the audience to strongly consider adoption.

“We’re not against breeding by any means. We know certain people like certain breeds of dogs and we get that,” Perondi said.

“We just encourage people to check the shelters first.”

The show also promotes the Lucy Pet Foundation’s message, which encourages pet owners to take advantage of low-cost spaying and neutering options.

Lucy Pet sends mobile clinics around the country to promote spaying and neutering to combat pet overpopulation, and it also encourages adoption.

Stunt Dog Productions stages hundreds of shows across the United States every year and can be found anywhere from theme parks to local fairs and concerts.

Daily shows at the Florida Strawberry Festival are sponsored

by Visions of Outdoor Living and will be held at 12:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. on the grounds.

Be it music, magic or madcap mutts, new experiences or checking out some tried and true favorites, the Strawberry Festival makes sure there's always something free and fun no matter your age.

2018 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE | PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER | FEBRUARY 23, 2018

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER | FEBRUARY 23, 2018 | 2018 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE

hen Calvin “Pee Wee” Callins looks at the Gospel Night crowds from his Florida Strawberry Festival stage, one thing always stands out: unity.

For the last five years, Callins, the pastor at Greater New Hope Anointed Ministries in Plant City, has led the festival’s annual gospel concert with the goal of bringing people from all walks of life together to be positive and praise God. When the concert is in full swing, the energy in the

room is boundless.

“At Gospel Night, no one sees race,” Callins said. “No one sees color. It’s amazing. It’s truly about loving one another. Everyone that’s under there is really just lifting their hands up and loving God and loving the atmosphere that the Florida Strawberry Festival brings. It brings a family and it brings a united-type feeling in this whole community.”

Callins, who took over for Rev. Arthur T. Jones five years ago, likes to bring something different to the table every year.

He says he’d like to bring some “old-school flavor” to the 2018 show, so he’s called upon Tampa group the Exciting Gospel Warriors and his own church’s praise dance team, and plans to bring local guest musicians on stage to perform. The pastor is also excited for the return of Plant City Church of God’s choir to the PlantCityObserver.com

show.

“They a re a w e s o m e ,” Callins said.

“They performed with me the first year. They have been busy, but this year, I called them back and they are ready. If you want to see an exciting choir, that’s gonna be something to see.”

Of course, Callins himself will lead the performance. The pastor is an experienced performer who transitions seamlessly from high-energy songs to sermons that move the crowd. He began a career in music in 1992, right out of Plant City High School, and has become adept at merging the sounds of gospel with those of hip hop. He’s performed with gospel titans like Kirk Franklin and Shirley Caesar, and even has a song with legendary rapper Tupac Shakur called “I Choose Love.”

Though Callins’ music career has taken him around the world, he said nothing beats being able to perform in his hometown on its biggest stage.

“Traveling all around the world, God has blessed me to do

I once got a two-pack of Berry Treats for my strawpuppy, Felix… oh wait, you said Tupac. Sorry. that. But being able to perform in front of family, friends, high school classmates is awesome,” Callins said. “I’m privileged and I thank God for the opportunity to perform here in Plant City.”

As long as he’s physically able — even if they have to build him a ramp to the stage, he jokes — Callins wants to spread Christ’s word and bring audiences together in worship at the festival. He has high hopes for this year’s Gospel Night concert, scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m. March 3 in the Publix Showcase Tent.

“This will be a life-changing experience where you see brothers and sisters uplifting Christ in an awesome way,” he said.

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The longtime festival director reflects on some of his favorite memories from the event.

I

can remember when the Lions Club first started bringing big-name entertainment in.

We brought in Dale Evans. We paid her $1,500 to come and entertain and we put her up and paid for her lodging and airfare.

We packed the place. So we said, “Next year, let’s do it again.” We got Pat Boone. He entertained.

It worked so well that the Lions Club said, “This is a little too big for us,” so the festival took it over. They started bringing in all kinds of people.

We had Festus from Gunsmoke, and it went on from there. It got pretty expensive, so we said “We’re gonna have to charge for this.” And of course, the people, they didn’t like the idea. But we had so much expense involved, we had to cover it somehow.

It’s been extremely successful.

A lot of the other fairs around the nation, they’ve kind of picked up on some of the things we’ve done.

We hung our hat on the entertainment. That’s really what’s built the thing. I can remember when we had maybe 75,000, 80,000 people at the Strawberry Festival. We started bringing entertainment and the gates started picking up. Now they’re up to 22 shows and it’s been that way for a number of years.

All of the entertainers have been very gracious, and almost all of them have wanted to come back again because we treat them royally. Give them strawberries and all that stuff. Now we’ve got that new stage and it’s just gonna be awesome.

Anne Murray. We brought her in and, of course, we don’t allow alcohol on the grounds. I was backstage and she says, “I have got to have a beer before I go on and sing.” They sent me down to 7-Eleven to get a six-pack and slip it in the back door. I never will forget that one…I went down and got them, slipped them in the back door, “Don’t say nothing to nobody.”

20

FUN FACTS AL BERRY Age: 82 Wife: Patsy Berry Daughters: Kellie Corry, Lori DeMello, Karen Berry Years as a Director: More than 40 Years as a President: 2

And boy, she dropped a couple of those beers down, she got out there and she sang like crazy.

Mel Tillis has been one of the best ones we’ve ever had. Every time we’d bring Mel in, of course being local, he would pack the place. We had such close ties with him. Glen Campbell was always a good one, too.

We picked Conway Twitty up at the airport coming back in.

We stopped at our house, let him freshen up a little bit. He was there a couple times. Conway was always good.

I think one of the best shows we ever had there, it was two years ago. We had Donnie and Marie (Osmond). They were there and we got to meet them backstage. Marie kissed me right on the cheek and I didn’t wash for a month. I couldn’t believe the voice she had, gee whiz.

I remember when we used to have championship wrestling on Saturday night. That was the big entertainment. They would come in the back way in a 15-seater van, all of them together. All the wrestlers.

They’d sit back there in the back and eat shortcake, drink a beer or two and one would come out on one side of the stage, one would come out from the other and they’d just get out there and beat one another up...they’d go back in that van laughing.

They’d say, “I think the crowd enjoyed us, don’t you?” Lot of people don’t remember that.

I get a big kick out of those strawberry shortcake booths. I had the privilege one year, when

File photo

George H.W. Bush came, to sit down and have cake with him.

That was a great honor.

When Patsy Brooks was there, we bought that (Mr. Berry mascot) costume and nobody would wear it but me. They’d take me out and I’d wear it for about 30 minutes and have to get in, it was so hot. I hope that one day, they’ll get a Little Miss Shortcake, in other words, a female character like that.

I was sitting out there one day, watching people go by. I sat there next to this old man and I got talking to him. I said, “Where are you from?” He said, “Fort Myers, I come up here every year.” I said, “You having a good time?” He said, “Yeah, see that line over there?” This was before we had all the toilets. We used to have a deal where, if you go in the grandstand, there were no restrooms in there. They’d give you a “potty pass” and you

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER | FEBRUARY 23, 2018 | 2018 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE

Pssssssst…Hey Al, when do I get my turn on the stage?

I have a whole routine where I simultaneously tap dance and juggle Cuisinarts.

Now THAT’S entertainment! could walk out and turn that back in. Every day, they had a different colored one. He said, “I stood in line over there for a half hour and when I got to the

end of it, I was at the ladies’ bathroom.” That was funny.

I’m still active. You never get it out of your system. I’ve watched this thing grow to where it is today. We’ve had a good run over the years and I can only see it getting bigger and better. I never thought it would be this big. I’ve always had my heart in it and I always wanted to see it grow. We tried different, innovative things to make it happen and we always had a real active board who also feels the same way, so I wasn’t alone. It’s been a good run.

