2020 Florida Strawberry Festival Guide

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER | FEBRUARY 27, 2020 | 2020 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE

PlantCityObserver.com

PLANT CITY OBSERVER | FEBRUARY 27, 2020 | 2020 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE

PlantCityObserver.com

INSIDE

PLANT CITY

Observer

Shorty Cakes Introduction 5 Festival Schedule

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Discount Days

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Paul Davis

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What’s New

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Ag Show Schedule

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Map

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Parades

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LEGO Downtown

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Queen’s Exhibit

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Corvette Raffle

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Festival ‘Offseason’

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Strawberry Science

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Food

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Train Museum Ask a ‘Redcoat’

Publisher / Karen Berry KBerry@PlantCityObserver.com Managing Editor / Sarah Holt SHolt@PlantCityObserver.com Associate Editor / Sports Editor / Justin Kline JKline@PlantCityObserver.com Staff Writer / Breanne Williams BWilliams@PlantCityObserver.com

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Advertising Graphic Designer / Juan Alvarez Circulation/ Office Manager / Linda Lancaster LLancaster@PlantCityObserver.com

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TO ADVERTISE Call (813) 704-6850

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Strawberry Queen Strawberry Court

Advertising / Richard Brame Richard@PlantCityObserver.com

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2019 Queen’s Farewell

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Parking

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Security

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Meet Tim Lovett

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SEND US YOUR NEWS

We want to hear from you. Let us know about your events, celebrations and achievements.

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

Tour Guide 40-41 Strawberry Recipes

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Strawberry Schools

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History Quiz and Facts 2019 Photos Strawberry Diet

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Mail: The Plant City Observer, 1507 S. Alexander St., Suite 103, Plant City, FL 33563

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER | FEBRUARY 27, 2020 | 2020 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE

When you’re pregnant, there are so many questions.

WHERE TO HAVE YOUR BABY shouldn’t be one of them.

Which car seat? What stroller? And oh, the discussions about the name. With so many questions surrounding a new baby, we want to give you one definitive and easy answer.

The hospital you choose. At BayCare’s South Florida Baptist Hospital, we have exceptional doctors and nurses to give you and your new

baby an extraordinary level of care during labor and delivery, in a comfortable, spacious room. If you’re expecting, or thinking about having a baby, come in and see for yourself. Take a tour of South Florida Baptist Hospital and sign up for one of our free prenatal classes.

Visit SFBHMaternity.org to register.

OUR MATERNITY CENTERS:

Mease Countryside Hospital • Morton Plant Hospital • St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital • St. Joseph’s Hospital-North St. Joseph’s Hospital-South • South Florida Baptist Hospital • Winter Haven Women’s Hospital SFBHMATERNITY.ORG 20-1028393-0220

PlantCityObserver.com

ShortyCakes

PLANT CITY OBSERVER | FEBRUARY 27, 2020 | 2020 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE

SHORTY CAKES’ TOP PICKS Favorite festival day: Feb. 27, National Strawberry Day! Favorite festival food: Peachey’s doughnuts. You all can enjoy strawberries and shortcakes as much as you want, but I’m no cannibal.

Favorite festival photo op: The strawberry throne at Parkesdale’s booth in the armory building. Not to brag, but it looks and feels like it was made for me.

Favorite festival exhibit: The FSGA’s farm setup brings back so many sweet memories of my childhood.

Favorite festival moment: Meeting Mr. and Ms. Berry last year. When we were just little cakedudes growing up, we heard so many stories about them from our parents! They’re living legends, whether you humans know it or not.

Favorite on-grounds entertainment: It’s all good, honestly!

But I like to watch the animal shows from afar. As soon as they look at me in the bleachers, they all think they’re about to get a treat.

Shorty Cakes blurbs and bio by Justin Kline.

The Florida Strawberry Festival is back, baby! I didn’t know what to expect when I came to Plant City last year and the Observer hired me to write for the festival guide, but I can tell you this is my favorite thing in the whole world.

Well, it’s my favorite thing besides not getting eaten, anyway. I know I’m out here looking like a whole snack right now, but you can’t throw a Fiske fry anywhere on the festival grounds without hitting a strawberry shortcake vendor. Go eat those guys!

They’re delicious and I don’t want to spend any of the next 11 days getting all chewed up.

For those of you who don’t know me — trust me, you wouldn’t forget if we’ve ever met — I’m Steven Ebenezer Shortcake.

Most people call me “Shorty Cakes.” You

can, too. There’s more than half a million people who come from all over the world to visit the festival and, like a lot of them, I’m just a cakedude from the Midwest who likes to winter here. I don’t like the word “snowbird” very much, though. Have you ever been chased by a flock of birds who all came from somewhere up north where the berries don’t taste this good? It’s nowhere near as fun as it sounds, believe me.

I just flew back to Plant City. Even though my arms are a little tired, I’m ready to be your guide to the 2020 Florida Strawberry Festival Guide. You and I are gonna get through this thing together and we’re gonna have a blast. There’s more fresh content than you could shake a cake or biscuit at! Let’s do this.

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PlantCityObserver.com

PLANT CITY OBSERVER | FEBRUARY 27, 2020 | 2020 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE

FESTIVAL EVENTS SCHEDULE I’d say I’d lose my lunch on some of those midway rides, but I probably am someone’s lunch.

3:30 p.m. Jimmy Fortune and Dailey & Vincent at Wish Farms Soundstage 6:00 p.m. First Baptist Church of Plant City Worship Team in Publix Showcase Tent 7:00 p.m. Pastor “Pee Wee” Callins in Publix Showcase Tent 7:30 p.m. Darci Lynne & Friends: Fresh Out of the Box Tour at Wish Farms Soundstage 10:00 p.m.—2:00 a.m. Moonlight Magic on the Midway

SATURDAY, MARCH 7

File photo

Rides on the midway run from noon to 11 p.m.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27 10:00 a.m. Gates open. Midway opens at Noon 10:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Jimmy Sturr & His Orchestra at Wish Farms Soundstage 11:45 a.m. Senior Citizens Drawing at Wish Farms Soundstage (One drawing only – MUST BE PRESENT TO WIN) 2:00 p.m Deep Fried Strawberry Pie on a Stick Relay at Stingray Chevrolet Entertainment Tent 2:30 p.m. Fanta Strawberry Soda Throwdown at Belmont Magic Show Stage 3:30 p.m The Oak Ridge Boys at Wish Farms Soundstage 6:00 p.m Battle of the Bands Battle #1 at Publix Showcase Tent 7:30 p.m. Rascal Flatts in Wish Farms Soundstage

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28 10:00 a.m. Gates open. Midway opens at noon 12:00 p.m. Amish Donut Eating Contest. Presented by Peachey’s in Stingray Chevrolet Entertainment Tent 2:30 p.m. Fanta Strawberry Soda Throwdown in Belmont Magic Show Stage 3:30 p.m. Tommy James & The Shondells at Wish Farms Soundstage 6:00 p.m. First Baptist Church of Plant City Worship Team in Publix Showcase Tent 7:00 p.m. Pastor “Pee Wee” Callins in Publix Showcase Tent 7:30 p.m. Michael Ray in Wish Farms Soundstage

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 29 10:00 a.m. Gates open. Midway opens at 10:00 a.m.

11:00 a.m. 47th Annual Strawberry Youth Parade starts at State Farmer’s Market 2:00 p.m. Youth Strawberry Stemming Contest in Stingray Chevrolet Entertainment Tent 2:30 p.m. Fanta Strawberry Soda Throwdown in Belmont Magic Show Stage 3:30 p.m. Roots & Boots - Aaron Tippin, Sammy Kershaw & Collin Raye at Wish Farms Soundstage 6:00 p.m. Soul Circus Cowboys in

Publix Showcase Tent 7:30 p.m. An Evening with 98 Degrees at Wish Farms Soundstage

SUNDAY, MARCH 1 10:00 a.m. Gates open. Midway opens at 10:00 a.m.

10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Baby Contest: Decorated Diaper Contest; Baby Features Contest; Diaper Derby in Publix Showcase Tent 2:30 p.m. Fanta Strawberry Soda Throwdown on Belmont Magic Show Stage 3:30 p.m. Bobby Bones & The Raging Idiots at Wish Farms Soundstage 6:00 p.m. Publix Aprons Cooking Show in Publix Showcase Tent 7:30 p.m. Reba McEntire at Wish Farms Soundstage

MONDAY, MARCH 2 10:00 a.m. Gates open. Midway opens at 10:00 a.m.

10:30 a.m. Invitational Parade Luncheon at Trinkle Center 1:00 p.m. Grand Parade Begins in Downtown Plant City 2:00 p.m. Grand Parade Passes by the Festival on Reynolds St. 2:30 p.m.Fanta Strawberry Soda Throwdown in Belmont Magic Show Stage 3:00 p.m. Home Depot Kid’s Workshop at East Independent 3:30 p.m. Neal McCoy at Wish Farms Soundstage 5:00 p.m. Strawberry Spaghetti Eating Contest in Stingray Chevrolet Entertainment Tent 6:00 p.m. Battle of the Bands Battle #2 in Publix Showcase Tent 7:30 p.m. Patti LaBelle in Wish Farms Soundstage

TUESDAY, MARCH 3 10:00 a.m. Gates open. Midway opens at noon 2:00 p.m. Adult Strawberry Stemming Contest in Stingray Chevrolet Entertainment Tent 12:00 & 2:00 p.m. Peachey’s Youth Pretzel Making Clinic in Kiddie Korral 2:30 p.m. Fanta Strawberry Soda Throwdown on Belmont Magic Show Stage 3:30 p.m. Sara Evans at Wish Farms

Soundstage 6:00 p.m. Battle of the Bands Battle #3 in Publix Showcase Tent 7:30 p.m. Skillet at Wish Farms Soundstage

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4 10:00 a.m. Gates open. Midway opens at noon 1:00 p.m. Super Dog Mega Corndog Eating Contest in Stingray Chevrolet Entertainment Tent 2:30 p.m. Fanta Strawberry Soda Throwdown on Belmont Magic Show Stage 3:30 p.m. Chubby Checker & The Wildcats at Wish Farms Soundstage 6:00 p.m. Battle of the Bands Battle #4 in Publix Showcase Tent 7:15 p.m. Honor American Heroes at Wish Farms 7:30 p.m. Josh Turner at Wish Farms Soundstage

THURSDAY, MARCH 5 10:00 a.m. Gates open. Midway opens at Noon 10:30 a.m.—12:00 p.m. Ricky Nelson Remembered (The Nelson Brothers) at Wish Farms Soundstage 11:45 a.m. Senior Citizens Drawing at Wish Farms Soundstage (One drawing only – MUST BE PRESENT TO WIN) 2:00 p.m. Strawberry Shortcake Eating Contest in Stingray Chevrolet Entertainment Tent 2:30 p.m. Fanta Strawberry Soda Throwdown on Belmont Magic Show Stage 3:30 p.m. Dick Fox’s Golden Boys — Frankie Avalon, Fabian, Bobby Rydell at Wish Farms Soundstage 6:00 p.m. Battle of the Bands Battle #5 in Publix Showcase Tent 7:30p.m. MercyMe at Wish Farms Soundstage

FRIDAY, MARCH 6 10:00 a.m. Gates open. Midway opens at Noon 2:30 p.m. Fanta Strawberry Soda Throwdown on Belmont Magic Show Stage 3:00 p.m. Strawberry Mashed Potato Pie Eating Contest in Stingray Chevrolet Entertainment Tent

10:00 a.m. Gates open. Midway opens at 10:00 a.m.

10:15 a.m. Baby Parade in the GT Grandstands 2:30 p.m. Fanta Strawberry Soda Throwdown on Belmont Magic Show Stage 3:30 p.m. FSF Battle of the Bands Finals at Wish Farms Soundstage 6:00 p.m. Dark Horse Music Show in Publix Showcase Tent 7:30 p.m. Charlie Wilson at Wish Farms Soundstage

SUNDAY, MARCH 8 10:00 a.m. Gates open. Midway opens at 10:00 a.m.

1:00 p.m. Kitchen Craft Cookware Drawing in Neighborhood Village 2:00 p.m. Pulaski Vacation Giveaway in TECO Expo Hall 2:30 p.m. Fanta Strawberry Soda Throwdown on Belmont Magic Show Stage 3:30 p.m. Eli Young Band at Wish Farms Soundstage 4:30 p.m. HOLA Plant City! in Publix Showcase Tent 5:00 p.m. Stingray Chevrolet Corvette Drawing in East Ind. 7:30 p.m. Lynyrd Skynyrd at Wish Farms Soundstage

FREE ENTERTAINMENT PUBLIX SHOWCASE TENT Vocal Trash: Daily at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. & 3 p.m., NO 11 a.m. show on March 1 or 3 p.m. show on March 8. Sponsored By: Fifth Third Bank Dennis Lee: Daily at 12 p.m., 2 p.m. & 4 p.m., NO noon show on March 1 or 4 p.m. show on March 8. Sponsored By: Global Frequency Living 2020 Florida Strawberry Festival Battle of the Bands: Thursday, February 27 & Monday, March 2 through Thursday, March 5 at 6 p.m.

First Baptist Church of Plant City Worship Team: Fridays, February 28 & March 6 at 6 p.m.

Pastor Calvin “Pee Wee” Callins: Fridays, February 28 & March 6 at 7 p.m.

Soul Circus Cowboys: Saturday, February 29 at 6 p.m.

Publix Aprons Cooking Show: Sunday, March 1 at 6 p.m.

Dark Horse Music Show: Saturday, March 7 at 6 p.m.

HOLA Plant City!: Sunday, March 8 at 4:30 p.m. Produced By: Coda Sound

SMITHFIELD STRAWBERRY TENT Kazual: Daily at 1:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m. & 6:00 p.m. Sponsored By: SunTrust Bank now Truist The Stephanie Ann Show: Daily at noon, 4:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m. Sponsored By: J.C. Sales

ON THE GROUNDS K9’s in Flight: Daily at Noon, 2:00 p.m. & 4:00 p.m. Additional 6 p.m. shows on Saturdays and Sundays. Sponsored By: EVOLVE Pet Food Runa Pacha “Indian World”: Daily at 11 a.m., noon, 2 p.m., 4 p.m., 6 p.m. & 8 p.m. in the Verizon Wireless Gazebo Flippenout: Daily at 12:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m. & 5:30 p.m. Sponsored By: Visions of Outdoor Living Robinson’s Racing Pigs: Daily at 11:00 a.m., noon, 2:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m. & 8:00 p.m. Sponsored By: Netterfield’s Concessions Dakin Dairy Farmers Milking Parlor: Daily at 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m. & 5:00 p.m. Sponsored By: Bay2Bay Outdoor Services Meet the Festival’s Official Mascots, “Mr. and Miss Berry”: Daily in the Orthotic Works Gazebo from 11:00-11:30 a.m., 3:30-4:00 p.m., & 5:30-6:00 p.m.

Rock-It The Robot: Daily at 1:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m. & 6:00 p.m. Sponsored By: Softub Express Belmont Magic Show: Daily at 11 a.m.

New York Yankees Kiddie Korral, opens daily at 10 a.m.

Kids Coloring Corner, sponsored by Simply Healthcare Plans, open daily from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

NEIGHBORHOOD VILLAGE Neighborhood Village: Daily 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Sponsored by: Kitchen Craft Neighborhood Village Youth: Daily 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Sponsored by: Hampton Inn & Suites Tampa/ East Garden Club Horticulture Show: Daily 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Strawberry Queen Exhibit: Daily 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

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

Sponsored by: HiDow MILTON E. HULL ARMORY BUILDING East Hillsborough Art Guild Art Show: Daily 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Sponsored by: Good Health Saunas Photography Contest: Daily 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Sponsored by: Spivey Concessions STRAWBERRY PRODUCTION EXHIBIT Demonstration of Strawberry Production: West of the Publix Showcase Tent. Sponsored By: Florida Strawberry Growers Association

PIONEER VILLAGE Demonstration of Pioneer Skills: Daily 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Sponsored by: Florida’s Best

PLANT CITY OBSERVER | FEBRUARY 27, 2020 | 2020 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE

PlantCityObserver.com

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FESTIVAL DISCOUNT DAYS AHEAD If you want to enjoy the Florida Strawberry Festival, but are hoping to save a few bucks, enjoy this guide to making the most of the many discounts offered by the festival.

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

It’s hard to beat a day of relaxation and fun memories at the Florida Strawberry Festival.

Whether you’re just visiting the area or have been going to the festival since your parents entered you into the Baby Parade, you should take a moment to consider how to navigate the 11day fanfare while enjoying some awesome savings.