Al Berry is a longtime festival director and the writer of “Rocking Chair Chatter” for In the Field Magazine.

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What question are you most often asked by out-of-towners?

“How do y’all get the whole town to ‘participate’ in the Strawberry Festival?”

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

To walk around and hug old friends I haven’t seen since the last festival.

DAN WALDEN How would you convince a stranger to go to the festival?

We have strawberries prepared every way you can imagine. Free on-ground entertainment, rides... and much, much more.

What question are you most often asked by out-of-towners?

“Where are the shortcake booths?“ What’s your favorite thing to do at the festival?

I enjoy seeing old friends and making new ones.

What question are you most often asked by out-of-towners?

"Where is the livestock area and in particular, where are the poultry and rabbits?"

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

Watching Bobo in the dunk tank is always at the top of the list.

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

What all the guests come for: Eat CFC037149 strawberry shortcake.

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MIKE SPARKMAN How would you convince a stranger to go to the festival?

Tell them how much fun it is with great food. Importantly, it is a family-friendly festival.

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SANDEE SYTSMA How would you convince a stranger to go to the festival?

I’d convince them there is something for everyone in their family.

JIM JEFFRIES How would you convince a stranger to go to the festival?

Inform him/her that there is no entertainment event that offers so much for the cost — including great free on-grounds entertainment, FFA and other agricultural exhibits, vendors...though the Festival has grown, it is still small enough that all areas can be visited in one day.

21

OFF-SITE PARKING AT THE FESTIVAL, All those lots and vendors outside the Festival’s grounds?

Yup, they’re legit.

A MESSAGE FROM THE CITY MANAGER

DANIEL FIGUEROA IV STAFF WRITER

T

raffice — and parking — getting into the Florida Strawberry Festival can be quite the hassle, particularly with an annual draw of around 550,00 people. That’s an average of more than 50,000 people (most trying to squeeze down Thonotosassa Road) each day.

If you’ve traveled to the festival before, it’s near-impossible to miss all the cars lining the streets leading to the festival grounds, hand painted signs, traffic cones and safety vests. Then there’s all the folks between Interstate 4 and the festival gates offering rides from far-off parking spots or trying to push strawberries and kettle corn on you as you pass.

If you’re new to the festival, get ready ­— it can be quite the sight.

Fear not, travelers and wouldbe revelers: it’s all legit.

The areas surrounding the Strawberry Festival are actually part of Plant City’s Florida Strawberry Festival Special Use District Overlay (FSFSUDO).

According to city staff, the FSFSUDO was created to legitimize activity that supports such a large economic driver as the Strawber-

I will be out in the Strawmobile as well. I won’t be giving rides, but I will be throwing out empty compliments.

A word from City Manager Bill McDaniel on getting to the festival: “Exit 19 can be a parking lot. Everybody’s using the GPS and getting off the interstate. If you want the insider tip, come from the south.”

He said hitting the “alternate route” or equivalent option on your GPS might be best. For the easiest travel, he said, try taking State Road 60 or State Road 574 and skipping the interstate.

“Most of the time you can come in from the south and you have clear sailing until you get to the parking lots,” McDaniel said.

TRYING TO GET AROUND PLANT CITY Woodrow Wilson Street (between West Reynolds Street and Oak Street) Closed between Jan. 20 and March 23

ry Festival. Basically, city leaders are trying to sweeten the fruits of the festival which might otherwise sour on nearby residents.

“No permits or taxes are required by the city of private owners parking cars due to the inconvenience caused by the festival for 11 days,” City Manager Bill McDaniel said.

The FSFSUDO doesn’t change any of the zoning or land-use restrictions of the surrounding areas, but it essentially relaxes

restrictions for the duration of the festival. Homeowners can rent parking spaces to festival patrons or vendors. Many have been participating for over 20 years. For some, it’s a highlight of the festival season. Families, like the Davis family on Thonotosassa Road, even said they’ve made some lifelong friends out of being the go-to parking spot during the festival.

While homeowners get to keep the lion’s share of parking profits, there are restrictions for vendors. According to city docu-

ments, vendors who set up in the district are charged $21 per day.

Pedi-cab and golf cart operators only pay $42 for the duration of the festival.

So, next time you’re cruising for a place to park on the way to the Strawberry Festival don’t be afraid to pull onto a lawn (only if asked to do so, of course) and make a new friend. “Building new memories,” is, after all, the theme of this year’s festival. You might not even have to wait to get through the gates to do so.

Ritter Street (Reynolds Street north to Cleveland Street) Closed between Feb. 16 and March 16.

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23

BERRY DEEP

The Florida Strawberry Festival relies on its volunteers to create a universal feeling of southern hospitality.

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

T

he Florida Strawberry Festival is consistently named one of the top fairs in the United States. While its headlining acts and strawberry-themed attractions make it a must-see event, the lifeblood of the festival lies in the heart of its 2,500-volunteer network.

When people walk through the gates of the Strawberry Festival they are greeted by an armada of smiling volunteers who all give up their time to ensure visitors are guaranteed an experience chock-full of southern hospitality and neighborly goodwill. Each of the 11 days, approximately 30 red-vested volunteers walk the grounds, aiding anyone who appears to need assistance.

The Roving Ambassador program was created seven years ago to help make the festival an easy and accessible event for everyone attending, locals and visitors alike. They are a “beacon of information,” always on the search for someone looking puzzled and ready to help whoever approaches them, Jim Scott, chairperson of the ambassador program and associate director for the board of directors, said.

“By using local volunteers we have a group of people who have grown up in Plant City and grown up around the festival,” Scott said. “They know the way around and they know where everything is. Training for us is more on the ‘nuts and bolts’ side. We teach them how to respond when someone is hurt and how to use the radios. They already know how to give advice on the festival itself.”

Each day there is a captain and co-captain of the volunteers.

They are in charge of drafting a team of 30 other volunteers who all know the festival inside and

24

THAT’S CHEESY Cabot Creamery is honoring volunteers at the Florida Strawberry Festival. The company is offering a year of free cheese to one lucky volunteer. All those who give time to the festival need to go to the Cabot booth and fill out a contest form to be entered for a chance to win.

There will also be a sampling of cheese for attendees at the booth.

out. Over the past seven years, the festival has only had one turn over, which was the result of a captain being promoted to take on other responsibilities.

Plant City residents love to show off their town, Lauren McNair, public relations and media representative for the Florida Strawberry Festival, said.

Creating a feeling of universal southern hospitality isn’t difficult when you rely so heavily on people who genuinely want to be a part of the festivities.

“We always want to create a warm and friendly atmosphere for our visitors,” McNair said.

“What I love and what always catches me by surprise is the fact that we even have people use their vacation time at work to volunteer at our festival. It’s neat for us how much they enjoy not just attending but also serving at the festival.”

McNair knows the ins and outs of the festival firsthand. She represented the festival years ago as its coveted Strawberry Queen and later traded her crown for a red vest when she volunteered to be a roving ambassador.

Now she works for the festival and said throughout the year its staff often goes to other

Sign me up! I will gladly take the role of parking attendant. I always get tired of seeing these folks get into a jam.

File Photo

fairs or conventions to compare notes and find ways to constantly improve their own event. She said whenever they share the fact that they have nearly 2,500 volunteers people are normally shocked. Others have tried and failed to replicate the experience.

Often the only way they can get such a large group to man the events is by paying them.

Local employers often adopt tolerant and often even accommodating policies for festival season. Scott is an owner at Jarrett-Scott Ford and said he sees first hand the community partnership that envelops the festival each year.

Many allow their employees to take off or work different hours to give them the opportunity to help man the festival. He himself will spend days at a time on the festival grounds, though his co-chair, Jodi Stevens, helps car-

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER | FEBRUARY 23, 2018 | 2018 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE

ry the responsibility of managing the many volunteers.

Vendors will often reserve the same spots year after year, making memorizing the map a breeze for long-time attendees. Whenever something new comes to town, like this year’s revamped funnel cake stands, the ambassadors are sometimes thrown for a loop. When that happens they simply walk over with the attendee to Guest Services to consult the strawberry whiz on deck.

The information booths are manned by festival experts who also have the bonus of a three inch binder full of all the information one could possibly need.

If they are stumped, they can use their walkie-talkies to radio back to the main office, where the answer is only a click away.

Southern charm and hospitable attitudes catapult an already

impressive festival to record heights. Whether you’ve grown up attending or are coming for the first time, the atmosphere of the Florida Strawberry Festival is sure to make it an experience to remember.

The festival isn’t just an annual event put on by a handful of people in red coats, it’s Plant City’s shining glory. Thousands of people like McNair have grown up roaming among the agriculture halls and searching for the perfect shortcake. Now they’re uniting to make sure every attendee, including those coming for the first time, feel like they’re being welcomed home.

“There’s just something different about Plant City,” McNair said. “I don’t know if I can put a finger on what it is but there’s a spirit among people here that is just different.”

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AS SEEN ON

TELEVISION Carnival Eats will be filming at the Strawberry Festival for appearances on two episodes in season six.

DANIEL FIGUEROA IV STAFF WRITER

I

t’s official: the Florida Strawberry Festival is a destination for foodies of all kinds, from patrons to vendors and, soon, national TV. Carnival Eats, one of the Cooking Channel’s most popular shows, will be stopping by the Strawberry Festival this year as it films its sixth season. And, not to be outdone, the show’s producers are planning to feature Plant City’s annual end-of-harvest

celebration over two episodes.

“For us to get two episodes of food, it has to be a big festival with a really great variety of stuff,” Jennifer Horvath, the show’s executive producer, said.

The show will feature about eight items, many of them strawberry-themed exclusives from a variety of vendors, though Horvath said the exact items haven’t been picked out yet.

One of the concessioners that’s sure to be seen on the show is Mama Jane Harris of Best Around Concessions and her famous funnel cakes. Each year, Harris brings a new and unique item to the Strawberry Festival. Last year, it was deep-fried strawberry cheese bursts. This year, she’s making loaded fried potato funnel cake, which features a batter mixed with bacon bits, chives and potatoes that is fried and topped with hot cheddar, more bacon,

Mama Jane gets to be on tv? I’m a little bit jelly.

Courtesy photo

chives and sour cream.

The appearance will be Mama Jane’s third on the show. Horvath said she’s become someone who’s creative approach the show looks out for. Harris is even preparing a cookbook featuring some of her most creative, crunchy creations.

According to Lauren McNair, the festival’s spokesperson, Seafood Cabana, Griff’s Catering, Sunshine Concessions, Johnson’s Barbecue and Polar Bear Homemade Ice Cream are also

expected to appear on the show.

Jennifer Gillespie, a story producer with Carnival Eats, said the show looks for festivals with a variety of interesting foods from the sweet to the savory and, especially, the unique. They also try to find places with a strong community tie.

“When we spoke with food vendors about their menus, they all said its one of their favorite fairs or their favorite fair in Florida,” Gillespie said. “Everybody

●

I’ve spoken to loves this festival and has nothing but nice things to say about it. The food vendor manager, Miss Ellany (Johnson), is quite beloved.”

The festival’s attention and reputation are also attracting more vendors each year. Paul Davis, the festival’s president, said some 500 vendors have to get turned down every year. Not only does the festival look for good

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food, it looks for vendors that capture the family-friendly spirit he hopes the festival embodies.

Vendors like Ryan Hagy of DeAnna’s Food Concessions said they’d love to be involved in the

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Mama Jane Harris of Best Around Concessions prepares a Banana Frenkel Funnel Cake at the Florida State Fair. The Fair exclusive features a banana-infused batter topped with her own custard recipe and caramel sauce.

STROKE IS SUDDEN.

future. Hay made a splash at this year’s Florida State Fair with a surf and turf “sundae.” Operating a DeAnna’s stand with his wife and other family members, his savory, ice cream-free sundaes were chosen as a top food item at this year’s fair. There’s also a deep-fried strawberry shortcake Davis said could be an interesting addition. DeAnna’s was also featured on a recent taping of Carnival Eats.

Other interesting food items appearing at this year’s festival include Chompers, bite-sized fried balls described as “crunchy balls of goodness” that come in bacon cheeseburger and chicken parmesan varieties and a strawberry jam meatball sandwich, meatballs made with sweet strawberry jam and topped with lettuce and chives. The Plant City Lions Club’s invention, strawberry fritters, are another item putting the Festival on the foodie map.

“Any time you have a fair or festival with a particular agricultural productit really encourages vendors to come up with something creative to stand out from the rest of the pack.,” Horvath said.

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27

FUELING A FRENCH-FRIED

For 80 years, Fiske Fries have been a staple of festivals and fairs across the country.

DANIEL FIGUEROA IV STAFF WRITER

T Daniel Figueroa IV

80 years of fries? My buddy PotatoPete just entered the Potato Protection Program.

265152

Gayle Bailin (left) gets introduced to Fiske Fries by her friend, Gail George.

Fiske Fries has been George's first fair stop for 20 years.

here’s certainly no shortage of food choices at the Florida Strawberry Festival. From meats on sticks to every funnel cake and strawberry shortcake iteration you can imagine, options are near-endless. Sometimes, though, nothing hits the spot like a simple, well-cooked French fry.

For 80 years, the Fiske name has been filling that craving. Fiske Fries have come from a shack near a watering hole

in Ohio 80 years ago to stopping by more than 60 festivals across the country each year. For the last 40 years, Jerry Price, owner and grandson of founders Jean and Harold Fiske, has been swinging through Plant City every March for the Strawberry Festival.

“Plant City is one of our favorite ones,” Price said. “Each fair has an atmosphere. Part of it is public and part of it is management. Mr. Davis and Ms. Johnson are super ethical and a pleasure to be there with.”

Price said the Strawberry Festival stands out to him because of values. The festival’s management, he said, creates an atmosphere that carries over to

28

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER | FEBRUARY 23, 2018 | 2018 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE

PlantCityObserver.com

the concessioners. When you’ve been working 16-hour days since the age of 12 like Price has, he said, that extra care and effort can go a long way to keep you motivated.

That positive energy and atmosphere is something Price also likes to carry into his product.

Unchanged for 80 years, Fiske Fries are simple. Fresh potatoes cleaned and cut onsite, then fried in vegetable shortening. That’s all. What matters to Price is putting out a good-tasting product at a fair price and treating people well.

At 80, Fiske Fries has been around longer than even McDonalds and while Price said he’s seen lager companies turn to frozen products for consistency, he puts trust in his employees, some have been with him for nearly 30 years, to get consistency.

“We run into something similar because of the Fiske name,” Price said. “We’re at these different events and we’re hoping people in the trailers will follow the routine and want to put out a product they'd serve to their own family. We don’t have any heat lamps or anything like that and they’re not ever frozen or anything. People like the taste of

something fresh.”

With the endless supply of food available at festivals, establishing relationships can set you apart.

For many, a stop at a Fiske Fries stand is an essential experience.

“This is always my first stop when I come to the (Florida State) Fair every year,” Gail George said, two large cups of fries in her hand. “I don’t eat French fries very often, but these are delicious. For 20 years, it’s been beer and Fiske Fries first, then we get the whole thing mapped out.”

Now in his twilight, well past when most would retire (he won’t give his exact age and said even the CIA doesn’t know how many potatoes he goes through in a day), Price doesn’t know if Fiske Fries will make it another 80 years. There’s no one in the family, he said, to keep it going, but they’ve been talking to some folks about carrying it on. For now, he's just focused on the immediate future.