The festival offers a special discount every single day in order to make sure everyone has the time of their life, regardless of budget.

Many of the discount days feature a theme or at the very least a few simple steps to unlock the savings. If you’re willing to do a little planning, you can easily get in with a massive discount.

FRIDAY, FEB. 28 PUBLIX FOOD AND FUN FRIDAY If you present two Publix branded or GreenWise non-perishable items, you can receive a voucher for $5 off the $30 midway wristband and ride most mechanical rides for only $25. Head to flstrawberryfestival.com to explore the massive list of participating stores.

METRO BY T-MOBILE RIDE-A-THON DAY 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. Feb. 27 is also Ride-a-Thon Day. A wristband purchased at the Midway for $20 will entitle the wearer to ride most mechanical rides for one low price. However, there’s a way to lower that cost. If you present a voucher from participating stores at any Midway ticket booth you can receive $3 off a $20 wristband and ride all day for only $17. Head to the flstrawberryfestival.com to explore the massive list of participating stores. Vouchers will be available at these locations through March 5.

You can also enjoy a free Polar Pop from Circle K with any wristband purchase. The vouchers will be available at all midway booths.

MONDAY, MARCH 2 GRAND PARADE DAY 1 p.m. SunPass is sponsoring this fun and free event. The Grand Parade is a staple for the Florida Strawberry Festival and begins downtown at Evers and Renfro Streets at 1 p.m. The parade will head north through downtown Plant City before turning west toward the festival grounds on Reynolds Street. Get there early, set up shop and enjoy a long parade filled with marching bands, tossed candy and beads and a variety of local organizations.

THURSDAY, FEB. 27 FLORIDA BLUE SENIOR CITIZENS DAY The Florida Strawberry Festival is kicking off with one of its most popular discount days: Senior Citizens Day. Patrons 60 years of age or older automatically receive $2 off their gate admission, which is typically $10, all day long. The first 250 Florida Blue Medicare Members to enter the Strawberry Festival on Senior Citizens Day will do one better and receive a completely free entry compliments of Florida Blue. All you have to do is show your Member ID card at the gate to receive free entry.

On Senior Citizens Day, a prize will also be given away at 11:45 a.m. right after the 10:30 a.m. show on the Wish Farms Soundstage. A lucky senior citizen will have their ticket drawn from a barrel and will be awarded the prize. Tickets for the drawing will be available to seniors in the stadium so go early to get a seat, get a ticket and enjoy the show. You must be present at the Senior Citizens Program to win.

then ride the variety of rides all day for only $20. The can or bottle is not valid for gate admission, but will score you a discount on the wristbands. Only one can per person.

You can also enjoy one free Polar Pop from Circle K with any wristband purchase. The vouchers for the free beverage are available at all midway booths.

SATURDAY, FEB. 29 FREE KIDS DAY MidFlorida Credit Union is sponsoring the Free Kids Day. Any child all the way up through high school will be admitted to the Florida Strawberry Festival for free all day long. All you have to do is stop by any festival ticket booth and receive a complimentary voucher to enjoy the day in the sun for free.

STRAWBERRY YOUTH PARADE 11 a.m. You don’t even need a ticket to the Florida Strawberry Festival to enjoy this fun parade.

The 47th annual Strawberry Youth Parade begins promptly at 11 a.m. on Alexander Street and will run down Reynolds Street on the South end of the Festival grounds. Come on out with your family, bring some chairs and enjoy this festive event.

CIRCLE K SUPER SATURDAY WRISTBAND DAY 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. On this day, a wristband purchased at the midway for $30 will entitle the wearer to ride most mechanical rides for this one low price. You can also enjoy one free Polar Pop from Circle K with any wristband purchase. The vouchers for the free beverage are available at all midway booths.

SUNDAY, MARCH 1 COCA-COLA FAMILY DAY 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. The Florida Strawberry Festival, Belle City Amusements Midway and Coca-Cola are offering a special discount day. Present any empty Coca-Cola brand can or plastic bottle product at an entry gate and you will receive a voucher for $5 off the $25 wristband 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 for this one low price. You can also enjoy one free Polar Pop from Circle K with any wristband purchase. Polar Pop vouchers will be available at all midway booths.

TUESDAY, MARCH 3 BREYERS HOME SCHOOL TWOSDAY 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. All children up to the age of 17 are admitted to the Florida Strawberry Festival for free as long as they are accompanied by a paying adult. The students can also ride any single ride for only $2.

RIDE-A-THON DAY 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. A wristband purchased at the Midway for $20 will entitle the wearer to ride most mechanical rides for this one low price. You can also enjoy one free Polar Pop from Circle K with any wristband purchase. Polar Pop vouchers will be available at all midway booths.

most mechanical rides for this one low price. You can also enjoy one free Polar Pop from Circle K with any wristband purchase. Polar Pop vouchers will be available at all midway booths.

THURSDAY, MARCH 5 FLORIDA BLUE SENIOR CITIZENS DAY Patrons 60 years of age or older automatically receive $2 off their gate admission, which is typically $10, all day long. The first 250 Florida Blue Medicare Members to enter the Strawberry Festival on Senior Citizens Day will do one better and receive a completely free entry compliments of Florida Blue. All you have to do is show your Member ID card at the gate to receive free entry.

On Senior Citizens Day, a prize will also be given away at 11:45 a.m. right after the 10:30 a.m. show on the Wish Farms Soundstage. A lucky senior citizen will have their ticket drawn from a barrel and will be awarded the prize. Tickets for the drawing will be available to seniors in the stadium so go early to get a seat, get a ticket and enjoy the show. You must be present at the Senior Citizens Program to win.

METRO BY T-MOBILE RIDE-A-THON DAY 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. Feb. 27 is also Ride-a-Thon Day. A wristband purchased at the midway for $20 will entitle the wearer to ride most mechanical rides for one low price. However, there’s a way to lower that cost. If you present a voucher from participating stores at any midway ticket booth you can receive $3 off a $20 wristband and ride all day for only $17. Head to the flstrawberryfestival.com to explore the massive list of participating stores. Vouchers will be available at these locations from Feb. 1 to March 5.

You can also enjoy a free Polar Pop from Circle K with any wristband purchase. The vouchers will be available at all midway booths.

FRIDAY, MARCH 6

AMERICAN HEROES DAY Sponsored by Grow Financial Federal Credit Union and Fox 13 Care*Force, this discount day is open for all active, reserve and retired military and military veterans along with Law Enforcement and First Responders (EMS & Fire Fighters). Any of the above listed with a valid ID will be admitted for free all day long.

TAMPA BAY TIMES DAY 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. If you present a coupon from the Tampa Bay Times, you can receive $5 off the $20 Fun Pack Ride Coupon Book.

The coupon with be available in The Tampa Bay Times and on www.tampabay.com on Sunday, March 1 and Friday, March 6. The coupon must be printed in hardcopy to be valid at the entrance.

An electronic version of coupon will not be accepted. This coupon is only redeemable on Friday, March 6.

RIDE-A-THON DAY 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. A wristband purchased at the Midway for $20 will entitle the wearer to ride

MOONLIGHT MAGIC 10:00 p.m.-2:00 a.m. For one night only attendees can ride most mechanical rides for one

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4

special price of $25 per person.

All patrons entering the Midway for this event will be required to purchase a $25 wristband from 10:00 p.m. until 2:00 a.m. All patrons entering grounds are subject to search.

You can also enjoy a free Polar Pop from Circle K with any wristband purchase. The vouchers will be available at all Midway booths.

SATURDAY, MARCH 7 ASTIN FARMS FARM WORKER APPRECIATION DAY All day long, farmworkers will receive free admission to the Florida Strawberry Festival with their voucher from Astin Farms.

CIRCLE K SUPER SATURDAY WRISTBAND DAY 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. A wristband purchased at the Midway for $30 will entitle the wearer to ride most mechanical rides for this one low price.

You can also enjoy a free Polar Pop from Circle K with any wristband purchase. The vouchers will be available at all midway booths.

SUNDAY, MARCH 8 COCA-COLA FAMILY DAY 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. The Florida Strawberry Festival, Belle City Amusements Midway and Coca-Cola are offering a special discount day. Present any empty Coca-Cola brand can or plastic bottle product at an entry gate and you will receive a voucher for $5 off the $25 wristband and then ride the variety of rides all day for only $20. The can or bottle is not valid for gate admission, but will score you a discount on the wristbands. Only one can per person.

You can also enjoy a free Polar Pop from Circle K with any wristband purchase. The vouchers will be available at all midway booths.

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PlantCityObserver.com

PLANT CITY OBSERVER | FEBRUARY 27, 2020 | 2020 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE

WELCOME to the 85th annual Florida Strawberry Festival In the early 1900s, local agriculture producers struggled to find a crop that could withstand the harsh winters. Most farmers lost their livelihoods. Plant City’s economic climate had to shift, and some farmers turned to strawberries. Luckily, the sweet, savory fruit was a success and the popularity of the strawberry, and the city in which it was harvested, grew.

In 1920, Plant City was named the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World and became the largest inland shipping point in the state of Florida. Shortly thereafter, the first Florida Strawberry Festival began on an empty lot with one building and consisted of floats, vendors, rides, shows and food. Since then, the festival has rapidly grown to approximately 130 acres and more than 500,000 annual guests.

The Florida Strawberry Festival is a sweet slice of Americana, and our vision for the 2020 event holds true to the traditions that were started more than 85 years ago.

The theme for this year’s festival seems quite fitting for the year 2020. As I reflect on how the festival has evolved, even over the last 10 years, I think of one thing that has remained constant: the hundreds of volunteers and the community support we receive year after year. It is truly remarkable and is a testament to the tradition and spirit of the event that has lasted for decades. “Our Perfect Vision” captures the essence of what we hope guests see when they step on our grounds.

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

For our 85th year, we have an exciting festival planned just for you. We’re inviting 24 of the country’s top entertainers, bringing in more than 85 of the most exciting rides, hosting hundreds of youth exhibitors in eight 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 Markets 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 information 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 2020 Florida Strawberry Festival, I hope “Our Perfect Vision” of this year’s event is memorable for you, your family and friends. I look forward to seeing you and hearing about the new memories you have made.

— Paul C. Davis, Jr., President

PLANT CITY OBSERVER | FEBRUARY 27, 2020 | 2020 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE

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WHAT’S NEW FOR 2020 SAHLEN’S HOT DOGS FUN ZONE

This show will have a live cooking demonstration from Sahlen’s in-house chef, which includes free product sampling, Publix retail coupons and branded giveaway items. Sahlen’s will also have a “fun zone” area featuring various sports accuracy and speed challenges.

KID’S COLORING CENTER PUBLIX APRONS COOKING SHOW

If you’re from the South you know there’s few supermarkets that people cherish more than Publix. The company is having one of its Publix Aprons chefs make delicious dishes in front of a live audience. Throughout the show they’ll share valuable cooking techniques everyone will benefit from. The show is held March 1 at 6 p.m.

Kids are welcome to come out to the New York Yankees Kiddie Korral, near the Neighborhood Village for a space exclusively for coloring a mural-sized coloring page. The area is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

PEACHEY’S YOUTH PRETZEL MAKING CLINIC

On Tuesday, March 3 at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m., all children up to age 17 are invited to the Peachey’s Pretzel Making Clinic in the New York Yankees Kiddie Korral.

DEEP-FRIED STRAWBERRY PIE ON A STICK RELAY

Come see teams of four compete in the first Deep-Fried Strawberry Pie on a Stick Relay. The relay begins at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 27 in the Stingray Chevrolet Tent.

AMENITIES

DARK HOSE MUSIC SHOW Photos courtesy of the Florida Strawberry Festival

There are several new experiences coming to the Florida Strawberry Festival this year that are helping shake things up for newcomers and festival pros alike.

Each year, the Florida Strawberry Festival has entertainers and activities that make sure each moment spent on the grounds is filled to the brim with memories.

While many of the shows return year after year, there’s always something new to add to the lineup to ensure the crowds have an evolving experience each time they come through the gates.

“Our vendors and exhibitors have truly outdone themselves this year,” Florida Strawberry Festival President Paul Davis said. “We like for our guests to have a fresh festival experience year after year, and the new food items, on grounds entertainment and attractions for this year’s event are pretty spectacular.”

With more than 500,000 visitors expected to pour in over the 11 days, there’s going to be more than enough events spread throughout the festival to ensure everyone has a chance to soak in the entertainment of their dreams.

frisbee dogs, big air high jumps and highflying canines, dock-diving dogs and more.

It’s action-packed fun for the whole family.

THE BELMONT MAGIC SHOW

Who doesn’t love a bit of magic as they slowly make a dent in an Amish donut? The Belmont Magic Show mixes magic, surprises and comedy for one performance you won’t forget. There’s illusions, live animals, costumes that make Mardi Gras look cheap and tons of audience participation.

FLIPPENOUT

Some of the best trampoline artists in North America are performing Olympic-style routines with skis, snowboards and trampolines. Adding a healthy dose of comedy to the mix only ensures the show is one everyone will remember. They advertise that the louder the audience cheers the higher the artists will go.

FREE ENTERTAINERS K9S IN FLIGHT

This is not your typical dog show. K9s in Flight is a rescue dog show that will tug at your heartstrings while simultaneously dropping your jaw in awe. All of the dogs in the show are rescues and now are participating in the “coolest of canine sports.”

You’ll get to bear witness to some amazing

VOCAL TRASH

“One man’s trash is another man’s treasure!” This group of musicians use household items to create a symphony of tunes.

There’s choreographed performances, a capella and lots of talk on the issue of reducing, reusing and recycling to help the planet be a healthier place to live.

A local music store, Dark Horse, is presenting a music showcase exclusively for the festival. The show will feature Plant City grown artists performing some of their favorite covers and original songs.

The festivity will be held on March 7 at 6 p.m. in the Publix Showcase tent.

THE STEPHANIE ANN SHOW

Stephanie Ann, a Brandon resident, plays everything from classic symphonies to modern masterpieces on her violin. She’s toured all over the nation and played on the Grand Ole Opry with country music legend Bill Anderson.

Her show is performed daily in the Smithfield Strawberry Tent.

The festival is also offering some new services on the grounds. One of the new amenities is the Badcock Home Furniture & More Mother & Baby Suite.

Located in the southwest corner of the Milton E. Hull Building this suite will allow mothers to relax with their children without having to wait in line for a restroom or head back to their cars for some privacy. This room is air conditioned and will have areas for moms to nurse and enjoy the chance to unwind throughout the day.

There are also designated “selfie spots” throughout the festival grounds this year so you can have the perfect location to Instagram you and your friends or you with the massive strawberry milkshake of your dreams. Pick up a grounds map at the festival info booth for a list of their locations.

Of course every year the festival has a new theme. This year’s Our Perfect Vision theme is accompanied with a new set of exclusive festival stickers.

Head to any festival information booth, the Amscot Main Ticket office and the festival’s box office located on the southwest side of the TECO Expo Hall to pick up your sticker to wear throughout the day at the festival.

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AG SHOW SCHEDULE HEADLINERS WISH FARMS SOUNDSTAGE

FIle photo

THURSDAY, FEB. 27 File photo

Jimmy Sturr & his Orchestra, 10:30 a.m.

Oak Ridge Boys, 3:30 pm.

Rascal Flatts, 7:30 p.m.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27

MONDAY, MARCH 2

SATURDAY, MARCH 7

7:00 p.m. Mosaic Youth Swine Show at Patterson Co. Livestock Arena

3:00 p.m. Lamb Jumping Contest at Patterson Co. Livestock Arena 7:00 p.m. Lamb Costume Contest in Patterson Co. Livestock Arena

9:00 a.m. Registration for Livestock Judging Contest in the Patterson Co. Livestock Arena 10:00 a.m. Mosaic Youth Livestock Judging in Patterson Co. Livestock Arena 7:00 p.m. Mosaic Youth Steer Sale in Patterson Co. Livestock Arena

FRIDAY, FEB. 28

SUNDAY, MARCH 8

SUNDAY, MARCH 1

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28 1:00 p.m. Dairy Contestant Judging in Patterson Co. Livestock Arena 7:00 p.m. Mosaic Youth Swine Sale in Patterson Co. Livestock Arena

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 29

TUESDAY, MARCH 3 3:00 p.m. Lamb Showmanship in Patterson Co. Livestock Arena 5:00 p.m. Lamb Show in Patterson Co. Livestock Arena

11:00 a.m. Dairy Show Showmanship in Patterson Co. Livestock Arena 1:00 p.m. Dairy Show in Patterson Co. Livestock Arena

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4

SUNDAY, MARCH 1

THURSDAY, MARCH 5

11:00 a.m. Dairy Showmanship (Adults) in Patterson Co. Livestock Arena 11:30 a.m. Dairy Pee Wee Showmanship in Patterson Co. Livestock Arena 12:30 p.m. Dairy Costume Ball in Patterson Co. Livestock Arena 2:00 p.m. Youth Plant Sale in Patterson Co. Livestock Arena

7:00 p.m. Mosaic Youth Steer Showmanship in Patterson Co. Livestock Arena

11:00 a.m. Youth Beef Breed Show in Patterson Co. Livestock Arena

6:00 p.m. Mosaic Youth Steer Show in Patterson Co. Livestock Arena

Tommy James & the Shondells, 3:30 p.m.

Michael Ray, 7:30 p.m.

SATURDAY, FEB. 29 Roots & Boots -- Aaron Tippin, Sammy Kershaw & Collin Raye, 3:30 p.m.

An Evening with 98 Degrees, 7:30 p.m.

Bobby Bones & the Raging Idiots, 3:30 p.m.

Reba McEntire, 7:30 p.m.

MONDAY, MARCH 2 Neal McCoy, 3:30 p.m.

Patti LaBelle, 7:30 p.m.

TUESDAY, MARCH 3 Sara Evans, 3:30 p.m.

Skillet, 7:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4 Chubby Checker & the WIldcats, 3:30 p.m.

Josh Turner, 7:30 p.m.

FRIDAY, MARCH 6 6:00 p.m. Beef Breed Showmanship in Patterson Co. Livestock Arena

THURSDAY, MARCH 5 Ricky Nelson Remembered (The Nelson Brothers), 10:30 a.m.

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

MercyMe, 7:30 p.m.

FRIDAY, MARCH 16 Jimmy Fortune and Dailey Vincent, 3:30 p.m.

Darci Lynne & Friends: Fresh Out of the Box Tour, 7:30 p.m.

SATURDAY, MARCH 7 Battle of the Bands Finale, 3:30 p.m.

Charlie Wilson, 7:30 p.m.

SUNDAY, MARCH 8 Eli Young Band, 3:30 p.m.

Lynyrd Skynyrd, 7:30 p.m.

File photo

What do farm animals and festival-goers have in common? They both love to pig out at the Florida Strawberry Festival!

PlantCityObserver.com

PLANT CITY OBSERVER | FEBRUARY 27, 2020 | 2020 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE

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House Crafts

Expo Hall Crafts

Circus Incredible

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nc Co Box ce Offi

Free Grandstand

Crafts & Entertainment

Exhibits

Pioneer Village

Gazebo

Lost & Found Caboose

U.S. 92/Baker Street ke Building Exhibits & Crafts

field Street

mpa East

Art & Photo Shows

MetroPCS M-N-M Construction Mosaic Netterfield’s Concessions Northern Sports O’Reilly Auto Parts Pal Petroleum Pickle Barrel Sirloin Tips

Armory Front Strawberry Growers Display

1:

Swindle Family Pavillion

2: Grimes Family Ag.Belle Center City Amusements 3: Astin Farms Pavillion Guest Services 4: Belle City Amusements Midway 5: West Grandstand Crafts 6: North Exhibit Tent

Wish Farms Soundstage 7: Tent Showcase 8: Arthur Boring Building

Risk Street Connnor Lot

9: Parke Building

PARKING Parking is available on Florida Strawberry Festival property in the Blue, Gray

13: Main Gate

Pulaski Tix & Tours Rhineland Cutlery Shoemeleons Smithfield Softub Express Southbay Sod Staywell SunTrust Bank

Gate 14

Super Dog SunPass Taco Bus Tampa Bay Rays The Hay Exchange Tobacco Free Florida Toufayan Bakeries True Stim

Oak Avenue

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and Red Parking Lots.

10: Entertainment Tent Gran-Plum 11: Lot Lost and Found Caboose 12: Expo Hall

PlantCityObserver.com

TICKET GATE AND RE-ENTRY

Magic

Plum Street

John Martin Street

Entertainment Tent

Woodrow Wilson Street

Southside

Pig Races

Belmont Armory Back Festival MAP KEY of

Hull Armory Building

Gazebo

et (S.R. 574)

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Exhibits, Horticulture, Queen’s Hall

FESTIVAL MAP

Morrow Steel

ics

Stingray Chevrolet Display

Lemon Street

oundstage

For more details, download the official Florida Strawberry Festival app.

14: Strawberry Tent Uncommon USA

USAA House 15: Carriage

Vision AutoBuilding Glass 16: Hull Armory

Visions ofTent Outdoor Living 17: Showcase WellCare ZTE USA

18: Admin House 19: Neighborhood Village Official Soft Drink

Gate 16

Download Our Mobile App

Gate 1

Gate 5

Gate 13 Gate 10

Reynolds Street

Remember: No matter where you park your car, take note of your spot with photos and notes to help you find it later and reduce your chances of getting lost.

Plant City Police Department will not easily be able to help you find your car if you’ve lost track of where you parked it. If it was stolen, that’s a different story.

PlantCityObserver.com

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER | FEBRUARY 27, 2020 | 2020 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE

PARADE PREP

Inarguably one of the most cherished traditions of Florida Strawberry Festival goers is to sit back and enjoy the Strawberry Youth Parade and Grand Parade as they slowly roll through town. Here’s everything you need to know to be ready to have the best parade day ever.

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

The Strawberry Festival Youth parade is on Feb. 29 and will be led by Grand Marshal Mary-Catherine Stephens.

Stephens is a 17-year-old Plant City High School student and her experience volunteering and leading in and out of the classroom vaulted her to the honored role of grand marshal for the event.

At 11 a.m. the many floats, marching bands, schools and organizations that participate in the parade will line up and head out from the State Farmer’s Market on Alexander Street.

Hundreds of people will be lining the streets to wave at the young parade participants and there’s a few key spots to keep in mind if you want to get the best seats for the event.

The parade will leave the State Farmer’s Market from the corner of Martin Luther King Boulevard and Alexander Street and head north on Alexander Street before turning west onto Reynolds Street. It passes right by the festival grounds on Reynolds Street and then disburses around the Sammonds Road area.

Most who camp out for the parade will be found hugging the sidewalks on Reynolds Street or on Alexander Street between the State Farmer’s Market and South Florida Baptist Hospital. There’s always empty space near the festival grounds, so if you don’t mind the sun — or are prepped enough to bring an umbrella — bring your chairs to the sidewalk and enjoy the parade before you head into the festival grounds.

The youth parade is full of local children of all ages and always is a blast for families of all ages. Immediately following the parade is the awards ceremony, which is held at 1 p.m. in the Stingray Chevrolet Entertainment tent at the Florida Strawberry Festival.

On Monday, March 2, the entire city comes to a halt in preparation for the Grand Parade, led by Grand Marshal Gail Lyons. If you’ve never been to Plant City on parade day, a word to the wise: get to where you need to go early because the streets will shut down and remain so until the massive onslaught of floats, trucks, marching bands and other parade goers have cleared the area.

The parade forms at the Plant City Plaza behind Save-A-Lot on Prosser Street, Evers Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. It then moves north on Evers Street and west on Reynolds

Street before it eventually passes the festival grounds. Then it takes one last turn onto Sammonds Street where the participants will unload and quickly disperse.

But the affair is so much more than simply the parade. Homes along Reynolds Street have house parties that last all day long. Chairs are placed along Evers Street sometimes up to 48 hours in advance in the middle of the night as people fight for the perfect location.

There’s usually food — though sometimes the parties are more adultthemed — and they last long into the afternoon before the attendees begin to trickle into the festival for the entertainment that evening.

Roots Tap Room and Wine Bar, 101 S. Evers St., is officially the very first bar to host a Grand Parade watch party along the parade route. Though still the new kid on the block, Roots has quickly become a staple in the community. Thanks to owners Brandon Snyder and Jerilyn Rumbarger’s community mindsets, the business is always throwing festive events and acting as the definitive meeting place for friends, coworkers and sometimes even strangers.

The business has outdoor seating right in front of the bar and tables are already being reserved by those wanting to have a first-class view of the Grand Parade. Roots will open at 12 p.m. for the event and feature strawberry beers and ciders, as well as catering by Norma’s Plant City Cuban Sandwich Shop. Call 813-756-5400 for more information.

If it’s your very first time coming to the Grand Parade, practice the art of preparation and patience. The earlier you camp out for your spot, the better chance you will have of getting a good view of the parade. Reynolds and Evers streets are normally filled to capacity with onlookers, but there are always a few open spots for those who can get there early enough to avoid the closed streets.

The route along Alexander and toward the festival grounds typically is a little leaner on parade watchers, but it still pulls an impressive attendance. Get there as soon as you can, bring some food and lots of water and then simply sit back and relax.

Before you know it the massive berrythemed parade will arrive.

The parade begins at 1 p.m. in downtown Plant City and will pass by the festival grounds at approximately 2 p.m.

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER | FEBRUARY 27, 2020 | 2020 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE

PlantCityObserver.com

BRICK CITY BRICKS REIMAGINES DOWNTOWN The beloved new and used LEGO store has begun recreating downtown Plant City with LEGOs. BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

One thing that makes Plant City unique is the dedication and genuine love of its residents for the community.

Whether that’s reflected in the more than 2,000 volunteers that help out at the festival every year or the way the community gives back time and again, it’s evident there’s something a little different about the strawberry town.

Hometown pride runs deep in Plant City and you can normally spot locals sporting strawberry attire, wearing their high school colors or decked out in merch from local mom and pop businesses.

That adoration for the community led Greg Williams, owner of Brick City Bricks, 107 E. Reynolds St., to begin a project that will more than likely take years to complete. The first stage, however, will be unveiled during the festival for the entire community to see.

A LEGO mastermind, Williams has carved his place in the community with his eccentric and playful store. If you’re on the hunt for a unique set or minifig, Brick City Bricks more than likely either has it or knows where to get it. They offer birthday parties, family build events and are always coming up with new ways to draw the pubic downtown.

Williams frequently references his motto for business: “If you bring people downtown, everyone benefits.” He spearheads community shopping themed days, partners with Plant City Main Street and always offers suggestions for other places to shop and eat in the downtown core.

His love and commitment to downtown is now visible. A massive LEGO recreation of the block of downtown Reynolds Street that Brick City

Bricks calls home is now officially complete. Every business on that strip has been meticulously reimagined in matching LEGO bricks.

“A local resident came in with one piece of the building done and we thought, ‘Hey, that’s a great idea,’” Williams said. “So we continued to work on the building and then began to grow it.

This student, Alex, is my in-house master builder — as I like to call him — and he volunteers at the store a lot. He helps us with events and all kinds of things and for the last about seven or eight months, he’s been working off and on bringing this street to life.”

It’s a mirror image of the businesses on his block. Williams said the hope is to one day expand it to include all of historic downtown. In a way, they’re recycling old pieces and repurposing them to bring Plant City to life.

It’s already a massive undertaking and part of the problem with continuing is its sheer amount of space. Currently, the only place the street could fit in the store is if Williams puts it on display in the front window. He said the hope is someone downtown with more room will agree to display the creation in its entirety so that those who come downtown have a way to see the unique creation and get a visual idea of what all of downtown has to offer.

Brick City Bricks will be at the festival in the Stadium Exhibit Hall in booth 646. The booth acts as a miniature of their store and will feature all kinds of minifigs, sets, bricks, T-shirts and even a new strawberry build. Those looking for more unique offerings can head downtown to see their full inventory.

The model of downtown will also be on display at the festival in Neighborhood Village.

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STRAWBERRY QUEEN Exhibit captures vision of Plant City

The annual Strawberry Queen’s Exhibit is one of the most cherished experiences at the festival.

Found in Neighborhood Village, the elegant affair showcases both the history of Plant City and shines a light on this year’s Queen and Court.

I was almost jealous of the queens for getting their own museum exhibits, but then I remembered strawberry shortcakes like me are also the stars of the show out here.

TAYLOR JENKINS WRITER

A

s you step through the heavy metal doors into Neighborhood Village at the Strawberry Festival, you will be greeted by a number of exhibits. But the first things to draw you in are the roped off red carpet, the one-of-a-kind photos and the softly glittering gown on display in the Florida Strawberry Festival Queen’s exhibit.

Adorned with satin, the exhibit is highlighted by photos of this year’s queen, Meghan White, and her court alongside the evening gown that she wore for the pageant, glimmering beneath a spotlight.

Along with being named this year’s Strawberry Queen after finishing among the pageant’s top 10 in 2019, Meghan White also won the Miss Congeniality award.

According to Dodie White and Marsha Passmore, only one other competitor in recent memory has been honored with both awards.

This was Meghan White’s second time competing for the crown and her experience with the pageant has only further grown her heart for Plant City.

“She had such a great time (last year),” Dodie white said. “She said it was such a wonderful experience that immediately when she came off and wasn’t selected in the top five, she said ‘I’m going to do this again next year’ because she had such an enjoyable time.”

Opposite Meghan White’s display, after walking down a row filled with reminders and pictures of every former queen dating back to 1930, you’ll find a display honoring this year’s featured former queen, Ashley Moody. Moody currently serves as Florida’s Attorney General, but a littleknown fact outside of Plant City is that the state’s cabinet member was named Strawberry Queen in 1993.

A native of Plant City and graduate of Plant City High School, Dodie White and Passmore saw 2020’s theme of “Our Perfect Vision” fitting for the former queen.

“When we asked Ashley if we could feature her for the exhibit it took her a little while to say yes because she’s not one to talk about herself,” Passmore said.

“When she said that she was honored, not only to be asked but to be spotlighted, we were thrilled.”

Moody sent her crown, the gown she wore as queen and multiple pictures of her and her court to be displayed.

The exhibit, a grand representation of queens past and present, also serves as a testament to the dedicated community of Plant City’s faithful, even those who have moved away over the years.

“I think (the Strawberry Queens) are just role models for our city,” Passmore said. “The ones that we’ve had experience with, they do an excellent job.

They promote Plant City in the way that they should be promoted. They love it, they clearly love it as they worked so hard during the pageant in hopes of having the honor to represent the Strawberry Festival and Plant City for a year. I think just their love for their community does that.”

That’s a mindset the sisters themselves have adopted and lived by their entire lives.

Dodie White and Passmore have served as volunteers for the Strawberry Festival for over 40 years, starting right around 18 years old as long-standing tram captains before transitioning to the festival’s ambassador program, working in the Business and Professional Women’s Club booth and eventually spending the last 15 years working with and organizing an exhibit in Neighborhood Village.

“I just think that it should be noted that over 2,000 volunteers help with this festival, and I don’t think that it gets noticed enough,” Passmore said. “I know that Paul Davis and his staff, whenever they’re at an event they’ll mention that but they go to festivals all over the United States and they say that is one thing that’s clearly lacking in other festivals and they recognize it. Others are always asking our festival, ‘How do you get so many people to help?’

Because as they’ve said, if they had to pay 2,000 volunteers then they couldn’t afford to do this festival, but I think that only speaks volumes to the board of directors that manages this festival and the staff that runs it because clearly it’s a labor of love for a lot of people. Honestly, it shows by the fact that we all continue to volunteer year after year.”

As representatives of Plant City, the queen and her court are no exception. Along with the process of being honored as a queen or court member, they can be found attending many of the city’s cornerstone events throughout the year.

“Unless they’ve gone off to college, you’ll see the queen and at least two or three of the court members, whoever can do it, you’ll see them at other community events,” Dodie White said. “You saw them at Celebrity Chef, you’ll see them at all these other local events that shows that they’re not only representing their crown but they’re representing the Strawberry Festival and representing their city.”

So while the Strawberry Queen’s exhibit paints the picture of a shining moment for the young women who have been honored with the crown and their courts, it’s the young women themselves that embody what makes Plant City so unique, their overwhelming love for their community and one another.

They’re representatives of a special city that houses an even more special community of individuals that all come together for the Strawberry Festival.

“Everything that we have done at the Strawberry Festival has been a good memory,” Passmore said. “There’s so much negativity in the world so if something as simple as festival can bring people together in a positive way, that’s a good thing and in my opinion, that’s exactly what the festival does. It’s not a popularity contest or anything, it’s just a lot of people in the community getting together and having fun. I think that’s what there should be a lot more of.”

You can check out the exhibit for yourself anytime during the Strawberry Festival at Neighborhood Village.

Breanne Williams

Dodie White and Marsha Passmore curate the Queen’s Exhibit in the Neighborhood Village.

File photo

The gown Meghan White wore in the 2020 pageant will be the centerpiece of this year’s exhibit.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER | FEBRUARY 27, 2020 | 2020 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE

PlantCityObserver.com

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ONE ‘BERRY’ COOL RIDE JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

If you want to upgrade your daily driver in 2020, the annual Unity in the Community Corvette raffle is exactly what you need.