“For the next several years, God willing, we’ll be here,” Price said. “When ever you have people come up and say ‘I look for you every year’ or ‘this is the first place I come,’ it keeps you going.”

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2018 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE | PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER | FEBRUARY 23, 2018

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Deanna Hurley Photography

Anyone at the Florida Strawberry Festival can win a Corvette in Unity in the Community’s annual raffle.

JUSTIN KLINE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

T

he team of Stingray Chevrolet and Unity in the Community is once again giving Florida Strawberry Festival-goers the chance to win a brand new 2018 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport through Unity’s annual $5 raffle, from which proceeds get pumped into Plant City-area charities for their benefit.

This year marks the ninth of Unity and Stingray’s raffle partnership and the fourth consecutive year the prize has been some kind of Corvette. The 2018 Corvette is identical to last year’s torch red Grand Sport, though

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it’s one year newer.

With a 460-horsepower V8 engine, the car is a good pickup for anyone with the need for speed. It’s got an eight-speed paddle shift automatic transmission and can go from zero to 60 miles per hour in less than four seconds. This Corvette would have a retail price of around $68,000, but Stingray would still donate the car without any catches even if the raffle doesn’t net as much money as the car itself costs.

Making enough to eclipse the raffle cars’ retail value hasn’t been a problem, though. Donation totals have increased every year and, in 2017, the raffle set another

While everyone is forking out the cash, make sure to get tickets for my documentary ‘StrawBuddy: Seeds on The Outside’. All proceeds go to the StrawBuddy Is Awesome Fund, a.k.a. my pockets.

new record with $222,000 raised — the first time it’s crossed the $200,000 threshold. Throughout raffle history, Stingray’s cars have netted Plant City-area charities a cool $1,052,000.

Tickets can be purchased at Stingray Chevrolet, 2002 N. Frontage Road, during normal business hours from March 1 through 6 p.m. March 9, online by 1 p.m. March 9 at StingrayChevroletRaffle.com or at the festival during normal hours of operation from March 1 through 4:30 p.m. March 11. A maximum of 50 tickets are allowed per person. The winner will be drawn at 5 p.m. March 11 at the festival grounds, but the winner does not need to be present to receive the car.

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER | FEBRUARY 23, 2018 | 2018 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE

Deanna Hurley Photography

Florida Strawberry Festival Queen Ally Burt poses with the Corvette.

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Photo Courtesy of Deanna Hurley Photography

Ally Elizabeth Burt’s roots run deep in Plant City, as does her love for the festival. As the 2018 Strawberry Festival Queen, she said she is looking forward to spending the next year serving the community she holds so dear.

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

W

hen Ally Elizabeth Burt places a new crown on the 2019 Florida Strawberry Festival Queen, she wants people to look back at her reign and remember not instances where the spotlight was on herself, but rather all of the small moments she used the title to help others.

Her roots in Plant City are deep. She knows the responsibility that comes with her new position. Burt said she is both humbled at being given the opportunity and excited to see what the next year has in store.

Her fascination with the Strawberry Queen began over a decade ago, when Burt would watch the newly-crowned queen and court take the stage her father was playing on at the festival.

Her father, Royce Burt, played in a bluegrass band at the Strawberry Festival for more than 20 years.

“I always thought it was so cool how they represented the town,” Burt said. “I always

ABOUT ALLY Full Name: Ally Elizabeth Burt School: Senior at Seffner Christian Academy and enrolled at Hillsborough Community College Parents: Royce and Raquel Burt Future Plans: Plans to attend a Florida university and major in Biology

wanted to do that. No other family member has ever been a Queen or in the court and I wanted to be the first. I know my grandma would be super proud. And I wanted to represent the festival, too.”

Burt’s grandmother taught Florida Strawberry Festival President Paul Davis when he was at Cork Elementary. Her grandfather, Royce J. Burt, was the principal at Turkey Creek High School for years and the gymnasium was renamed in

Ally Burt and I have something in common. I, too, am an only berry.

Unfortunately, the only thing I have ever been crowned was ‘Most Lopsided’.

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER | FEBRUARY 23, 2018 | 2018 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE

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his honor. Her family members names are literally written in the history books of Plant City for being among the first settlers of the town.

Plant City is home for Burt and she said it is an honor she doesn’t take lightly to be given the chance to help others fall in love with her beloved town and the festival that has been the source of “countless memories” over the years.

Burt is not only the first in her family to wear the crown, but also the first from Seffner Christian Academy. She said she hopes her experience will encourage other girls who live within the boundaries and attend the school to go out for the pageant in the following years.

Faith is a major aspect of her life and something she said she hopes to be able to share with the community she so loves during her reign. Without her faith, she said she may not have had the strength and peace to be able to compete as well as she did.

As the clock began to zero in on 6 p.m. and the pressure began to build, Burt found notes in her jewelry bag from her mother saying she had written a Bible verse on the bottom of Burt’s heel in anticipation of the night.

That knowledge, combined with the many prayers she sent up during the pageant, allowed her to remain calm and confident throughout the rest of the event.

Kicking off the nude pump, Burt pointed at the fading black letters that just barely read Proverbs 31:25.

“She is clothed with strength and dignity and she laughs without fear of the future,” Burt quoted with a smile.

Burt plans to channel her faith and heart for others into a career in the medical field. Her grandmother and aunt were both nurses, which spurred her to begin volunteering at South Florida Baptist Hospital over the past summer. She’s waiting to hear back from one more prospective college but said she soon will be on the path toward getting her degree and being able to continue to help society.

Last summer, Burt was a team member on a mission trip to Guatemala. While there, her passion for the medical field was affirmed and she said with a medical degree she can easily help people in all walks of life.

She also volunteers at Impact Academy, a privately owned special needs children’s school.

PlantCityObserver.com

Q&A WITH ALLY What was your first thought when your name was called for the top five?

I remember thinking, ‘Is this real?’ It’s something that we’ve always wanted since we were young, so it doesn’t seem real.

What was your family’s reaction when they found out you made the court?

My dad was crying, I have never seen my dad cry before, and he was like, ‘Ally this is way better than the Seminoles winning the national championship.’ That’s a huge deal for him to say something like that.

Of all the music acts coming to the festival, who are you most excited to see?

I’m most excited to see Earth, Wind and Fire because with my friends and I, that’s our goto jams in the car.

If you could only use one word to describe your personality, what would it be?

A “people-person.” I try not to meet a stranger and that’s going to come in handy being at the festival all of those days, because we’re going to meet so many people.

File Photo

What is one interesting thing about you that is not listed on your contestant bio?

I’m an only child. I like it

because it’s helped me be super close with my parents.

My mom is definitely my best friend, my biggest supporter, and my dad is also one of my closest friends, too.

What are you looking forward to the most at the 2018 Florida Strawberry Festival?

I’m most looking forward to spending time with each other.

One thing we’ll do together is go to all of the concerts. I like to sing and have a good time and dance and I think that will be fun, doing that with them.

What is your favorite Disney movie?

Hands down, High School Musical. I love that one. I had a big crush on Troy Bolton.

If you could only watch one movie or television show for the rest of your life, what would it be?

I like Pitch Perfect a lot because I like to sing and dance, and that has both of them.

Who is one person you admire? Why? I admire my mom. I know that sounds cliché but I am an only child, so we have a special relationship. No matter what, she’s busy and works very hard, but she always makes time for my dad and I. She shows us unconditional love and she always goes the extra mile.

The whole reason why I chose to do this pageant was to serve others. I believe I have a servant’s heart and that’s what the whole pageant is about, serving the festival and showcasing why it’s one of the top 10 festivals in the country.