For just $5 per ticket, you get a chance to win a brand-new 2020 Chevrolet Corvette C8. This berry-red beast packs a punch with 490 horsepower, an eightspeed dual clutch transmission, a 14-speaker Bose sound system, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes and much more.

All proceeds from the fundraiser benefit Unity in the Community, one of Plant City’s most prolific charity groups. Stingray Chevrolet has provided vehicles for the raffle for the past 11 years and has helped raise roughly $1.5 million for Unity in that time.

Contestants are limited to 50 tickets each and you don’t

have to be present at the Florida Strawberry Festival during the March 8 drawing to win. You also don’t have to take that Corvette, as several recent winners have instead opted for other Chevrolet cars or SUVs. Tickets are available at Stingray Chevrolet during business hours until 6 p.m. March 6, at the Florida Strawberry Festival during all 11 days of the event through 4:30 p.m. March 8 or online at stingraychevrolet.com/ chevrolet-charity-raffle/ through 3 p.m. March 6. Visit the website for more information.

Does it come with a booster seat? If so, I’ll take 50 tickets. Put it on the Observer’s tab, please.

Proud To Be Part of the Local Community Educating Children Grades K-8 Now Enrolling 2020-2021 School Year

AdvantageAcademyHillsborough.com | 813.567.0801 Info@AdvantageAcademyHillsborough @AdvantageAcademyofHillsborough

@AAHmustangs

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THE FESTIVAL’S ‘OFFSEASON’

Though everyone knows what happens during the 11 days of the Florida Strawberry Festival, it’s also a year-round operation that directly impacts the community.

JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

There’s plenty about the Florida Strawberry Festival that makes it unique, from its army of 2,000 volunteers to the way so much of Plant City’s identity is tied to it.

But another thing that makes Plant City’s festival stand out is something many of the more than 560,000 annual attendees might not consider: what happens in mid-March when the party’s over and the grounds revert back to normal.

You could consider mid-March through the rest of the year to be the festival’s “offseason,” but the only people involved with the festival who aren’t working on it in some capacity are many of those volunteers. There’s just about always something going on at the festival grounds, whether it’s upgrades and repairs or facility rentals for community and private events.

Much of the money made by the festival does come from you, but not in the same way as most big fairs and festivals — instead, it’s coming from ticket sales leading up to the festival and through its 11 days. The Florida Strawberry Festival refuses to take any subsidization money from the state of Florida, meaning Hillsborough County tax dollars aren’t funding its $12 million annual operating budget at all, and the festival has also abstained from raising its admission prices for the last 33 years.

“We’re proud of that,” Florida Strawberry Festival Chairman Dub McGinnes said.

“We are successful at the ticket booth, with the entertainment, et cetera. That gives us money to operate on, and then we take the additional money to improve our grounds

and our facilities. That gives us a cash flow and a base to not only do our operation but to give back to the community, as well.”

Throughout the rest of the year, the festival makes extra money by renting out facilities like the TECO Expo Hall and the Charlie Grimes Family Agricultural Center for events. The festival grounds are also home to large-scale events like the annual Christmas Lane displays, smaller events like the Fancy Flea or day-long or weekend-long shows, other markets or exhibitions, and even a local wrestling club, Top Gun Wrestling Academy. Each event is carefully considered by the festival before any agreement is made to use the space, so as to respect the property and well-being of the homeowners, schools and businesses adjacent to the festival grounds.

“Part of the deal we have worked out with our neighbors — we’re very sensitive to the people that live around here — is that for 11 days, the sound, the noise, the traffic, they’re OK with it because, more often than not, they park cars in their yard and this is an income-producing thing for them,” McGinnes said. “Now, you take in August or another month where we would park on the midway if we were gonna have events like that, that would take advantage of the people that live here and we feel very uncomfortable about doing that.”

The maintenance department, led by Vice President of Operations Tim Lovett, works year-round to keep the festival grounds and its buildings in top shape and address any issues that may arise. One of the biggest recent projects, for example, was the installation of the current Wish Farms Sound Stage grandstands that started in March 2017, right after the festival ended, and was officially unveiled to the public in January 2018.

“Typically, if we have been as successful as we planned, we have other major improvements planned going forward and some of these projects take the full year,” McGinnes said. “The stadium deal, between that and the new expo hall behind it, that was in excess of $5 million and we had to start right afterward to get that construction going. Two weeks after the previous festival, we broke ground. We completed it just before the next festival opened.”

The festival does employ full-time staff members who work year-round, starting on the next year’s festival as soon as their work regarding that year’s event wraps up.

The entertainment committee, in fact, has already made offers to entertainers for the 2021 festival.

One of the biggest donations the festival makes happens during the 11 days. The festival chooses to partner with the dozens of schools, businesses, clubs, churches, civic groups and more for additional festival parking and, for many, festival parking turns into one of the most lucrative fundraisers they’ll have all year. McGinnes said the local partners received north of $105,000 last year alone and that money helps many youth programs in the area.

But the festival also helps out during the rest of the year. One longstanding example of the Florida Strawberry Festival’s charitable work is through its annual Strawberry Ball. All of the money the festival raises from the event’s ticket sales, auctions and sponsorships is rounded up and donated to a local organization of the festival’s choosing. The United Food Bank of Plant City has been the recipient of the last three Strawberry Ball donations, most recently getting a check for $30,875 in July 2019.

Why would a festival take the time to give back to the community? It’s actually a

simple answer: because without the community’s support, the Florida Strawberry Festival wouldn’t be anything like what it is today.

“One of the main reasons we’re successful is our volunteers,” McGinnes said.

“I know people who take their vacations so they can volunteer at the festival. They’ve got skin in the game. It’s their community.

They’re proud of our festival. That’s what creates this warm feeling that differentiates us from other festivals.”

People think I’m a volunteer. They ask where I came from and how to get there, but then get surprised when I don’t say St. Clement, Parkesdale or Transforming Life Church.

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ONLY THE

‘BERRY’ BEST

FOR THE FEST

Some of the berries you’ll eat at the Florida Strawberry Festival really are the best of the best, thanks to University of Florida scientists.

No matter what your college football allegiance is, everyone at the Florida Strawberry Festival can thank the University of Florida for some of the best-tasting berries on the grounds.

If you walk over to the Florida Strawberry Growers Association’s Strawberry Production Exhibit, located west of the Publix Entertainment Tent along Reynolds Street, you’ll see the “Florida Brilliance” and Sensation® varieties developed by the UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences and fine-tuned over the last six years. “Florida Radiance,” the most popular variety of Florida strawberry, was also developed by UF/IFAS scientists.

“The varieties are bred in the same conditions that we grow them commercially,” FSGA executive director Kenneth Parker said in a press release. “UF/IFAS breeds short-day varieties because that’s what grows best in Florida. The UF/IFAS varieties check all the boxes.”

The goal UF/IFAS scientists have in mind is to breed berries with genetics that can do three important things: taste better, last longer off of the plant and resist pests and diseases naturally with less reliance on chemicals. This all happens in nearby Balm at the UF/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center.

“These varieties are constantly getting better,” Vance Whitaker, an associate professor of horticultural sciences and strawberry breeder at the GCREC, said in a press release. “They’re tasting better.

So, they fill those needs. They’re lasting longer in the refrigerator, and they’re more consistently available throughout the season.”

Though you can’t pick the berries from the rows at the FSGA’s farm (don’t

even try — you will get caught and the whistle will blow), you can learn everything you could possibly want to know about how strawberry farms and production works from some of the most knowledgeable people in the state.

Even if you’re venturing away from the FSGA’s famous festival farm, there’s a very good chance you’re going to eat these varieties whether you know it or not. According to the FSGA, “Florida Brilliance” berries are grown on roughly half of the 10,000 acres of Florida strawberry industry.

I wish I would have seen this before I bought that 23 and Me kit last week.

Vance, if you’re reading this now, please call my agent!

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THE OBSERVER’S

FAVORITE FESTIVAL FOODS I only heard about that strawberry shortcake eating contest after I agreed to work here. I haven’t been able to look at Justin Kline the same way since.

JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Is a strawberry shortcake from anywhere on the Florida Strawberry Festival grounds really that much better than one you’ll get outside of Plant City?

Let me tell you a story. My first Florida Strawberry Festival experience as an Observer staffer was back in 2014 and I had always heard about how good the shortcakes (or biscuits, if that’s your thing) were, but never had it for myself. So, my editor at the time decided putting me in the strawberry shortcake eating contest was the best way to get me initiated. Eating four pounds of the stuff at once would make up for all that lost time, right?

Here’s where the festival messed up, at least for a guy like me: that shortcake was delicious. I’m not a disciplined enough eater to power through something that tastes that good. I have to savor it, even if my version of savoring every bite of something still looks a little bit faster than many of yours. And when you’re slowly eating something that rich and sugary with that much whipped cream on top, your stomach’s gonna have some fighting words for you and you’re not gonna be too distracted to notice.

Some guy actually finished his entire plate and legitimately won the contest. I might have gotten through a pound and a

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

half of the strawberry shortcake before I had to tap out. I then went an entire year without eating strawberry shortcake — not totally because I swore myself off of it after having eaten enough for one year, but also because my heart and my stomach gave me completely different signals every time I even looked at one.

And you know what? When the 2015 festival rolled around, I jumped right back in. No regrets.

I’m not the same person I was back then. I’ve drastically cut sugar from my diet as part of my own healthier eating initiative and most dairy products hit my stomach much differently now, for the worse. But when I go to the festival, I still make sure I get a strawberry shortcake from anywhere because the taste of those Plant City strawberries is undefeated.

Whatever happens to me later that day totally worth it.

If you see a strawberry shortcake booth, you’re not gonna go wrong. I prefer the local ones, though — whether it’s St. Clement, Parkesdale, EHHS, PCHS Band or anything else that escapes me at the moment, you’re buying well if you buy local.

Oh, and one more thing: shout out to Peachey’s and Pickle Barrel Sirloin Tips for making my the other two of my top three favorite things to eat at the festival.

Seriously, go buy their stuff. You don’t even need to thank me.

I’ll be the first to admit that traditional “fair food” isn’t really my cup of tea. It’s heavy, it’s often greasy and after you’ve spent more than a week walking around watching people inhale buckets of fries and stain their lips with bright cotton candy the allure of the special treats tends to diminish.

Luckily, one of the many aspects that sets the Strawberry Festival apart is its draw for culinary enthusiasts. Vendors always step up their game and the food at nearly every booth tends to be mouthwatering and creative enough to make even the healthiest eater seriously consider splurging.

If you’re there for more than one day there’s more wiggle room to try everything your heart desires. However, if you’re trying to check off your cheat list in one go tag-team with a friend and you can accomplish so much more.

Speaking as someone who frequently is at the festival from opening to close, finding the perfect breakfast is one of the most complex culinary decisions of the day. There’s always the dessert for breakfast option: strawberry shortcakes, strawberry crepes, strawberry funnel cake.

But I frequently find myself weaving my way over to the Plant City High School Music Foundation’s booth in the Stadium Exhibit Hall for a bowl of fresh berries.

They’re sweet — sugar-free options are also available — and refreshing, and allow you to really enjoy the genuine strawberry flavor without also adding the innumerable calories that come along with “all the fixins’” that you’ll find in so many of the other desserts.

Johnson Barbeque, found east of the Stadium Exhibit Hall near the grandstands, is one of the few booths I visit time and again as I spend 11 days covering different events at the festival. While one could wax poetic about the strawberry brisket tacos for hours, there’s another element available that locals adore and many visitors often overlook. Johnson’s has a refillable tumbler.

This is Florida. Even when it’s chilly, the sun is blazing high in the sky and you’re going to quickly have your day of fun turn sour if you don’t stay hydrated. Water is a must, but let’s be honest. Most of us enjoy treating ourselves to something else while we’re on a mini-vacation at the festival.

If you grab a Johnson’s tumbler, you can drink homemade sweet tea all day long.

It’s one of the first stops locals make every year and the sheer number of those cups that you’ll see throughout the day if you pay attention will clue you in on the true magnitude of the deal.

Nestled in the corner of the Strawberry Festival near neighborhood village is a small booth that one could argue changes lives. Smitty’s Hand-Dipped Buttermilk Corn Dogs has a cult following. It’s a simple recipe, but for some reason these corn dogs stand well above the rest. The line speaks for itself and it frequently will be seen wrapping all the way toward Kiddieland. It’s not uncommon to see true corndog enthusiasts pop over for a freshly dipped dog for breakfast. If you haven’t tried them, trust me. Get a napkin, grab your corn dog, do a simple squiggly line of mustard and enjoy.

No festival experience would be complete without trying something, well, untraditional.

When it comes to food, I’ll try just about anything once. And the festival is the per-

fect place to flex your adventurous muscle.

If I’m with a friend who is itching to order something “for the ‘gram,” I automatically take them to one of two places: Carousel Hamburgers or Peachey’s Baking Co. Carousel, on the far northeast corner of the festival, creates massive “hamburgers” unlike anything you’ve ever seen. Labeled the Strawberry Sandwich the meal is a hamburger patty, strawberry mayonnaise, strawberry relish and all the other trimmings and is sandwiched between two large and very sweet strawberry donuts.

I can eat maybe four or five bites before I’ve had my fill, so definitely split it with a friend.

At Peachey’s, there is no end to your Instagram photo ops. The Sweetheart is a tradition at the Strawberry Festival. It’s the massive Amish donut, hot fudge, whipped cream and locally sourced strawberries.

This year they’re shaking things up by adding a S’mores creation as well. Ignore the long line, it always moves very fast and believe me the food is worth the wait.

My true moment of near insanity last year, however, came purely by chance. A few friends and I were taking a break from covering events at the festival and decided to try the chocolate dipped bacon at Mavric’s Chocolate Barn at the southern end of the Smithfield Strawberry Tent.

We all use social media so the photos floating around of the trays of crisp bacon strips and a pocket of white or milk chocolate had piqued or interest. We ordered a tray to split with a nice pool of white chocolate for dipping.

As the sun beat down a wave of exhaustion hit us practically at the same time and we decided to go find a show on the grounds to watch while we took a moment to relax before running off to the next event. A voice from a microphone in the distance alerted us a show was about to begin.

We took our seats in the corner of the stands and watched in amusement as children jumped at the chance of representing their token racer. The stands were split up into sections and each section was assigned a runner. For those of you who are festival pros, you know exactly where this is going.

Yes, unconsciously, my friends and I found ourselves in the cheering crowd gathered to watch Robinson’s Racing Pigs.

And yes, we were eating bacon slathered in freshly melted chocolate.

As Snoop Hoggy Hog overtook the frontrunner and rounded the corner to glory, consuming the crushed oreo cookie before his fellow pigs had the chance to get to the tray at the finish line I crunched down on a thick piece of sweet and salty pork.

As I swallowed, the realization of what we were doing hit me like a ton of bricks.

There’s nothing quite like having a philosophical moral crisis in the middle of an athletic event with literal pigs as the highly trained competitors. Nietzsche’s warnings of staring into an abyss floated across my mind as the roaring of the crowd at Snoop’s victory echoed around me. I had never more seriously considered returning back to my former vegetarian lifestyle. To say the least I didn’t pick up another piece.

My friends, however, gladly finished polishing off the batch.

I’d be lying if I didn’t admit the snack was absolutely delicious. However, I highly recommend you take them with you on a walk toward the Midway and avoid the edge of Kiddie Korral as much as possible.

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WHAT’S NEW

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(COURTESY OF THE FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL)

STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE ELEPHANT EAR

A sweet strawberry-flavored dough is flattened through a sheeter and deep fried. Then it is slathered with a thin layer of liquid butter, sprinkled with powdered sugar and topped with fresh-cut strawberries and a heaping mound of homemade cream cheese icing. Located at Best Around Funnel Cakes near Neighborhood Village.

CHOCOLATE STRAWBERRY ELEPHANT EAR

A sweet strawberry-flavored dough is flattened through a sheeter and deep fried. Then it is topped with a thin layer of liquid butter and powdered sugar. Topped with fresh-cut strawberries and a heaping mound of homemade cream cheese icing. Located at Best Around Funnels Cakes near Neighborhood Village.

FRENCH ONION GRILLED CHEESE

It has all your favorites of a great bowl of French onion soup, but in a sandwich. Behind the TECO Expo Hall at the Sunshine Grilled Cheese Concessions stand.