— Ally Elizabeth Burt, answering at the scholarship pageant how she planned to serve Plant City.

“It’s taught me a lot of things,” Burt said. “It’s taught me patience and that everybody really does have something unique about themselves and a special quality.”

One thing she said she is most looking forward to about being crowned queen is being able to begin the service aspect of her title here in Plant City. She said she is excited to begin getting hands-on with different orga-

nizations in the community, though she admits she will hopefully be able to catch up on some sleep before the festival begins.

“It’s not about me at all, it’s about the festival,” Burt said. “I love that it’s a small town but it still has the big-time things. We got the brand new grandstands and we have the great artists that come, great food, fun rides, there’s something there for everyone to do.”

Once chosen as part of the Queen and court, the five girls are ushered into a community of past royalty. When Burt was preparing for the pageant, Jessi Rae Varnum, the 2014 Strawberry Queen, guided her and offered her advice. Her mother, Kay Newsome Varnum, was crowned queen in 1985 and also offered her aid to Burt.

After being crowned, Burt said her predecessor, Drew Knotts,

was the epitome of “helpful.”

Knotts told Burt to never hesitate to shoot her a text if she needed anything and gave her a “super sweet note” to encourage her on her upcoming journey.

“One thing I love about Plant City is that it’s a traditional small town,” Burt said. “I just hope that at the end of it all I’ll have been able to touch a lot of lives and help even more people fall in love with our awesome festival.”

2018 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE | PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER | FEBRUARY 23, 2018

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In your opinion, what does the title of Strawberry Queen and Court mean to both you and Plant City? What is the deeper meaning behind the crown?

The reason I did it was because I had the opportunity to go in the Christmas Parade. As I was standing there I remembered being a little girl watching and looking up to those girls that were in the parade and thinking, ‘Oh my gosh, that’s so crazy.’ That was just for Calendar Girl and I know that Strawberry Queen does so much more, and I really wanted to be a part of that and serve the community. It’s been a really great experience so far.

What was your first thought when your name was called for the top five?

I cried a lot. I didn’t expect it at all but I knew that I had worked so hard so just when they called my name all of that kind of went off. I looked around at all of these beautiful girls and thought, ‘Oh my gosh these are about to be my strawberry sisters’ and I was really excited about it. I still am.

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What was your family’s reaction when they found out you made the court?

My dad cried. I came off stage and his eyes were bloodshot red and my mom was just like, ‘Oh my gosh.’

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Of all the music acts coming to the festival, who are you most excited to see?

Mine is definitely Brad Paisley.

My dad fangirls over Brad Paisley. We’ve been to every concert Brad Paisley has ever done in Tampa and a few years ago he actually took my phone and started filming on it and recorded himself singing and gave it back to me so I’m hoping maybe I’ll go back and be like, ‘Hey do you remember me?’ I love him and his show never gets old.

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER | FEBRUARY 23, 2018 | 2018 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE

Photo Courtesy of Deanna Hurley Photography

I, too, play guitar, Dallas. Perhaps you heard my song for the Food Network called “Slice Slice Baby?” It starts with the lyrics, “Chop, macerate, and mince ‘em. StrawBuddy’s back with a brand new invention.”

If you could only use one word to describe your personality what would it be?

I’d like to say “fun” because I like to keep everyone in a good mood and spread the happiness.

What is one interesting thing about you that is not listed on your contestant bio?

I sing and play guitar.

ABOUT DALLAS Full Name: Dallas Nicole Baker School: Junior at Plant City High School Parents: Waylon and Robyn Baker Future Plans: Plans to launch her career as a hairstylist upon graduation while attending classes to further her knowledge in the beauty industry

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What was your first thought when your name was called for the top five?

I think we all just looked at each other and our mouths were open and we were just so excited. I think also it’s because we’re all so passionate about this that we just can’t put it into words how great this is.

What was your family’s reaction when they found out you made the court?

I just saw my parents and they came and hugged me and they were just so proud of me because I had been working so hard and they were happy all my hard work paid off.

Photo Courtesy of Deanna Hurley Photography

I buy so many pairs of boots, and then I get home and realize I don’t have legs.

ABOUT BAYLEE

What is one interesting thing about you that is not listed on your contestant bio?

A lot of people don’t really realize it but I love pageants like Strawberry Queen and Calendar Girl, but I also love to go with my dad and just put my boots on and not worry about the way I look all the time and just have fun and get a little dirty sometimes.

What are you looking forward to the most at the 2018 Florida Strawberry Festival?

I’m really looking forward to the Polka dancing. It’s going to be fun.

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Full Name: Baylee Samantha Astin School: Senior at Durant High School Parents: Sam and Buffy Astin Future Plans: Plans to obtain an entrepreneurship degree at the University of Tampa to help take over and expand her family’s 95-year-old farm

In your opinion, what does the title of Strawberry Queen and Court mean to both you and Plant City? What is the deeper meaning behind the crown?

I think that it’s not really about the sash and the crown...just the fact that we are able to go out in the community and be a light to others and lead by example, it’s just really a blessing that we’re able to impact in so many ways. I just can’t wait for the Strawberry Festival and to be able to be in the parade and be that light for the little girls.

If you could only use one word to describe your personality what would it be?

If you were to ask my friends they would probably say that I was compassionate. I really care about people and I love meeting people and I’m really looking forward to meeting everyone at the Strawberry Festival, not just the entertainers, but the visitors themselves.

I really can’t wait and it’s going to be a great time.

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2018 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE | PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER | FEBRUARY 23, 2018

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In your opinion, what does the title of Strawberry Queen and Court mean to both you and Plant City? What is the deeper meaning behind the crown?

I felt like I had a responsibility as someone who has grown up in a small town and looked up to the Strawberry Queen. I wanted to give back, to show people that you can be young and still hold our traditions. We’re a very traditional place and we wanted to set an example for the young girls who look up to us.

What was your first thought when your name was called for the top five?

I just saw the people that were up there and thinking, ‘Wow I’m already so close to these girls,’ and it’s just surreal. Your dreams are actually coming true. This is what you’ve wanted to do. It’s a lot.

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What is one interesting thing about you that is not listed on your contestant bio?

I have a 20-year-old brother, I’m 17 and I have a 4-year-old sister.

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She’s kind of the reason why I’m staying home for college and the reason why I want to set a good example for kids like her is because of her.

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Selena, girl, call me! I want you to be the new face of my cereal called Berry-Ohs. My number is 555-BRRY. Who is one person you admire?

Why? I’d say my mom. In my eyes she’s “Superwoman.” She’s a very independent person and has definitely made me a more independent person. If I could just be anything like her I would be set as a person, as a human being.

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What was your family’s reaction when they found out you made the court?

My parents didn’t even get to the end, they cried when I was walking down the stage in a dress. I didn’t win anything yet.

In our community this pageant is like a turning of age event. It’s something that without the sashes, without the crown, without anything, you can take away your experience, your speaking skills and the new friends you made.

PlantCityObserver.com

What was your first thought when your name was called for the top five?

Hard work pays off and we all worked very hard for it.

What was your family’s reaction when they found out you made the court?

My dad, his eyes were red. I didn’t see him cry but he probably was. They were just happy all of my hard work had paid off, too.

I was walking around in heels at midnight after I was done with my homework…they were happy for me.

I plan on being faaaaaaaar away from the strawberry shortcake eating contest. The forks, the whipped topping and the risk of ending up dessert terrifies me.

ABOUT ZOE Full Name: Zoe Bell Rasmussen School: Junior at Newsome High School and enrolled at HCC Parents: Shawn and Renee Rasmussen Future Plans: Plans to attend the University of Florida to pursue a degree in Biochemistry

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In your opinion, what does the title of Strawberry Queen and Court mean to both you and Plant City? What is the deeper meaning behind the crown?

I think it’s about new friendships, being close with these girls. We’re already like sisters, like they mentioned. Being role models for these girls. For my onstage question I said that my grandma was my role model.

During middle school I had a speech impediment and she was always the one that was positive, so I want to be like that to the little girls in our community.

If you could only use one word to describe your personality what would it be?

I’d say “social,” like Ally, but also I’m happy with who I am and set goals for myself… I’m just happy to be around and happy to be here.

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What is one interesting thing about you that is not listed on your contestant bio?

I tutor a lot in school. I go before school and I want to major in biochemistry because I’m pretty good at chemistry. I have a lot of science kids that are struggling so I enjoy helping them.

Who is one person you admire?

Why? I would say both of my parents, too, but also my brother. He struggles a lot in school, he has dyslexia, we’re taking chemistry together. I look up to him a lot even though he annoys me a lot.

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Of all the music acts coming to the festival, who are you most excited to see?

I, like Dallas, love Brad Paisley.

I’ve been to all of his concerts.

But also Trace Adkins and Chase Bryant. My mom loves Trace Adkins and when “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk” comes on, we sing it and it’s fun.

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2018 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE | PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER | FEBRUARY 23, 2018

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Being crowned Strawberry Queen in 2014 gave Varnum the confidence to pursue her dreams in college. Now she’s months away from graduation and plans to open her own business in January 2019.

BREANNE WILLIAMS

I will get all my berry couple friends to buy dresses from your shop. Will you have anything in seedless?

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hen Jessi Rae Varnum was crowned Strawberry Queen in 2014, she knew that it would change her life forever. Having attended the festival since she was “practically an infant” Varnum felt she knew the ins and outs of the coveted event.

However, the second she had the large crown placed on her head, she knew a door to a completely different realm of Plant City would be opened to her.

“I was purely shocked when I won,” Varnum said. “I was so excited. It was one of the things I’ve been thinking about since I was so little…it was so humbling and such an honor. It was everything I’ve prayed for. I knew right away this was going to be something special.”

Varnum had spent her entire life stepping into leadership

roles and getting involved in her community. She was voted Outstanding Teen 2013 at Durant, was a member of National Honor Society, vice president of Student Government, producer of D News morning show, captain of the varsity cheerleading squad, managing editor of yearbook and more.

She loved her town and wanted to go out for Strawberry Queen since she was a child. After all, both her mother and cousin had been either crowned queen or on the court, and she wanted her chance to be a part of Plant City history and give back to the town she holds so dear.

Some of her favorite memories of her tenure involve the people she met along her journey.

She remembers vividly learning to Polka Dance on opening day, reminisced on the time she was able to spend shaking the hands

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to open a bridal salon in downtown Lakeland by January 2019.

She said she has always wanted to be her own boss and absolutely adores the fashion industry.

She wants to work in weddings because she loves the “idea of romance” and wants to help brides find their perfect gown.

As queen, Varnum said she had the chance to meet many “intimidating” people like the governor, other politicians and celebrities.

Through those experiences she learned that if you’re passionate about something and confident, your voice still matters, regardless of age. It’s a lesson she plans to carry with her into her new venture as a young business owner.

“As long as I’m confident and knowledgeable about what I’m doing I still have a voice that matters in this world,” Varnum said. “Strawberry Queen taught me that and gave me the confidence to know that everything I do, with the Lord helping me, can be successful.”

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of the volunteers that are “the heart of the festival” and laughed when she recalled the faces of the children she spent time reading to and getting to know.

Her grandfather and her mother are heavily involved with the festival every year. She spent years of her life showing animals in the agriculture shows during the event. Even still, she said she spent every day learning something new about her town and her favorite event.

“I grew up with the festival but being queen just completely showed me a new side,” Varnum said. “Seeing the fair go up and then watching it be torn down, seeing the behind the scenes aspects and getting to know the volunteers that make the entire thing possible, you think you’re a part of it but then you get to be a part of the history of it. It was incredible.”

Varnum is in her final semester at Florida Southern College.

She is majoring in business and minoring in public relations and marketing. After graduation she plans on diving right into creating her own business. She plans

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ROYALTY THROUGH

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This year’s Queen’s Exhibit will highlight decades of memories that were instrumental in making the festival such a beloved event.

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

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hidden treasure of the Florida Strawberry Festival is found encased in a roped off corner in Neighborhood Village.

When guests walk through the door next week, they will come face to face with a shimmering red gown, a red carpet and an exhibit celebrating years of strawberry royalty. The Queen’s Exhibit is maintained by Marsha Passmore and her sister Dodie White. Each year, the duo comes together to revamp the showcase around the festival’s changing theme.

To highlight the “Building New Memories” theme the exhibit will feature building blocks, hard hats and tools. The pictures on the far wall rotate every year as do the featured end caps. The current queen’s dress and a former queen’s dress, or other festival-related items, line each end of the exhibit. This is also the first year it will feature the trophies won by the current court.

“What is so fun is we have learned so much about the queens, many who we’ve known our whole lives,” White said. “We get to talk to the queens on a more regular basis now and we’ve really gotten to know the families a little more.”

The official exhibit in the Village is entering its fifth year and no one appears to be a better fit for maintaining the treasured homage to the past. As Passmore and White passed by each picture of a former queen and her court

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER | FEBRUARY 23, 2018 | 2018 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE

Breanne Williams

Dodie White and Marsha Passmore have been running the Queen’s Exhibit for five years.

Hey, Marsha and Dodie, when should I drop off my tee-ball trophy? they began to share anecdotes of growing up around the local royals.

“She was my fourth grade school teacher,” “We babysat her when she was a little girl,” “She and I used to double date together,” and of course several proud claims of “She’s practically a daughter to me, we love her.”

Though the duo admits this job could be done by someone else, they are quick to say no one’s heart would be in the process more than theirs. Passmore and White have been attending the festival since they were little girls and their love of the queen and her court has only grown over the decades. If they don’t know the queen they are sure to know her family. One of their favorite parts of running the exhibit has been getting to know the young winners that they’ve so far only known in passing.

As soon as each year’s theme is announced, the sisters begin planning out their exhibits. Year after year it is revamped to keep the experience fresh for the festival’s regular attendees and still exciting for those coming for the first time. Throughout the festival, Passmore and White will sometimes walk among the pictures and listen in to the comments of those passing through.

It’s their way of getting honest feedback and they said they also just enjoy hearing attendees share stories of the royals they recognize.

One day, they plan on passing the reins over to someone new.

They both agreed that the time will come when they can no longer come up with fresh ideas.

Rather than let it become stale they will hand it off to another leader.

PlantCityObserver.com

A WHIRLWIND Former Strawberry Queens offer sage advice for the current court and future contestants.

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

E

ach year five girls receive the honor of being the Florida Strawberry Queen and Court. With the esteemed title comes a year of responsibility as the girls attend events, volunteer and do their best to represent the festival and town.

The experience is unlike any other and former Strawberry Queens are offering words of advice to the current court and future winners. The key to a happy reign, they said, simply lies in making sure you soak up every moment.

“I wish I would have known how overwhelming the schedule would be at the very beginning,” said the 2006 Strawberry Queen Hannah Hodge, now Hannah Benton. “Truly soak it all in.

You’re crowned and then enter the busiest six weeks of your life.

I didn’t journal, but I wish I did or I wish I would have done something to help soak it all in.”

The 2017 Strawberry Queen Drew Knotts agreed, saying the past year was one of the best of her life. She said as much as she

enjoyed every second of her reign the entire year flew by and she honestly wishes she “could do it all again.”