APPLE FRIES

Apple fries are delicious treats that taste like crispy mini apple pies. Festival goers have the option of having them with caramel, whipped cream, ice cream and even bacon! As a bonus, apple fries are vegan and glutenfriendly, so those with these types of dietary restrictions can enjoy these treats as well. Located under the GT Grandstands at the Happy Dough Cookie Company.

DEEP FRIED RAVIOLI KABOB

Spaghetti Eddie’s has created an Italian classic to go. Served with a side of marinara. Located near the Stingray Chevrolet Tent.

CAROUSEL’S NEW HAMBURGER CREATIONS PIGGY PALACE’S STRAWBERRY PIGGY SHORTCAKE

A non-traditional take on a strawberry classic. The piggy shortcake includes sweet cornbread, pulled pork and a drizzle of homemade strawberry barbecue sauce. Located near Gate 10.

S’MORES STACK

Peachey’s Baking Co., beloved for their Amish doughnuts, has created the S’mores Stack, a combination of their famous doughnuts topped with melted chocolate, marshmallow cream and a freshly toasted marshmallow. Find this sweet new treat at their Edwards Street location.

CHOCOLATE-COVERED BACON KABOB

Featuring fresh Plant City strawberries on a kabob, covered with silky milk chocolate and showered with chunks of bacon. Located at the Strawberry Crepes stand near Woodrow Wilson Street.

Featuring two new hamburger creations, Carousel Concessions has skillfully sandwiched a hamburger patty between two deep-fried ramen noodle buns. If ramen noodles aren’t your thing, you should try the waffle bun piled high with fresh Plant City strawberries and sweet maple syrup. Located near Neighborhood Village.

COOKIE BARN’S STRAWBERRY COOKIE WITH WHITE CHOCOLATE CHIPS

All kinds of cookies are made fresh daily at the Cookie Barn.

From classics like chocolate chip to strawberry and white chocolate, there’s something for everyone plus milk (and chocolate milk), hot chocolate and coffee for drinking and/ or dunking purposes. The Cookie Barn is set up outside the northwest corner of the stadium exhibit hall.

STRAWBERRY CREAM CHEESE DELIGHT CALZONE

A traditional calzone gets a twist: fresh dough stretched flat, then piled high with a strawberry filling and deep fried until golden brown.

Sprinkled with powdered sugar, drizzled with chocolate sauce and topped with rich whipped cream and served with a side of cream cheese for dipping.

Located at Taylor’s Doughboy stand on the south side of the Parke Building.

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RAILROAD MUSEUM CHUGS INTO FESTIVAL

For the very first time, the Robert W. Willaford Railroad Museum will have representatives at the Florida Strawberry Festival spreading the word about the hidden gem in Plant City.

What, you thought Plant City was named for the strawberry plant and not Henry Plant? ...Yeah, so did I.

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

One of Plant City’s greatest treasures, the Robert W. Willaford Railroad Museum, will now be represented at the Florida Strawberry Festival.

The museum, which is nestled in the heart of downtown at 102 N. Palmer St., has drawn innumerable guests to town over the years.

Between its impressive museum inventory and the viewing platform across the tracks that allows viewers to witness trains as they cross the double diamond, it has

received countless praises over the years and is a shining asset to downtown.

However, many who attend the festival never wander outside of its grounds and thus miss all the other things that make the city so unique.

Eric Barber, president of the Robert Willaford Railroad Museum Society, said the group hopes its presence at the festival will act as a catalyst toward changing that trend.

“Our role is to curate and run the museum and help it grow and continue to be an anchor for the community,” Barber said. “The reality is that a lot of people that go to the festival don’t know what else is around here. They don’t know about our downtown or about the museum. We’re hoping to kind of change that.”

The group will be located in the main exhibition hall at booth number 73. Those who stop to chat will be given a temporary

tattoo specially designed by the museum and have the opportunity to pick up a leaflet to learn more about the depot downtown.

Though this is their first time at the festival, they’ve gone above and beyond decorating the space and are sure to leave a lasting impact on those who stroll through the hall. An authentic train crossing arm acts as the entrance to the booth and there is a crossbuck, a dwarf signal, an N Scale model train, several photographs and a video about the museum all nestled into the booth.

What many fail to realize is that without the train, there would be no Plant City. Yes, the strawberry is what the town is known for, but the train helped bring the city to life and played a key role in shipping its produce to areas across

the nation. You can learn all about the history of Henry B. Plant bringing the railroad to town and uniting the local communities at the museum along with a variety of other interesting facts. The museum is also curated with artifacts rarely seen anywhere else in the world.

It is also the only place in the southeast the public can witness a double diamond crossing, where two sets of tracks cross at an intersection. There’s always people lingering about the area with cameras at the ready as they wait to record the crossing.

The booth at the festival will be manned all day and night and the museum itself will be open during normal business hours. You can learn more about the museum at willafordrailroadmuseum.com.

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ASK A “REDCOAT”

“My perfect vision would be seeing first-time attendee families arrive at the festival. Getting to see their initial reactions to the attractions, entertainment, vendors, rides and simply being able to watch them enjoy some family time at the 2020 event would be pretty perfect.”

—Pastor Calvin “Pee Wee” Callins, Associate Director

“A perfect vision for me is starting the day off at Spivey’s for breakfast, walking the livestock barns and helping exhibitors to have a positive experience. For lunch, we eat at the FFA Iowa Pork Chop booth, talking with patrons about the positive experience of our youth agricultural programs and eating fried cheese from the Wisconsin cheese booth. We finish our evening watching the amazing entertainers, finding new eating experiences (I love eating!) and having reunions with friends and acquaintances that are made year after year.”

— Brian Shepherd, Associate Director

“It starts with an awesome Florida spring day. Exploring all of the many attractions and vendors on the fairgrounds to watching the kids go crazy on the midway. Then ending the day watching a concert on the Wish Farms Soundstage.”

—Chris Sparkman, Director

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We asked Florida Strawberry Festival directors and associate directors: What’s your perfect vision of a day at the Florida Strawberry Festival?’

“The lights of the midway, fair food smells, families (mine included) enjoying themselves, seeing old friends, the vendors… it’s incredible. Some of the vendors and exhibitors have been coming to the festival as long as my 25 years of attending. Honestly, the Florida Strawberry Festival feels like an annual family reunion.”

—Dr. Michael Salvato, Director

“It’s quintessential Plant City! I love the food! Spending time with family and friends. The food! Great shows!

And did I mention the food?!”

— Brian West, Associate Director

“My perfect vision of a day at the festival includes my daughters, who are in college in Gainesville and Orlando, bringing their friends home to Plant City for the weekend and spending the day showing off our great festival. It is always the most fun experiencing the festival through the eyes of a first-time guest. Every year, we have the same friends wanting to come back and bring new friends!”

—Lori Yarbrough, Associate Director

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I hope I saw a typo in your Q&A and you’re actually excited to *meet* me, not to eat me! Otherwise, we’ll have a big problem. back to the intricate community she had the privilege of being raised in.

Though the festival is always the major event the new Queen and Court attend, there are festivities year-round the group will throw their support behind. White especially enjoyed helping out with

What made you want to go out for the pageant?

I have always, since high school, been encouraged to do it by teachers, peers, families, friends and the community. Me and Emma had the honor of going out last year and we just loved the environment so much. We felt like we grew so much as people and as girls, as representatives for the community, so we really wanted to go out again this year to further that.

Meet Meghan White

YOUR 2020

STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL QUEEN

When Plant City native Meghan White walked out onto the stage for the first time Saturday night her confident nature and kind spirit was evident to everyone in the audience. By the end of the night, she walked away with both the Miss Congeniality award and the crown.

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

G

enerations of Plant Citians have grown up watching one lucky girl don the coveted crown each January and become the next Strawberry Queen.

The role is designated for someone who embodies everything Plant City and the highly-lauded Florida Strawberry Festival is all about. The judges seek a candidate who has a deep passion for Plant City, is poised and able to flawlessly carry herself through any conversation or task. This year, they struck gold in Meghan White, a senior at Durant High School who has shared in Plant City’s community-centered mindset her entire life.

“I hope, when this year is over, that people remember me as a kind person,” White said.

“There’s always going to be mean people in the world, people that don’t understand where you’re at in life and maybe are hurting and lashing out. This world could use some kindness and I think it would be really cool to be remembered by that.”

Her roots with the festival go back practically to birth. She was a contestant in the Baby Parade, and then as she grew older she got involved showing swine in the livestock shows. However, it wasn’t until her freshman and sophomore years of high school that she began thinking about entering the Strawberry Queen pageant.

“I had an ag teacher who really planted that seed and told me that I really needed to think about

going out for the pageant,” White said. “Then I started hearing it from friends and family and it wasn’t until last year that I finally decided, ‘OK, I’m going to try this.’ I learned so much from that experience and grew so much as a person and when I saw all that Kendall (Gaudens) accomplished I knew I had to come back this year.”

And when she returned, it was with the confidence and grace that launched her to the top of the group. Many of the contestants seek coaching prior to the pageant from community members who are either former queen and court members or have a great depth of pageant knowledge.

Both years, she decided to give it her all and sought the guidance of a coach throughout the process.

White said she wasn’t one of those girls who grew up doing pageants, so there was a learning curve in her first year as she quickly surrounded herself with the ins and outs of the competition. She quickly learned she was an over-thinker and said she took every critique to heart, then worked tirelessly to correct them.

This year, she attempted to take a more laid-back approach to the journey and said she learned a lot, and that her nerves were not at the forefront as she felt much more relaxed this time around.

Her selfless and warmhearted nature caused the other contestants to vote her as Miss Congeniality, an honor she said “meant the world” to her. She and her court are now well on their way to developing a deep and supportive bond.

White said her main goal as

Queen is to make sure that everyone she comes across walks away a little happier than they were before their paths crossed.

“I want to make sure that people feel empowered and loved,” White said. “I’m not sure that it’s necessarily about what you do, but rather that you do it with a good heart. I think Plant City has such a community-oriented environment and it’s very family oriented, as well. I am lucky to say that I have a loving family and a loving home and I hope that I can spread some of that joy to everyone I meet. I’m very good at finding the positive in situations and have learned to stay true to myself and my faith. We all seem to be on the same page about that.

I think that we’re really going to hopefully spread some happiness this year.”

Her sentiment was echoed by every member of her court and all took long moments to discuss the hope and love they aim to instill in every one of their interactions with the public.

And the girls know their stuff.

Every single one of them has memories of growing up in Plant City, and each has their own favorite place to show off to their friends. White is the daughter of Stacy White and Barbie White and had a plethora of local memories to choose from when she discussed what her favorite part of Plant City was. She shared her personal attachment to the Veterans Memorial Monument Park, her memories sitting at Parkesdale on the strawberry throne and the thrill of shopping for unique finds at the Mercantile. Through it all, however, she kept coming

What was your first thought when your name was called?

I was honestly just so shocked.

I was very honored because you know, in reality, any of the 23 girls could have gotten it, they were all amazing and it was just so humbling to hear my name called.

It was a very surreal moment for me.

What was your families reaction?

My dad told me the whole pageant that he was more nervous than I was and I’m sure that held true right up to when they called my name. I’m sure he was so overjoyed and excited. We all knew that this would be such an awesome experience for not only me, but the other girls and the community. I think they were just proud to that I get to be a part of this and give back.

Do you have a piece of advice for someone going out next year?

Be yourself, fully yourself. It’s all subjective, they tell us that from the beginning. It could have been a different panel of judges and a different set of girls. As long as you stay true to who you are, your morals and who you really are and just be super confident and embrace who you are not only in the interview, but on stage and everywhere you go, then you’ll be doing all that you can.

If you could pick one word to sum up your personality what would it be?

‘Random.’ I’m just a very random — well, people call me ‘bubbly’ — person. It’s hard for me to talk about myself, but people have always told me that I’m kind of bubbly and really crazy sometimes. I love dancing, I’ll just start dancing in school. The cafeteria, class, at my table, I’ll just dance.

I think all of my gestures and sometimes the words that come out of my mouth can be kind of random, but it’s fun.

What is your favorite place to spend an afternoon in Plant City?

I personally like the Veterans Memorial Monument Park. I was actually there when it opened up, when I was really little. My grandfather was buried in Arlington and it’s really cool to see that the mili-

Night to Shine, the ministry event that offers a “prom night experience for people with special needs.”

“I’m just so excited about what’s ahead,” White said. “I know there’s going to be so many wonderful experiences and I’m really hoping we are able to serve and help our community in our own unique way.

We all really love Plant City and the festival and just our community as a whole and I think that’s really going to show through the way we love others. I can’t wait to share our community with the people we meet. I’m just really excited.”

tary community has an impact in Plant City, too. It’s relaxing there, a great place to walk around and sit and relax in the evening. It kind of connects me to D.C. even though I can’t be there a lot.

Do you have a secret talent?

Denim and I both play instruments. I play the trumpet.

What are you most excited for at the festival?

Just to meet everyone. I think it will be really cool to meet everyone and serve everyone and be able to not only smile, but to spread laughter and joy.

What band are you most looking forward to?

Tommy James & the Shondells.

It’s my grandma’s favorite band and her favorite song is ‘Crimson and Clover.’ I remember whenever I was little we would always jam out to that song in her car. She would play it on repeat. I ended up really loving that song and we still sing it together to this day.

What festival food are you most excited to eat?

Strawberry shortcake, hands down.

Who is someone you admire?

I have a lot of people that I admire because I like learning from other people. A historical figure I actually really look up to is Abraham Lincoln. I know it sounds weird and everyone laughs when I say that, but it was so inspiring that in a time when our country was in such a crisis and was so divided that he was able to maturely and carefully bring the country back together.

What movie can you quote by heart?

In all honesty, I don’t watch too many movies. I don’t have time to watch movies but, to be honest, one of my favorite movies is ‘Cats.’ I know it got terrible ratings, but I must say that is the best movie on this Earth. That’s my favorite movie and if I had time I could absolutely watch it all day, every day. I am into the arts, I’m in drama, I used to be in band, I’m a dancer and I am really into photography and videography — though I’m not as good as Denim. I just appreciated the songs and dancing and the little details from when the actors had to adjust how they moved to be catlike. It was very impressive and everything was just so good.

What would your anthem be?

What’s a song that you love listening to?

Luke Bryan is one of my favorite artists ever and I like the song ‘Most People Are Good.’ I think it has a really good story behind it.

PlantCityObserver.com

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FIRST MAID

friends, and I think you really just need to have fun with it and try not take it too seriously, it will make it more enjoyable.

KENNEDY SAPP

If you could pick one word to sum up your personality what would it be?

I’m a very easygoing person. I try not to let things get to me, I try to let things roll off my shoulders. I definitely get that from my dad.

He’s a really laid back person.

What made you want to go out for the pageant?

Growing up, I was always involved in pageants around Plant City and as I got older I always looked up to Strawberry Queen and the Court, and I always wanted to be a part of that. Plant City is a big, family-oriented community and it’s a great program to be a part of.

What is your favorite place to spend an afternoon in Plant City?

I would say Beef ‘O’ Brady’s. I love Beef’s and all of my friends love Beef’s and we go there after every sporting event. It’s our go-to place and I love chicken wings.

What was your first thought when your name was called?

I was in pure shock. Growing up, I always wanted to do this pageant and in the past 17 years I’ve put a lot of hard work in leading up to the pageant, so once my name was called it was like a moment of relief because it was as if all of this hard work had paid off.

Do you have a secret talent?

I’m double-jointed.

What are you most excited for at the festival?

I’m also excited to meet everyone in Plant City. This is the event everyone in Plant City comes to every year. They plan their entire calendars around this so I’m just excited to see different faces and meet new people around the community.

What was your family’s reaction?

The first thing I saw whenever my name was called was my whole family jumping out of their seats. They were the first people I saw and I know they were so excited for me. They’ve been so supportive through this entire process and, like Meghan said, my dad and mom from the get-go were more nervous than I was, so they were freaking out.

They were very happy for me and excited.

Do you have a piece of advice for someone going out next year?

Just have fun with it. This pageant is such a good experience for young girls. It gets them involved in the community, it just shows them a new experience and it gives you so many new

What band are you most looking forward to?

Mine is Reba. Whenever I was in eighth grade, I had back surgery

File photos

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and I was literally stuck in my house. Her TV show was on every day during the day and I would watch it over and over again, and I fell in love with her.

What festival food are you most excited to eat?

Corn dogs. I could eat corn dogs all day, every day.

Who is someone you admire?

I would definitely say my dad. I’m a very laid-back person and I get that from him, he’s such an easygoing person and everyone loves him. He’s just really someone I look up to and love a lot.

What movie can you quote by heart?

I would say ‘Over the Hedge.’ A lot of people don’t know that movie, but it’s an older cartoon and when I was a kid I would put it in the DVD player and it would play over and over again in my room as I did other things. So I absolutely can quote every word of that movie. I love it.