The intense schedule is one of the things all of the queens said they were honored to be a part of. When Knotts was crowned she said they walked off stage and were immediately told they would be meeting the next day to begin the whirlwind of a year. It caught her off guard, but she and her court stepped up to the challenge and had a blast.

Opening day at the Strawberry Festival is one of the longest days the girls have. Jessi Rae Varnum, the 2014 Strawberry Queen, said she remembered learning to Polka Dance, chatting with interviewers and greeting the hundreds of guests who came through the gate.

It was “overwhelming,” but she said it was one of the most exciting days of her life. She recommends future Queens and Court members be prepared for the long hours and remember that they’re prepared for anything that will be thrown at them.

“Don’t be nervous,” Varnum said. “It can be overwhelming but embrace every chance you get at a new experience. Your chaperones are there for you, you’re going to do great so just be sure you don’t let time slip away from you. Soak up these memories.”

The queen and her court will be

together for countless hours over the year of their reign. Sometimes, like with Knotts, the girls will have grown up together and know each other well. Usually, that is not the case but Benton said the group truly does become “sisters” by the time it is all said and done.

When Benton was crowned she didn’t know any of the girls on her court. Three of the girls had gone to school together but Benton said it didn’t take long for all of them to bond.

“It really is a lifetime friendship so go into it knowing you’re going Trust your insurance to a company built to have a life of memories with on these same values. these girls,” Benton said. “My first maid, who I didn’t know prior to Strawberry Queen, was my Maid of Honor at my wedding six years later.”

She also recommended those chosen to serve tap into the sisterhood of former queens. She said some of her closest friends have come from getting to know those who served before her.

If any current or future queen or court member ever has any questions, either about the court or life in general, they can reach out to the former royals and know they’ll be welcomed warmly.

For future contestants, all of the girls had one piece of sage Trust your insurance to a company built on these same advice: Be true to yourself and remember that confidence is key.

“You’ve got to own who you to a company built on these same values. are,” Trust Knottsyour said.insurance “I’m just going to do me and be myself. You don’t have to be a pageant girl, I wasn’t… Truthfully, at the end of the day it’s just five people’s opinions of you and it’s a lot of fun. Even if you don’t win make friends with the girls you competed with. I learned a lot about myself through the pageant and I just recommend every young girl participate.”

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2018 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE | PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER | FEBRUARY 23, 2018

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Everyone can eat a strawberry shortcake during the festival, however, it takes a truly dedicated fan to accomplish the berry-rific challenge.

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

T

267463

he Florida Strawberry Festival draws more than 500,000 guests each year.

While many visitors are simply excited to take part in the festivities, locals tend to spend the 11 days paying homage to the industry that gave the town the nickname of “Winter Strawberry Capital of the World.”

Plant City businesses are pulling out all the stops to ensure the berry greatest merchandise is available in time for the jamboree. With much dedication, one can truly have the most “berry-rific” day both inside and out

of the festival grounds.

With so many local boutiques and restaurants offering one of a kind experiences the specifics of this day are easily shifted to include other venues. The key, however, is approaching the day like you would a triathlon. Prepare, don’t use all of your energy in the first event and make sure you have a uniform that will set you apart from all of your competitors.

Attire is a must and luckily shops like A Peace of Plant City, Fringe Boutique and RAOK are all ready to adorn you in the latest red and green fashions. Go classic with a simple red dress or get ready for a day at the festival with

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER | FEBRUARY 23, 2018 | 2018 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE

PlantCityObserver.com

D E T I M I UNL G N I H S A CAR W ALL

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Try NOT! black jeans and a red sequined strawberry tshirt.

Starting early is essential to be able to fill your Instagram or Facebook with a full day’s worth of produce loving content. Start your day at The Corner Store enjoying a customizable smoothie bowl full of fresh strawberries, blackberries, almonds, granola, edible flowers and a smoothie base.

Then run, don’t walk, to the festival grounds. If you’re fast enough you may even beat the onslaught of crowds that are sure to fill the parking lot as the day progresses.

Once you’re on the festival grounds stop at any of the more than 20 vendors who offer accessories, clothes and legend-berry decor. In order to ensure this is a fruitful expedition don't forget to stop at the Neighborhood Village to snap a selfie with the 2018 Strawberry Queen’s dazzling pageant gown.

Your stomach and your tote bags are now full so run to the Time Share Exit Team Gazebo at 11 a.m. to take a photo with the man of the week, Mr. Berry himself. The Florida Strawberry Festival’s mascot will be waiting for adoring fans three times a day but get there early to avoid long lines.

Since you’ve already gone through the hassle of parking check out one of the four strawberry food eating contests.

There is the Fanta Strawberry Soda Throwdown, the Strawberry Spaghetti Eating contest, the Strawberry Mashed Potato Pie

Eating Contest and the renowned Strawberry Shortcake Eating contest.

Only dedicated berry enthusiasts will be able to accomplish the next feat. You’ve been running around for hours and are starting to feel peckish. For a double whammy, head to Olde Town Pizzeria and order the strawberry walnut salad and take along a very special lunch guest, the owner of Berry Publications, Karen Berry!

After lunch head to Krazy Kup so you don’t run out of juice.

Order a double shot of espresso and its famous strawberry cream cheese croissant. Spend your afternoon in one of Plant City’s many u-pick strawberry fields gathering the sweet berries to take home to enjoy for days to come.

And of course, no strawberry themed day would be complete without a trip to Parkesdale Farm Market. Order a refreshing strawberry shake and don’t forget to buy some “strawberry onions” and freshly made “Old Fashioned Goodness” before returning home, changing into your red flannel pajamas and watching “Across the Universe” while singing along to the Beatles “Strawberry Fields Forever.”

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Thousands of strawberries flood into the Florida Strawberry Festival each year.

The berries are picked fresh each day and are the foundation for the beloved event.

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

T Photos by Breanne Williams

Workers pick the strawberries fresh each morning before Matt Parke delivers them to the festival.

Strawberries are picked fresh each day and those not sold have the tops removed and are used in the Parkesdale shortcake.

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Matt Parke with flats of freshly picked berries at the Parkesdale Farms Packing and Cooling Plant.

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER | FEBRUARY 23, 2018 | 2018 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE

he Florida Strawberry Festival draws approximately 500,000 visitors each year.

Everywhere guests turn there are strawberry shortcakes, strawberry-themed contests and rides and even two local strawberry farms selling the freshly picked fruit to the public.

Parkesdale Farms sends approximately 15,000 to 20,000 half flats and full flats of berries to the festival. They also sell quart cups at the 11-day event.

When customers pick up Parkesdale produce they can be assured they are getting fresh product.

Matt Parke, director of operations at Parkesdale Farms, said they pick the berries fresh each morning around 7 a.m. before sending them straight on to the festival. Any berries that aren’t sold by that evening have their tops removed and are used in the Parkesdale Market’s strawberry shortcake. Each berry residing at the large booth was picked straight from the plant that morning.

“The festival is a good way to promote not only our farm but also Plant City’s farming industry as a whole,” Matt Parke said.

“My grandfather, Roy, was very adamant about promoting the industry as a whole. When he PlantCityObserver.com

File Photo

Parkesdale’s strawberry “throne” is a popular festival photo spot.

moved here the average farm was two or three acres. He bought 20 acres, pushed the trees and started his business…he took the risks to make sure the industry would prosper.”

Roy Parke was instrumental in building the festival to its current glory. As one of the pioneers of the strawberry industry, he

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put his heart and soul into building the festival. Known as the “Strawberry King,” he served as festival president for two years, has a building on the festival grounds named in his honor and was the first person inducted into the Florida Strawberry Growers Hall of Fame.

Ask anyone in town and they’ll

all say the same thing: The festival was Roy Parke’s passion.

Today, after decades in the festival, the Parkesdale booth sees thousands of visitors. The sales booth line is shoulder-to-shoulder as attendees rush to take home the famous berries.

Surprisingly, Parkesdale Farms doesn’t feature its iconic shortcake at the festival, a move apparently orchestrated by Roy Parke years ago. He was instrumental in implementing the rule that only nonprofits could sell the crowd favorite at the festival.

However, Matt Parke said the family is considering bringing their strawberry milkshakes to the event soon.

The booth itself has become an iconic place to visit. This year, visitors may be surprised to find the stall has a new look. The white and red shimmering stall is no more. In its place is a traditional country barn. The wood paneling and farm atmosphere will still feature the strawberry throne and sell the fresh berries as well as strawberry cookies and

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strawberry jams and preserves.

The family’s market is also experiencing a rush as the festival draws near. Matt Parke said starting around Feb. 1 there is a nonstop line all day at the market regardless of rain, heat or cold as people wait through the elements for that coveted strawberry shortcake or shake.

The entire family seems to share the passion started all those decades ago by Roy Parke. Peggy Parke, vice president of Parkesdale Farms, has been active in the festival for the past 45 years. She started when she was 20 and now runs the booth and spearheads

its design and activities each year.

She said without the Parkesdale booth, there would be something missing from the festival. In fact, Matt Parke’s 92 year old grandmother still works at the booth every day of the festival.

“Farming isn’t a job, it’s a lifestyle,” Matt Parke said. “What would the Strawberry Festival be without strawberries? We’re proud of what we do and proud of our town. When those gates open, our booth will be packed every day until the gates shut again. People love our fresh berries.”

Hold on to your strawberry tops, ladies and gents. I wish you all luck as I find a good hiding spot.

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‘ONE WAY TRIP

After 40 years of waiting, a local Strawberry Festival volunteer will see Engelbert Humperdinck live in concert on the Wish Farms Soundstage.

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

W

hen acts come to the Florida Strawberry Festival each year they always bring show stopping performances to the community. This year, one performer will inadvertently bring a local resident’s dream full circle.

Nora McClendon has been a fan of Engelbert Humperdinck for decades. Nearly 40 years ago she won a radio contest and received backstage passes to see him in concert when he came to Lakeland. It was a day she’s remembered ever since. Humperdinck signed her program and took a photo with her, ensuring she would be a fan for life.

Decades may have passed, but McClendon’s love for Humperdinck never wavered. Months ago, as she was cleaning out a closet, she stumbled upon her signed program and photos, flashing her back to that fateful evening. Days later, she read he would perform at the 2018 Flori-

Breanne Williams

Nora McClendon has been an Engelbert Humperdinck fan for more than 40 years.

da Strawberry Festival. The concert is set nearly 40 years to the day of her first meeting and she has front row tickets to relive the experience all over again.

“It just seems weird that 40 years after the fact he’s coming to where I am and I have tickets,” McClendon said. “I love the festival. My friends and I volunteer there and sometimes I’m there eight out of the 11 days it’s open.

It was part of my life growing up and I just love the small-town atmosphere.”

She plans on bringing her old

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program and picture with her to the concert, hoping he’ll see it and will take another photo with her all these years later. Her friends are attending the concert with her and she has family coming in just for the yearly festival.

McClendon has spent her life helping others. After graduating from nursing school she worked at hospitals with geriatric patients. She said she loved every second of it. Eventually, McClendon took a job with the Hillsborough County School System and was a nurse at Plant City High School. The change nearly made her “lose her mind,” but she soon developed a love for the kids coming through her door.

She was firm but fair and those who genuinely needed assistance would find it within her door.

One student struck a particular chord with McClendon. He was part of the Best Buddy program at the school and had a difficult home life, but always managed to brighten her day. Over the years she learned all about him, including that he loved Josh Turner’s song “Long Black Train.”

When she found out Turner was coming to the festival she sent word to his Buddy and

I will be sitting behind Nora with a bucket of cold water just in case she fan-girls out too hard. bought tickets for them to go.

When a community member found out, they bought a ticket for McClendon to tag along as well.

“He knew every word,” she said. “He has a lot of gusto, but no talent. He just sang at the top of his lungs. It was a great experience.”

McClendon is heavily involved in the community. She is on the Planters Reunite Committee, volunteers at her church New Hope @ The Cornerstone and now works at Haught Funeral Home, though she admits she refuses to ever go into the back room. She jokingly said she’s gone full circle in her career, from geriatrics to pediatrics to a funeral home.

Despite her hectic schedule she never misses the festival, even taking off occasionally to work the information booth at the event. The parade, which was her mother’s favorite event, is on McClendon’s birthday this year and she said she’s looking forward to having such an exciting year at the festival. The highlight, though, will undoubtedly be listening to Humperdinck live once again.

“I haven’t seen him since that concert all those years ago,” McClendon said. “‘After the Lovin’ was one of the big songs at the time. He was very nice to look at then. I hope he still is. I guess I’ll find out soon.”

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Cal l Jason / Dr u at 8 1 3 - 5 4 5 - 1 3 1 2

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Photos courtesy of Plant City Photo Archives & History Center

Then ...

F

or 83 years the Strawberry Festival has been delighting guests of all ages at its annual festivities. Though it used to include just a handful of rides and homebaked goods, the festival has always united the community and welcomed guests from across the globe.

The Strawberry Queen and Court have been riding along in the annual Grand Parade for decades, agriculture students have competed with their livestock and plants and everyone has taken a moment to enjoy the berries that made our town famous.

Photos are courtesy of the Plant City Photo Archives & History Center. —BREANNE WILLIAMS

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER | FEBRUARY 23, 2018 | 2018 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE

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Things looked pretty happy back then.

Well, except for the cows. They look moooooo-dy.

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Now ...

A

s the years passed, the size of the festival has only continued to grow. Now, the festival regularly hosts more than 500,000 visitors and has approximately 2,500 volunteers. During the 11-day event, guests check out the headline entertainment, youth livestock shows, rides and vendors as well as the legendary strawberry shortcake.

The parade still features Plant City icons like our Strawberry Queen and court, the agriculture shows still fill the stands and the expanded fair rides offer a night of endless entertainment. The festival was recently named as one of the top 10 fairs in the U.S. and its fame only continues to grow. — BREANNE WILLIAMS

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Is that strawfella playing a fiddle?

Does he know how to play ‘The Devil Went Down to Georgia’?

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Now accepting applications for grades K-8

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YOUR HOMETOWN BANK, SERVING THE “WORLD’S WINTER STRAWBERRY CAPITAL” AND MORE …

We all know fresh Plant City strawberries are delicious. But our city’s famous fruit is more than just a sweet treat — give your brain a “berry” fun exercise with these facts.

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n Of all fruits that ripen in the spring, none do it faster than the strawberry.

n The strawberry is unique in that it is the only fruit that has its 200 seeds on the outside.

n One cup of strawberries can give you 160% of your daily value of vitamin C with only 50 calories. They can also lower one’s cholesterol, blood sugar and blood pressure if eaten regularly.

n Strawberries are perennial plants in the rose family, meaning they technically aren’t berries.

n Some fruits continue to ripen after they are picked, but strawberries do not.

n The University of Illinois reported that 94% of American households consume strawberries every year.

n Want to visit the Strawberry Museum? You may be at the Strawberry Festival soon, but it’s not even close to the museum — that’s based in Belgium.

n The strawberry is grown in every U.S. state and Canadian province. Most continents — besides Africa and Australia — have their own native species. New Zealand also does not have its own native species.

n Roughly 247 varieties of strawberries are grown around the world.

Just so you all know, Strawberries do not have to be EATEN to lower your blood pressure! A simple chat over coffee can do the same thing. I repeat, DO NOT EAT MY FRIENDS!

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER | FEBRUARY 23, 2018 | 2018 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE

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