What would your anthem be?

What’s a song that you love listening to?

‘Open Arms’ by Journey. My dad and I will sing that a lot together when it comes on.

If my jokes were any cornier, I’d probably be a corn dog, too.

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PlantCityObserver.com

PLANT CITY OBSERVER | FEBRUARY 27, 2020 | 2020 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE

COURT MEMBER

LACIE COLLINS

File photos

What made you want to go out for the pageant?

Growing up in this town — this is all I’ve ever known, I’ve grown up here — so you hear about the experience of what the Strawberry Queen and Court does, and being a part of the pageant was such an amazing experience. You always hear about it, so to be a part of it and go out and do it is something I’ve always wanted to do. You realize it’s more than just a sash and a crown. It’s an experience and it’s about the people you get to meet, and that really made me want to do it.

What was your first thought when your name was called?

You don’t really realize that

you’re a part of this and you’re representing the festival. It really is crazy, but when my name was called I kind of stood there for a moment and thought that I didn’t hear it correctly. I was in so much shock and so honored and humbled that I got to be a part of this opportunity.

What was your family’s reaction?

It was a whole year of planning kind of leading up to this one moment, so my whole family was involved in their process with me.

I was the first one called out and you just saw a whole crowd of my family jump up into the air being crazy, really. My older brother came down from college and he’s

not really a pageant person, but that night he was texting all of my family and getting into it. They were so excited for me and proud.

Do you have a secret talent?

I’ve cheered my whole life, so tumbling is something I’m really good at. I do a standing tuck, too.

Do you have a piece of advice for someone going out next year?

There was a piece of advice that I got from my grandmother, who is very close to me and I appreciate her so much. She said, ‘You’re not the only one going through this.

This year there’s 22 other girls in the same position you are, so go out there and be who you are and represent who you are as a person and stay true to your morals.

When you’re back there in that interview, don’t be anyone else or try to be anyone else. They don’t want that, they want who you are as a person.’ So go out there and be confident and especially during that dance, let loose and be who you are.

What are you most excited for at the festival?

The festival hosts more than 500,000 people a year and we have the opportunity to meet all of those people. And I’m most excited to be able to do it with these four girls here. I will say I’ve connected with these girls so fast... it’s just been so much fun, and to have that connection with girls you’ve just met and knowing all of the experiences you’re going to be able to go through together is going to be so much fun.

If you could pick one word to sum up your personality, what would it be?

I’d have to say ‘edgy’ a little bit because I have so many different personalities. I love to go hunting, I’m very much a country girl, but I’m also a girly-girl at times. I can be a tomboy sometimes, so it’s all these different things in one.

What is your favorite place to spend an afternoon in Plant City?

Definitely Parkesdale is my favorite place to go. My friends and I always drive by there if we can, just to pick up a milkshake on our way to somewhere else. Growing up, my mom and I would always go there and you would sit in that strawberry throne, and it was kind of like a full-circle moment leading up to this. I just love going there.

What band are you most looking forward to?

Definitely MercyMe, hands down.

It’s one of the only concerts my whole family is going to be able to go to this year, so having my entire family there is going to be a lot of fun. But when they did come out with the movie ‘I Can Only Imagine,’ I felt such a personal connection with their story and their songs, and I’m so excited to be able to meet them.

What would your anthem be?

What’s a song that you love listening to?

I love the Dixie Chicks and the song ‘Not Ready to Make Nice.’

I was really young when that song came out, but my mom and aunt would listen to that song on repeat, so now my sister and I use that as our ‘go-to’ song on road trips.

It doesn’t matter if you win or lose, it’s what you do with your pageant

What festival food are you most excited to eat?

Cheese on a stick. I love me a cheese on a stick. It’s probably the one thing I’ll ask for all the time.

Who is someone you admire?

My nana. She has always been that one person that always has been by my side. She’s taught me so many lessons and really just gives the best advice.

Chukwuka Okafor, MD, MBA, CIME, FAAOS Neck Pain/Back Pain Orthopaedic Injuries Kyphoplasty Auto Accidents Pediatric & Adult Scoliosis

What movie can you quote by heart?

‘Grease.’ I’ve watched that movie probably close to 100 times. I used to always say that I was born in the wrong time period and that I should have lived then.

I can quote every song, every line and during the dance scenes I get up and can even do the dances.

Every time I’m at the festival and they end it with ‘You’re the One That I Want,’ I always want to just get up and dance.

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Stem Cell Therapy Onsite MRI Imaging Video Assisted Endoscopic Spine Surgery ALL Spine Disorders

PLANT CITY OBSERVER | FEBRUARY 27, 2020 | 2020 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE

PlantCityObserver.com What made you want to go out for the pageant?

When you grow up in Plant City, you learn that Strawberry Queen is more than just a title. Being Strawberry Queen and part of the Court means that you represent the festival, and the purpose of the festival is to unite the community and create unity and build the family of Plant City beyond just its boundaries. Becoming a part of something so special, something that constantly accepts new people and is so family-oriented became such a priority to me. It became a dream of mine to be a part of.

What was your first thought when your name was called?

I’m not going to lie, I don’t think I have processed it yet. It feels like I’m still going through the motions and it hasn’t hit us yet. Sometimes I’ll be in the car driving on my way home, and all of a sudden it just all hits me at once and I get this overwhelming feeling of joy, not happiness, but pure joy. It’s like a permanent state. It’s still hitting me right now.

What was your families reaction?

The only way I knew my parents’ true reaction was because Mr. Paul Davis and Mr. Tim (Lovett) came up to me and were talking about how they saw my dad bawling his eyes out. I’m so sorry I’m saying this in an interview — so sorry, Dad — but apparently he had to go to the bathroom and they were all making fun of him. They were so happy. My dad is so proud of me, constantly telling me everyday how proud he is.

Do you have a piece of advice for someone going out next year?

I want to back up what Meghan

said and also use the word ‘authentic.’ I was just talking about this earlier, but when you’re authentic and being your true self, when you’re not trying to give the fluff answers that everyone else wants to hear, that’s what makes you a snowflake. And what I mean by that is every single snowflake is unique. There’s not one that is similar to the other, none are exactly the same and there’s beauty and something special to be found in all of them.

If you could pick one word to sum up your personality what would it be?

I would have to say ‘personable.’ I take pride in being able to empathize and be compassionate toward others and find that compassion in other people.

I have a passion for and I truly love people, and I find it very important to be able to relate to everybody on some type of level even if you come from different backgrounds and walks of life.

Find that one connection you can share. I want people, even those who haven’t known me for very long, to feel comfortable around me and know they can open up if they want to.

What is your favorite place to spend an afternoon in Plant City?

I’m a geek, such a geek. I love learning. So it has to be the Railroad Museum. I moved here about 10 years ago, so when I went there, first of all the committee that takes care of the Railroad Museum does an amazing job of keeping it clean and having something for everyone to do and enjoy. But when I was there I learned so much about Plant City.

I think it helped ground me and welcomed me to the town. I really

love learning, so it’s my favorite place. Oh, and 32 Below Thai Ice Cream. I go there all the time.

Like almost every day.

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COURT MEMBER

DENIM HUGHES

Do you have a secret talent?

I play the alto saxophone.

What are you most excited for at the festival?

I feel like most of us are on the same page. Meghan being our Queen and us being on her court, we are so excited to meet people.

This is the opportunity of a lifetime and when we were little girls we remember what it was like to meet the Queen. We remember what it was like to see her court members. I remember Baylee Astin on the court and when I think about the fact that that’s going to be us and we will have the opportunity to show that we are here to love and serve our community,that’s what I’m most looking forward to.

What band are you most looking forward to?

Mine definitely has to be Rascal Flatts and I’ve called them every single time that question is asked. Growing up listening to songs like ‘Bless the Broken Road’ and ‘What Hurts the Most’ it gave me faith through difficult times. I was also lucky enough to see them at the Strawberry Festival when I was younger. I’m so excited on their last tour that I have the honor of not only watching them in concert, but also getting to meet someone that helped me persevere through such rough times.

Who is someone you admire?

I would have to agree with Kennedy, my dad is absolutely my number one hero. But if were going to choose a ‘celebrity’ I would have to say Louis Armstrong because after listening to ‘What a Wonderful World,’ he really inspired me to get into music. He’s the reason I found an emotional outlet. He took these complex feelings, sometimes darker and heavier and he turned them into beautiful music that others listen to and are inspired by.

What festival food are you most excited to eat?

I actually buy the container with like 12 strawberries and the little bucket of chocolate beside it.

What movie can you quote by heart?

I have a very weird obsession with ‘Pirates of the Caribbean.’ There’s this quote from the movie that I

File photos

will use on every single person I meet if I want to say no to something politely. It’s ‘I’m disinclined to acquiesce to your request.’ The amount of times I’ve used that is honestly unnecessary, but I love it and I love that movie.

What would your anthem be?

What’s a song that you love listening to?

I have to admit that Ariana Grande is an artist I really like. Her songs are so empowering to women.

Especially like ‘God is a Woman,’ even if you don’t like the beat or the base, the song itself is so empowering for women. Even right now in 2020, we are still trying to get past some things that still oppress us.

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER | FEBRUARY 27, 2020 | 2020 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE

COURT MEMBER

EMMA MILLER

What was your family’s reaction?

My family is really the backbone of who I am and everything I do they are so supportive. I have a five year old sister and the best part is when they were finally allowed up on the stage after she came up and gave me the biggest hug and said, ‘Sissy, Sissy you won because I prayed to God.’ She said that she was praying the whole time for me and that just put it into perspective that I’m not doing this for me, I’m doing it for everyone else too. That moment was just my family summed up.

Do you have a piece of advice for someone going out next year?

I would definitely say my best piece of advice is not only to be who you are, but to know your values and do it for the right reason. You’re not doing it to be in a pageant, you’re doing it to represent your community and be an ambassador for your town. Study your facts, know why you’re doing this and remember that this isn’t for us, this is for the Man upstairs.

File photos

What made you want to go out for the pageant?

I know for me, not only was it a dream come true, but I did it because I want to give back to the community that has given me so much. I know that Meghan and I competed last year and I had grown so much as a person, and so doing it this year, it wasn’t even for the opportunity I could potentially have, it was for the chance to grow even more as a person through this process.

What was your first thought when your name was called?

I was the fourth one called and not only was I overjoyed because I was going to be a part of something so amazing, but the three girls who were called before me, I was so excited to serve on the court with. That made it even better because I love these girls and I was so thrilled I get to be a part of this.

That was the best part.

If you could pick one word to sum up your personality what would it be?

I would say I’m a positive realist. I always want to see the positive in everything, but I also know what’s probably going to happen and I’m very real about things.

What is your favorite place to spend an afternoon in Plant City?

I would have to say the bowling alley.

It is the most ‘home’ place in town I can think of. I’ve had so many birthday parties there growing up and it’s just a fun place in town to go.

Do you have a secret talent?

I am an equestrian.

What are you most excited for at the festival?

I would say I’m most excited for using my platform for good. Every time I have the opportunity I want to be able to share who I’m doing this for, which is God, and being able to meet little girls and share my story.

I know when I was little I looked up to the Queen and thought of her as someone who was higher than me, a real inspiration. I want to meet others and just love on them and hopefully be a good role model, but also be someone they consider as a friend, someone that’s equal.

What band are you most looking forward to?

I’m super excited for Sara Evans.

Not only do I love her music, but she’s an artist that my mom would play when we were little. I get to meet her and my mom is super jealous, but she’s an artist I grew up listening to so I’m really looking forward to it.

What festival food are you most excited to eat?

I’m excited for Spivey’s because I actually used to work there during the festival when I was younger.

What movie can you quote by heart?

I’m along with Meghan that I really don’t watch a lot of movies. But of the one’s I’ve seen my favorite has to be ‘Annie.’ I love it so much and my cousin looks just like her with bright red, curly hair. I love the songs too. I can sing ‘It’s a Hard Knock Life’ over and over and over.

What would your anthem be?

What’s a song that you love listening to?

Mine is ‘Beautiful Day’ by U2. It’s just a really good song and it makes me happy to listen to it.

I wish I were an equestrian, too!

I once saw Lil’ Sebastian and tried to call him over to me, but I was just a little hoarse.

Who is someone you admire?

I would say my best friend Libby. She has gone through a lot of hardships and right now she just graduated from boot camp and is in the Navy.

I look up to her so much even though she’s only a year older than me.

ONLINE See more photos of the Florida Strawberry Festival Queen’s Scholarship Pageant at PlantCityObserver.com

PLANT CITY OBSERVER | FEBRUARY 27, 2020 | 2020 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE

PlantCityObserver.com

THE 2019 STRAWBERRY QUEEN KENDALL GAUDENS SAYS

FAREWELL Kendall Gaudens reigned as the Florida Strawberry Festival Queen in 2019.

T

he Florida Strawberry Festival is an annual celebration that not only everyone in Plant City, but thousands across the nation, look forward to every year. The Strawberry Queen and Court have the honorable task of representing our community and sharing the love that runs through our town yearround. I, along with so many others, have always admired the Strawberry Queen and Court.

They’re always intelligent, personable, and so much more than just beauty queens. January 19th, 2019, I stood in complete shock when my name was announced as the 2019 Florida Strawberry Festival Queen.

First of all, I would like to thank the Plant City Lions Club for sponsoring the pageant and working tirelessly to make the event a positive experience for everyone. The court members and I are extremely grateful to have received such generous scholarships that have helped us grow and succeed in our academic lives. Your influence in the Plant City community and the lives of the young women competing is something that does not go unnoticed and is deeply valued.

To the Florida Strawberry Festival Directors and your spouses, thank you so much for making us a part of your family. We cannot thank you enough for your continuous support and kind-heartedness you showed us throughout our reign.

To the one and only Mr. Paul Davis, no one brings more joy and love into a room than you do. Even in times of stress, you had a smile on your face and a hug waiting for us. I am so lucky to have had the opportunity to get to know your giving heart and superior driving abilities. “Thank you” doesn’t do you justice. Mrs. Sandee Sytsma,

as the original “Strawberry Mom” and the Festival Chairman, you always had the best advice and stories to tell. Your love for this program and the festival as a whole is so obvious and truly inspiring.

Thank you. To Mr. Timmy Lovett, thank you for protecting us at all costs and never failing to let us know we’re safe and loved.

Momma Donna Keel and Momma Di Lott, I cannot put into words how much of an impact you two have had on my life. Watching you lead us with such grace and confidence inspires me to be a better leader in every way. Mrs. Donna, thank you for endless Olde Town salads and pizzas and tolerating our controllable comments and jokes. You have proven to be such a strong and Godly woman that I will always look up to. Mrs. Di, first, thank you for telling me when I had lipstick on my teeth. Your commitment to us despite your insanely busy schedule proves how much love you put into what you do. We feel so lucky to have gotten to have the two of you as our moms this year. I love you both with my whole heart and I am forever grateful for the life lessons you have poured into us.

Never did I imagine I would grow to love four girls so much.

Madilyn, Jada, Kennedy, and Olivia, this year would not have been the same without each of you by my side and I am so thankful for this opportunity to serve with each of you. Mad Dog, your confidence is contagious, and you shine so bright in every room you enter. Baby J, you never failed to make us laugh and fearlessly spoke your mind. Kenn, you have one of the biggest hearts of anyone that I know, with independence that is beyond impressive. Liv, I adore how sure of yourself you are, and I know I can always call you if I need to talk about anything at all.

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I cannot wait to see what life has in store for each of you, and I’ll be there to cheer you on every step of the way. I love you always.

Thank you to my friends and family that have supported me through this whole year. Your patience with my busy schedule and inability to sit still is more than I could have ever asked for.

I could not have made it this far without each and every one of you. Mom, thank you for doing everything you could to help me prepare and feel confident in who I am. You’ve raised me to be the independent person I am today, and I cannot thank you enough for all the sacrifices you continue to make to make me feel loved and valued. Dad, thank you for always being my number one fan through everything I do. Your willingness to listen and push me to be my best has had an exponential impact on who I am now. You are one of my best friends and I cherish our long life talks more than you know.

It has been one of the greatest honors to serve Plant City over this year. As my reign comes to an end, I know these memories will last forever. Through all of my endeavors, I can safely say there is no other place that can compare to Plant City.

Thank you for allowing us to serve as your 2019 Florida Strawberry Festival Queen and Court.

We are blessed beyond belief.

With love and gratitude,

Kendall Gaudens

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PlantCityObserver.com

PLANT CITY OBSERVER | FEBRUARY 27, 2020 | 2020 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE

PUZZLED ABOUT PARKING? FEAR NOT Parking in lots outside of the Florida Strawberry Festival grounds isn’t just accepted, it’s encouraged.

JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Have you ever been sketched out by the thought of having to park your car on a stranger’s lawn or at a business’s parking lot so you could go to a big event?

As understandable as that feeling is, Plant City might be the one place where there’s no need to fear.

The Florida Strawberry Festival stands out among its peers for many reasons, but maybe the most notable thing is its commitment to the community and vice versa. It’s a wellknown fact in town that pretty much anywhere you see parking near the festival grounds — even if it’s on someone’s lawn a short golf cart ride away from the main gate — is fair game.

Local homeowners and businesses

are encouraged by the festival to open up their free space for the purpose of parking festival-goers and vendors, and many residents have done so for decades.

Opening up one’s space for parking can lead to a pretty nice windfall over the 11-day festival period. Many residents make enough from parking cars to cover their tax bills or come up with a good chunk of change to play around with.

For businesses, the extra cash can be put to good use for either themselves or causes they support. For example, Wells Memorial Funeral Home used all the money raised from parking cars in 2016 to help the Willis Peters Excep-

tional Center pay for a sunshade for its playground area.

Just because these parking areas are legitimate, though, doesn’t mean you should take your own security measures lightly. Always remember to lock your car doors, roll the windows up, hide any valuables and take note of where you parked and how to get back there later. It may seem like boring, basic advice but it’s not to be taken lightly. You’d be surprised how often we see police reports about unlocked cars getting burglarized, so we’re hoping to not have to read about someone stealing a wallet from your cup holder because you got careless.

GETTING THERE If you have plenty of time to kill on a day when you’re going to the festival, feel free to take Interstate 4 to Plant City. You’ll need plenty of time to get there.

If not, the best way to get to the festival is to think like a local. You don’t even have to know all of the back roads to save time.

If you’re traveling north to get here, consider taking Highway 60. You can either take that up to FL-39 north and turn onto either Alexander Street or US-92, or take it up to Turkey Creek Road and hang a left at US-92.

If you’re traveling south to get here, you’re better off taking US-92 all the way to the festival.

If you’re coming from Tampa, your best bet may be to take FL-574. That road will take you right to the south side of the festival.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER | FEBRUARY 27, 2020 | 2020 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER | FEBRUARY 27, 2020 | 2020 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE

SAFETY FIRST AT FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL A partnership between HCSO and PCPD ensures the hundreds of thousands of guests that come to Plant City for the 11-day event remain safe and sound.

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

W

hen you have hundreds of thousands of people flooding into Plant City for the Florida Strawberry Festival, safety is a top priority for local law enforcement.

Florida Strawberry Festival General Manager Paul Davis and Security Manager Tim Lovett are both former deputies with Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.

Their partnership with HCSO allows Plant City Police to be able to handle safety throughout the city while deputies tackle security inside the grounds.

Guests come through a mandatory bag check with a security wand at the festival’s entrance, cars that will be on the grounds after hours have to be pre-registered and the volunteers and guests heavily utilize the “see something, say something” mantra. Only emergency vehicles are allowed inside the festival during its operating hours.

The festival spends approximately $500,000 annually on security and has the entire interior and perimeter heavily patrolled with mounted, bike and on-foot officers.

HCSO has a major remote base inside the grounds and officers patrol the entire grounds and set up shop at some of the major shows and events. You’ll be hard pressed to walk into any room or section of the festival and not see the white uniforms.

Once you step out the gates, you’ll see a scattering of officers in navy as PCPD

handles traffic, pedestrian safety and all outlying Plant City.

It’s a feat that is only able to be pulled off thanks to the partnership between units.

“HCSO handles the inside and we handle everything outside the grounds,” PCPD Spokesman Al Van Duyne said. “It’s a partnership that has been going on for many years. We get along great and really utilize our different strengths. You’ll see our guys pulling extra shifts to help and you’ll see a lot of their’s taking their vacation days and using them to work the festival. We all want this to go off without a hitch.”

If you’re inside the festival and have a problem you create a larger issue when you leave the property and attempt to have a PCPD officer help you with the issue. If it occurred within festival grounds you should seek out one of the HCSO officers in white to get your problem solved as quickly as possible.

The major increase in pedestrian traffic is always a concern for PCPD. Parking is an intense experience at the festival and to circumvent it many park a mile or two away and walk or take a shuttle to the gates. You’ll see families with small children walking along the side of Alexander Street and with the major increase in traffic it quickly becomes a stressful commute.

Van Duyne asks drivers to operate their vehicle with extra care during the 11 days.

Leave at least half a car’s length, if not more, between you and the vehicle in front of you. Odds are high the person behind you will not notice you’ve come to a stop and you’ll want the extra space to move out of the way when they slam on their brakes.

Don’t run red lights. They change quickly here in Plant City and police will

be watching for any traffic infractions.

Those who throw caution to the wind may very well barrel into a cross walk that just turned and eager children that have darted out could be at stake.

To combat the heavily increased foot traffic, a pedestrian signal will be in operation at Edwards Street and West Reynolds Street throughout the festival.

PCPD has been understaffed for years.

According to Van Duyne, the average number of officers has stayed the same for decades despite the immense growth throughout the city.

Add nearly 600,000 guests to town and the department is stretched to its limit.

“Primarily we just have to know that, hey, it’s 11 days, so let’s do what we can to get through it,” Van Duyne said. “It’s an inevitable event, it’s going to happen.

We — from the chief down — try to be very positive. What people don’t know is it’s 11 straight days of work for our officers. If you’re not on traffic you’re at the festival.

You’re working nonstop. We understand it’s rough for us to deal with, but it’s by and large a positive experience. We know we’re making a difference so pulling the extra hours, taking those extra shifts isn’t so difficult.”

The officers work tirelessly to attempt to keep response time at the same level it was prior to the festival as the normal patrol will remain in place. However, those living around the festival should be aware the traffic could cause a slight delay if there is a non-emergency problem.

“Our officers working the festival are working on a different channel than the rest of our force,” Van Duyne said. “But someone at the unit monitor both chan-

My cousin wanted to be a cop once, but now she works at Peachey’s.

She’s a real ‘sweetheart.’

PlantCityObserver.com

nels so if something happens, say there is an emergency on the northwest side of town, the officers near the festival can stop pedestrians and open the roadways to expedite traffic and funnel the cars through so it’s not impeding any police or ambulance vehicles we know are on the way.”

The Grand Parade is such an elaborate event that extra Florida Highway Patrol reserve troopers as well as extra HCSO deputies come out to help PCPD secure the many roadways, put up barriers and keep the thousands of viewers safe.

PCPD’s Facebook page will have routinely updated posts on roadway closures throughout the event. Van Duyne said the ultimate goal is to keep people safe and vigilant throughout the entire experience.

“It’s truly a mindset,” Van Duyne said.

“You breathe and you get through it. You gotta be a glass half full kind of person.

Weekdays aren’t that bad, really Monday through Thursday are relatively calm.

Weekends are off the chain and you just have to buckle down. The weather always plays a big part in what we prepare to see. If it’s cool less people tend to come.

Rain is a deterrent. Heat doesn’t really see to keep people home. So we monitor everything and do what we have to do to make sure all of Plant City stays safe.”

Note: This story is from the Plant City Observer archives and was originally published in 2019.

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Meet TIM LOVETT Who do you like to bring to the festival?

The kids. I love to see their faces light up, love to see them come in and have fun. That’s the best thing.

What do you enjoy most about the festival?

Watching all the people enjoying themselves and not having to worry about anything. I love it.

I’ve been at venues where they sell alcohol, but there’s no alcohol here and I love it. When I was with the Sheriff’s Office, I worked plenty of events where they involved alcohol and when you involve alcohol, a lot of people don’t know how to act when they get drunk or inebriated, then you’re fighting. Here, it’s a family environment and that’s the way we want to keep it.

Lovett is the Florida Strawberry Festival’s Vice President of Operations. He was previously with Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and worked security at the festival for many years before joining the staff in 2016 as an executive assistant and security director.

JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

How long have you been involved with the festival?

Prior to being a full-time employee, I was with the Sheriff’s Office and worked with the festival for about 15 years. It’ll be four years with the festival this April.

What’s your earliest memory of the festival?

When I was little, I used to have to come with my sisters and it was an exciting time to come. We always looked forward to coming.

What’s your role with the festival these days?

I have the maintenance sections and also security. Maintenance is full-time, year-round. As far as security goes, we’re always trying to think of better ways to protect the public along with us. This year, we added 12 more cameras to the property. Not only that, but now all of our cameras are hardwired for better quality.

What’s your favorite memory from the festival?

My favorite memories are coming here and eating. I like to eat.

What do people from out of town ask you most often?

I don’t know if it’s because of my size or what, but they ask me where the good strawberries are at. Where’s the good shortcake, what’s the best food, you know, where’s the good food at… I do know where all the good food’s at, but that’s what they’re asking.

I have people tell me they can’t wait for the Strawberry Festival to come every year because they love it.

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

Walk around and talk with people from different areas to see how they like it. I get a lot of good feedback.

Which concert are you most looking forward to this year?

Patti LaBelle. I do like Josh Turner, too, but Patti LaBelle because she was here two years ago and I wanted to get my picture taken with her. I was supposed to. But our president left a contract up here at the office, so I came up here to get the contract for him and when I got back, she was walking in her dressing room. The guy was like, “I can go get her,” but I was like “No, don’t bother her, not at all.” Paul Davis told me, “What we can do is, we can get you photoshopped in.”

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

I also worked over at the state fair when I was with the Sheriff’s Office and when I was there, I saw these lines and had to go see what it was. I walk over and it’s the Amish doughnuts (now Peachey’s). I’m like, “Wow, look at this line!” The lady was kind, she saw that I was in uniform and called me up. She was like, “You want to try one?” I’m like, “Yeah, I see this line, let me try one.”

So I got one and, man, I was like “Wow, these are good!” I called Paul (Davis) and said “Bro, y’all need to get these people over at the festival! These doughnuts are awesome.” Now they’re here at the Strawberry Festival. Now, I say that, but then I had the opportunity to try their pretzels.

I like the pretzels better than the doughnuts now. I’m a little health-conscious now, so I can’t eat six, but I can eat one.

Which eating contest would you try?

It’s been brought up, the strawberry shortcake eating contest, but I wouldn’t object to the Amish doughnut contest, either.

If you had to convince a total stranger to go to the festival, what would you tell them?

You will have a great time here at our festival. It’s a family event and you can bring your kids, your grandkids and you won’t have to worry. We were number one in the state of Florida for fairs, attendance-wise, for two years in a row and that says volumes. There’s a lot of free stuff here. Free concerts throughout the day. You can ride. You can feel safe.

Which free acts are you most looking forward to seeing?

Kazual. I like Kazual. Very nice guys, down-to-earth guys and they do a great, great show. I like Dennis Lee, too. He gets the audience involved. I really like the Redhead Express, I fell in love with them, but they’re not coming back this year. They took a hiatus. Man, I’m gonna miss them and there’s a lot of people that’s gonna miss them.

What new thing would you like to add to the festival if you could?

I can’t think of anything I would add. Jenny Morgan, who does our media, she came up with the idea of a coloring board where the kids can go in Neighborhood Village and color. We have the crayons and everything. It’s free, just walk up and start coloring. She also came up with the selfie stations… but the only thing I ask is, please don’t bring selfie sticks in. You can’t bring selfie sticks in.

Which artist would you book for a concert if you could?

I would love to get J-Lo. I really would. I think she’s a good entertainer, a good singer and a good actor, too.

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TOUR GUIDE OF PLANT CITY

What does a cakedude have to do to get his own BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

I

f you’re coming all the way to Plant City for the Florida Strawberry Festival, you might as well take a moment to enjoy some of the hidden gems throughout the entire city while you’re here.

If your sweet tooth is still craving unique desserts, head down Alexander Street to 32 Below Thai Ice Cream, 208 W. Alexander St. The store is open until 9:30 or 10:30 p.m. most evenings and has some of the best ice cream you’ll ever taste. And the experience is one the entire family will enjoy.

When you walk in, you’re surrounded by colorful walls and adorable art. Along the left wall is a screen full of flavor options.

It’s a simple, but fascinating process. Pick a base flavor like vanilla, chocolate, mango, green tea or coffee and then choose your filling. You can grab anything from crushed

minifig? I need Brick City Bricks to put in a good word for me. cookies to candy bar bits to berries. Then the employee will pour the base onto an ice-cold metal plate where it will freeze before your eyes as they mix your fillings into the batter.

As it freezes, they use a scraper to roll slivers of the sweet treat into small ovals and then carefully arrange them into a bowl. From there, you choose anywhere from one to five toppings and can add a variety of drizzles to your cup. If you want to be more adventurous, you can get an egg waffle instead of a paper bowl. The store also has bubble teas and smoothies to cleanse the palate.

If you want to put your finger on the pulse of Plant City, downtown is your onestop-shop. There’s restaurants, parks, the railroad museum and unique shopping all within a few blocks.

While this is by no means a comprehensive list, there’s a simple routine my friends and I follow to get the most out of their visits. First, we stop at Krazy Kup and grab a fresh Americano — over ice with a few pumps of vanilla — and then stroll toward the Robert W. Willaford Railroad Museum. There’s a two-story train viewing platform on one side of the tracks and the museum lies directly on the other side.

Inside the museum are historic artifacts you’ll be hard pressed to find anywhere else. Have you ever seen a motorcycle outfitted for a rail-line? Have you always wanted to have your photo taken on a

railcar? If so, the museum is a must-see.

Visitors come from all over the world and the guest log in the main room is always filled with signatures hailing from far away.

Once we’ve strolled all the rooms, checked out the impressive model train and taken more photos than we will ever be able to post, we head across the street to some of our favorite stores. The Kandy Shoppe is full of delectable treats and everything is made right there in the back room. However, the chocolate-covered espresso beans are without a doubt some of the greatest candies ever known to mankind.

Just a few feet away is Tub Treats.

Handmade bath bombs, soaps, shower gels, steamers and candles make this store a must-visit destination. You’ll be able to treat yourself or buy gifts for your loved ones that they literally couldn’t get anywhere else.

Round the corner and you’ll pass a variety of antique shops and a quilting store that has anything your heart could ever desire. If antiquing is your preferred way to spend the day, you’re in luck. There’s an antique store practically on every block. You never know what you’ll find and whether you go to The Rocking Horse or the State Theatre Antiques you’ll walk out with one of the wildest purchases you’ve made in a long time.

Brick City Bricks, our local LEGO mecca, has changed the way people play down-

town. Families flock to the store to buy new and used LEGO sets and there’s almost always a birthday party or special event booked for the backroom during the weekends. The store also hosts summer camps and special builds for the community. Star Wars, Harry Potter, NASA, Marvel and many more fan favorites are all found inside. But be warned: if you spend too long in there, you’ll get hooked and walk away with way more than you ever intended.

From there, my friends and I tend to wrap up our day right across the street at Aromatic Harmony. Regardless of whether you’re a fan of holistic health, the store has some pretty unique finds. You can get herbs, teas, aromatherapy kits, unique oils and even some distinctive jewelry all in one spot. The owners have immense knowledge on holistic health and can answer any question you may have. You can also book massages and join a wellness circle if you’re looking to add an experience to your day of shopping.

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TOUR GUIDE OF PLANT CITY JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

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f you want a break from the festival but still want to walk around and get some fresh air, Plant City is packed with great parks to check out. You can often catch sports action happening at Ellis-Methvin, Mike Sansone, and Snowden parks, the Randy L. Larson Four-Plex, the Otis M. Andrews Sports Complex and the MLK ball field. In fact, there are collegiate club baseball and softball showcases happening right now — all month, in fact — at these sports parks. If you’re stopping by Otis M. Andrews or Ellis-Methvin parks, which are located on East Cherry Street, or even Sansone Park just off of Wilder Road, don’t forget to stop by our world-famous strawberry water tower for a photo. You can’t miss it.

If that’s not your thing, consider heading to Veterans Monument Park north of the Bruton Memorial Library for a moment of reflection and to check out Plant City’s salute to those who have served our country.

Or, if you want to really get close to nature, check out Edward Medard Park off of Turkey Creek Road, south of Highway 60.

Shopaholics have plenty of options outside of the festival. You can find all the latest strawberry fashions at our many boutique stores, such as Denise Young’s, RAOK, Fringe and Tennessee Jane. You can find many festival-themed items at these

stores if you want the most stylish Plant City souvenirs around.

When you get hungry or thirsty and need a break from all the crazy fair food, you have options aplenty around town. If you want a fresh take on classic pub-style food, 1916 Irish Pub has you covered and you especially won’t find a better burger at any other restaurant in town, in my opinion.

Locally-owned Smokin’ Aces Steakhouse does both steak and barbecue quite well, if you’re in the mood for either. Some of my favorite chicken wings in town are at Duke’s Brewhouse. I was a big fan of their Old Baycovered wings until recently, when I discovered their blackened honey garlic wings and converted. To me, they are perfect.

Norma’s and the Strawberry Hut are probably the most popular restaurants in town for Cuban sandwiches. There are plenty of great Mexican restaurants to choose from and for more traditional fare in a sit-down atmosphere, I recommend Mi Casa and Taco Loco. I’ve never had a bad meal at either. But in my opinion, the best tacos in town are actually at a market. Go to El Mirasol and thank me later.

If you just want to wind down, relax and enjoy a drink and some light food, I strongly recommend Roots Tap Room and Wine Bar. It’s got everything you could possibly want from a family and pet-friendly spot and recently started serving gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches.

I used to play baseball, too.

My favorite player of all time? Berry Bonds.

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WORKING STRAWBERRY MAGIC

IN YOUR OWN KITCHEN

If the Florida Strawberry Festival’s foods leave you wanting more after the festival comes to a close, consider giving these strawberry-heavy recipes a shot.

Nothing beats the wild and crazy food at the Florida Strawberry Festival, right?

The problem for many people is that once the festival’s over, there’s a yearlong wait until anyone can eat them again.

Strawberries are great on their own but sometimes it’s nice to spice things up with the weird and the wonderful.

But if you want to try your hand at whipping up the next strawberry snack you’ll fall in love with, the Florida Department of

Agriculture has you covered. Its Fresh from Florida campaign features the work of Chef Justin Timineri, an award-winning gourmet who has promoted Florida-inspired meals around the world. The Fresh from Florida website has tons of recipes available using all kinds of Florida-grown ingredients, but there’s only one on our minds right now.

Here are a few you can try in the comfort of your own home.

FLORIDA STRAWBERRY AND ARUGULA SALAD WITH CANDIED PECANS

2 tablespoons vanilla extract 1 loaf brioche bread, sliced 1 ½-inch thick 1 cup whole milk 3 eggs 4-6 tablespoons unsalted butter Toppings (such as Florida honey, Florida strawberries, powdered sugar, or syrup) Pinch of sea salt

INGREDIENTS 16 ounces Florida arugula, rinsed and drained 1 dozen Florida strawberries, rinsed and sliced 1 teaspoon Florida honey 8 ounces goat cheese, crumbled 2 tablespoons olive oil 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard Sea salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste Candied Pecans 2 cups Florida pecans ¾ cup natural Florida sugar 2 tablespoons butter ½ teaspoon sea salt PREPARATION Preheat a pan on medium heat. Add the pecans and toast until fragrant, 6 to 8 minutes. Add butter, sugar, and salt; stir to coat. Remove from pan and allow to cool. In a small jar combine the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, mustard, pinch of salt and pepper. Secure with lid and shake until vinaigrette combines. In a medium-sized mixing bowl add arugula and vinaigrette and toss to combine. Plate dressed arugula and evenly add the strawberries around the greens. Add the goat cheese and garnish each salad with candied pecans, serve chilled.

FLORIDA STRAWBERRY ICEBOX PIE INGREDIENTS 4 cups fresh Florida strawberries sliced (or blueberries) 1 tablespoon Florida sugar 1 tablespoon cornstarch 1 tablespoon fresh squeezed lemon juice 1 tablespoon lemon zest 3 cups heavy whipping cream ¼ cup confectioners sugar 1 teaspooon vanilla extract 8 to 10 full sheets of graham crackers, roughly crushed PREPARATION In a small sauce pot over medium-low heat, combine 2 cups sliced berries, corn starch, lemon juice, sugar, and lemon zest. Cook, while stirring, until a sauce has formed, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and cool. In a large mixing bowl add the heavy cream, confectioners sugar, and vanilla extract. Wisk to form stiff peaks. Line the inside of a 9 x 5-inch inch loaf pan with plastic wrap. Extend the plastic wrap over edges, for easier removal. To assemble, spread an even thin layer of the whipped cream on the bottom. Next add a layer of crushed graham crackers, then a layer of sliced berries then drizzle a layer of the berry sauce. Repeat this process until the pan is full. Cover the pie using the extended plastic wrap and freeze. Before serving, place the frozen pie in the refrigerator for 1 hour. Use the extended plastic wrap to remove pie from the pan and place on a platter. Slice and serve cold. Garnish with whip cream, crushed graham crackers and/ or berry sauce.

FLORIDA STRAWBERRY STUFFED FRENCH TOAST INGREDIENTS 2 cups Florida strawberries, diced 8 ounces goat cheese, softened 3 tablespoons brown sugar

PREPARATION In a small bowl combine softened goat cheese, brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon vanilla. Mix thoroughly and set aside.

Prepare bread by making a pocket in each slice (do not cut all the way through). Using a small spoon fill each slice of bread with 1 tablespoon goat cheese mixture, spreading evenly. Add 1-2 tablespoons diced strawberries and seal by pressing edges together. Continue until all slices have been stuffed. Reserve ½ cup strawberries for toppings. Place into a baking dish.

In a small bowl whisk together milk, eggs, 1 tablespoon vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Pour mixture over stuffed bread slices and allow to soak for a minimum of 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Preheat a large sauté pan over mediumhigh heat with 2 tablespoons butter. Cook each slice of bread on both sides until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side.

Serve immediately with toppings of your choice.

Fresh tip: Any variety of bread will work using this recipe to include: sourdough, whole wheat, or French bread. You can also substitute cream cheese for goat cheese.

PAN-GRILLED FLORIDA SNAPPER WITH STRAWBERRY AND AVOCADO SALSA INGREDIENTS 4 (6-ounce) Florida red snapper fillets 1 ripe Florida avocado, diced 2 cups Florida strawberries, finely chopped 1 jalapeño pepper, finely chopped ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped 2 tablespoons cilantro, finely chopped 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice 1 ½ tablespoons fresh lime zest ¼ teaspoon Florida sugar 1 tablespoon olive oil Sea salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste PREPARATION Stir jalapeño, avocado, strawberries, onion, cilantro, lime juice, sugar and sea salt together in a bowl. Cover and set aside.

Salsa may be made several hours ahead and chilled. When making ahead, add the sugar, salt, and avocado when ready to serve. Preheat stovetop grill pan over high heat. Pat fillets dry, then brush both sides with the oil; sprinkle with the lime zest, salt, and pepper. Lay fillets on grill pan skin side down and cook 4 to 5 minutes on each side, turning once, until cooked through.

Transfer fillets skin side up to individual serving plates. Carefully remove skin; top with avocado-strawberry salsa.

If these recipes left you wanting more, see the rest online at followfreshfromflorida. com/recipes/?c=all&i=strawberries.

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PlantCityObserver.com

STRAWBERRY SCHOOLS For many years, the Plant City area was home to several schools that prioritized farm work in the winter months.

Picking strawberries in Plant City, Florida 1946 (www.floridamemory.com)

Young woman and little girl picking strawberries in a strawberry field - Plant City, Florida, 1978. The photograph was taken during Plant City’s Strawberry Festival.

Holland, Karl E., 1919-1993. (www.floridamemory.com) JUSTIN KLINE

My great-uncle Berry and I were both voted “Most Likely to be Picked First” when we were in middle school.

I once thought it was because we were both athletic, but now I don’t know...

SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

I

f you’ve spent any amount of time in Plant City, you know this town takes its strawberries seriously.

But did you know it was so serious at one point in time that even local schoolchildren had to work the fields?

From the 1920s through the 1950s, Plant City was home to several “strawberry schools” that designed their entire curriculums around the winter strawberry season. Rather than give their students the three-month summer vacation today’s kids know and love, school ended for the three months of peak Florida strawberry season so that the kids could work in the fields.

One of Plant City’s first schoolhouses, the Hopewell School, became a strawberry school long after it opened in 1880 and remained so until its closing in the 1950s. Trapnell Elementary School, which eventually converted to a traditional public school and still exists, was a strawberry school where roughly 50 percent of enrolled students were the children of sharecroppers and picked berries when school was out. Other Plant City-area strawberry schools included Antioch, Turkey Creek, Dover, Cork, Springhead, Pinecrest and Knights — all of which are now traditional public elementary and middle schools — and the historic Glover School in Bealsville, which is no longer in operation but is

now on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. Hillsborough County had 11 strawberry schools operating in the late 1940s.

If this whole thing sounds like an effort to exploit children for unpaid labor that would absolutely be illegal today, well, you’re right. What was once widely accepted in Hillsborough and the other Tampa Bay-area and Central Florida counties where strawberry schools operated grew to be despised by the public, reaching near-unanimous disapproval by the 1950s.

Closing strawberry schools in Hillsborough was an effort spurred on not only by locals but also by the Tampa Tribune’s efforts to expose the many flaws of the strawberry school system. The Tribune uncovered numerous labor issues, burdens created by financial and transportation problems and shocking health and sanitation violations, including one case at the Hopewell school where the boys’ restroom was found to have an exposed sewer pipe that would have leaked noxious gas throughout had someone at the school not covered it with a tin can.

Hillsborough County moved to shut down all strawberry school operations in 1956 and switched to the traditional calendar used today, though county schools do still have an annual holiday for students to go to the Florida Strawberry Festival.

Information from the Plant City Photo Archives and History Center and floridamemory. com was used for this article.

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History Photos courtesy of the Plant City Photo Archives and History Center

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER | FEBRUARY 27, 2020 | 2020 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE

STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL

POP QUIZ 1. How many calories are in one cup of strawberries?

A: 45 B: 50 C: 55 D: 60

5. What did ancient Romans use strawberries for?

A: Medicine B: Animal feed C: Fragrance D: Currency

2. What gives a strawberry its flavor when harvested?

A: Ripeness B: Weather C: Variety D: All of the above

6. How long does a strawberry plant stay productive?

A: Two years B: Three years C: Four years D: Five years

3. What are Florida’s strawberry season dates?

A: January through April B: December through May C: November through March D: February through June

7. How many pounds of strawberries do Americans eat yearly?

A: 7.8 B: 5.6 C: 3.4 D: 1.2

4. What is Florida’s most popular strawberry variety?

A: Radiance B: Beauty C: Sweet Sensation D: Elyana

8. Which state produces the most strawberry crops per year?

A: Florida B: California C: Delaware D: Vermont

DID YOU KNOW? The strawberry is the only fruit in the world that has its seeds on the outside.

Strawberries are perennial plants in the rose family. Though that does mean they aren’t technically berries, good luck getting anyone to believe you when you tell them.

94% of American households consume strawberries every year. (University of Illinois) The only areas of the world that grow strawberries but do not have their own native species are Africa, Australia and New Zealand.

The strawberry ripens in the spring faster than any other fruit. Once they’re picked, though, they won’t ripen any longer.

One cup of strawberries is extremely good for you. We’re talking 160% of your daily value of vitamin C with only 50 calories. It’ll also help lower cholesterol, blood sugar and blood pressure if you eat them daily.

Something tells me those students at Strawberry Crest High School are gonna do really well on this quiz. It’s in the name, for crying out loud!

Plant City Observer YO UR HOMETOWN. YO UR NEWSPAP ER .

ANSWERS: 1. C, 2. D, 3. B, 4. A, 5. A, 6. D, 7. C, 8. B

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SCENES FROM 2019 PLANT CITY OBSERVER | FEBRUARY 27, 2020 | 2020 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE

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EMBARKING ON A

STRAWBERRY CULINARY TOUR OF THE FESTIVAL If you’re going to show up to a food-themed festival, you might as well fully commit to the aesthetic and eat as many berry-based meals as possible.

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

T

he Florida Strawberry Festival is known for many things. It has a mindboggling number of kind and eager volunteers. It is home to some of the most unique exhibits in the entire state. It pulls headline entertainment you rarely see at any other fair throughout the country.

Yet above all else, it is famous for one small, but deliciously sweet berry. You’ll easily tell locals apart from tourists because those who call Plant City home are usually decked from head to toe in some form of berry apparel. Whether they shop at local gems like RAOK, Fringe, Tennessee Jane or Denise Young’s Boutique or have scoured the internet for one-of-a-kind finds, they always sport their red, green and white outfits during the 11-day event.

Some of the most enjoyable moments at the Florida Strawberry Festival are when you find a shady spot with your friends

or family and dig into strawberry-themed food you will be hard-pressed to find anywhere else.

We would be remiss to start this guide with anything other than strawberry shortcake. There are only three places on the festival grounds where you’ll get a hefty bowl of cake or biscuit, fresh strawberries and whipped cream. The East Hillsborough Historical Society has its cake-based dessert in Pioneer Village. St. Clement Catholic Church has its cake and biscuit operation set up in the middle of the Parke Exhibit Building and Transforming Life Church is selling cake-based shortcakes inside the Smithfield Strawberry Tent.

The line tends to get quite long at the Plant City Lions Club booth in the Arthur Boring Building, and one of the club’s many highly sought-after items is its strawberry fritter. They’re simple, delicious and keep people coming back year after year.

If you want to taste the epitome of a Plant City meal, head to the east of the

Stadium Exhibit Hall under the shadow of the grandstands and stop at Johnson’s Barbeque. The restaurant is a staple in the community and at the festival nothing quite hits the spot like its strawberry brisket tacos.

Perfectly smoked brisket is nestled between a soft taco and then piled high with chopped cilantro, onions, strawberries, shredded cheese and garnished with a sweet barbeque drizzle. It’s the perfect “non-fair food” and still gives you strong Plant City vibes.

If Kettle Korn is your jam, walk over to the north entrance of the Parke Exhibit Building and East side of Midway and stop at Olde Tyme Kettle Korn for a sweet, salty favorite: Strawberry Kettle Korn. The bags are quite large and will act as a great snack as you wander through the vendors or across the midway looking at games and rides.

From here, however, things get a little, well… juicy. You can get strawberry milkshakes from five different vendors — including a chocolate strawberry shortcake milkshake in a cup rolled in Fruity Pebbles and adorned with a variety of items including a strawberry lollipop at Polar Bear Ice Cream at Edwards Street and East Independent.

Chocolate-dipped strawberries are always at the Chocolate Strawberry Express in the middle of the Parke Exhibit Building as well as at Mavric’s Chocolate Barn at the south end of the Smithfield Strawberry Tent.

More adventurous eaters looking for unique culinary thrills have plenty of options to choose from, as well. The strawberry sandwich, a hamburger with strawberry mayonnaise, strawberry relish and normal hamburger toppings squished between two sweet strawberry doughnuts, can be picked up at Carousel Hamburgers on the far northeast corner of the festival.

Strawberry “pizza,” a dessert pizza with a graham cracker crust, cream cheese, strawberry glaze sauce and sliced strawberries as “pepperoni,” can be picked up at Brandon Farms, north of the Life Storage Carriage House.

One of the hits that always draws a massive line is, of course, The Sweetheart at Peachey’s Baking Co., formerly known as The Amish Baking Company. This sweet treat is found at West Independent, New York Yankees Kiddie Korral (East Independent). Basically, they take the renowned Amish doughnut, smother it in hot fudge and then top it with whipped cream and Plant City strawberries. It’s so sweet and so heavy you might consider sharing with a friend. To be fair, though, most don’t and wave their empty carton in the air with pride as they complete the massive undertaking.

Of course, if you’re trying to stay healthy and turn away from the many sweet and savory temptations around the festival, there’s always the freshest option: to walk away with your own freshly picked flat of berries.

Wish Farms has a booth located on the Northeast corner of the Parke Exhibit Building just outside of Gate 1 and the Amscot Main Ticket Gate. Every morning, piles of massive flats filled to the brim with fresh berries are meticulously arranged at the booth. They pretty much always sell out, so pick up a flat in the morning and nibble on the berries all day long or swing by on your way to your gate and you can enjoy the sweet fruit for the rest of the week.

The building’s namesake, Parkesdale Farms, has its massive booth on the south side of the Parke Exhibit Building just inside of Gate 16.

You can’t miss the massive booth, which wraps around a corner in the building and fully commits to the festival’s theme by decorating to the nines. It also is filled to the brim with freshly picked strawberries, strawberry jams and bags of strawberry cookies — which, incidentally, acts as its own food group among local Plant Citians who keep bags on their kitchen counters year-round.

PlantCityObserver.com

PLANT CITY OBSERVER | FEBRUARY 27, 2020 | 2020 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER | FEBRUARY 27, 2020 | 2020 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE

PlantCityObserver.com