2017 Florida Strawberry Festival

Tampa Bay Times Special Advertising Section

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THE FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL:

history worth repeating

W

hen the gates to the Plant City Strawberry Festival open on March 2, it will mark the 82nd time this cherished — or perhaps “berry-ished” event will be staged.

For 11 days, more than a half-million visitors will push through the turnstiles to savor all things strawberry while immersing themselves in a seemingly endless variety of events, exhibits and celebrations. The festival has blossomed into one of the top 25 premier galas in the Southeast, due in large part to the dedicated staff, more than 2,500 local volunteers and the vendors and concessionaires that have made this a regular stop on

their travels. Some have been working the festival for 40 years.

“The reason they love our festival is because it’s so family oriented,” said vendor manager Ellany Johnson. “We consider them part of our family, and they don’t always experience that at other events of our kind throughout the country.”

From opening day through March 12, guests from near and far will be treated to spectacular entertainment that includes Willie Nelson (3:30 p.m., Fri., March 3); superstars Little Big Town (7:30 p.m., Sun., March 5); and Scotty McCreery

(7:30 p.m., Wed., March 8); and wraps up with the venerable Rascal Flatts (7:30 p.m., Sun., March 12) as part of their Rhythm & Roots tour.

Reserved seats for all the shows are available at the Amscot main ticket gate, located at 2209 W Oak Ave., while another ticket office is adjacent to the east-side bleachers to sell any reserved seat tickets that remain. As always, limited stadium seats are free at the Morrow Steel free grandstand with the purchase of general admission tickets and are on a first-come, first-served basis.

The numerous acts, from country, classical and old-time rock ’n’ roll to gospel singers, are only a fraction of the festivities that make up this unique celebration. Plant City residents are heavily involved in the staging of the festival, especially the youth of the community and surrounding area. There will be seven youth livestock shows, a youth strawberry stemming contest, a shoebox float-building contest and a Neighborhood Village youth competition, art contest, FFA exhibits and much more.

“Our livestock shows and other youth competitions are a vital part of our festival,” said public relations and media representative Lauren McNair. “Our youth are the pride of our community, and we love showing off their talents and provid-

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ing them with projects they can work on together with their families.”

Other on-grounds exhibits include the Astin Farms Pavilion, the Swindle Family Pavilion, Pioneer Village and the Strawberry Production Exhibit, where visitors can watch a demonstration of strawberry production, which, after all, is the reason behind the creation of the Strawberry Festival. The festival’s signature dish, strawberry shortcake, will be served over 250,000 times throughout the course of the event, and is made fresh daily, much to the delight of the enthusiastic crowds.

“Our festival offers so much for visitors to see, hear, smell, touch and, of course, taste,” said general manager Paul Davis. “Our entire event is built around families, and we love nothing more than allowing you to make memories with your loved ones.”

For a complete rundown of all the activities and schedules of the festival, visit flstrawberryfestival.com. Also, look for the special Times Day Coupon in your Tampa Bay Times. For passionate fans of the Strawberry Festival, pick up a copy of a comprehensive, hardback, 208-page history book of the festival. Years in the making, it is a snapshot of the festival’s rich history in Plant City.

Whether you are a first-time visitor or seasoned festivalgoer, here are a few tips and valuable information that will help you get the most out of your experience.

FAQs

Know that gates open at 10 a.m. each day and close at 10 p.m., and that parking, which always tended to be challenging, has eased in the last few years because of changes in the way traffic is being handled, and investment in more parking lots and shuttle services. Check the website flstrawberryfestival.com for detailed directions to the festival site from the north, east, south and west.

Choose routes that take you to Alexander Street into Plant City.

Alexander splits with Paul Buchman Highway north of the city, and as you drive south on Alexander, look for Reynolds Street as you enter town. Take a right on Reynolds and there is parking throughout this area located just south of the festival grounds.

Parking fees vary, with the maximum around $15. Parking on the Strawberry Festival property in the Blue, Gray and Red parking lots located on Ritter Street off Highway 92 or Highway 574 range from $5 for cars, pickup trucks and vans under 20 feet long to $10 for vehicles from 29 to 39 feet and $15 for buses over 40 feet.

Independent lots like those at Bryan Elementary School and Tomlin Middle School also offer convenient parking at reasonable rates.

Admission to the fair varies. Check the following FAQs on page 4 for more details. Look for special discount tickets at certain Publix Super Market locations, and look for the Tampa Bay Times coupon for special discount rates.

FESTIVAL SERVICES LOST & FOUND CABOOSE East end of the Roy & Helen Parke Building Sponsored by ClickHeat CAROLINA ATMS Located near Woodrow Wilson Street, the TECO Expo Hall, the Arthur Boring Building and other locations throughout the Festival ESCOT BUS LINES FREE SHUTTLE SERVICE Running from designated Festival parking lots to Gate 14

IMAGES EVERYWHERE! Festival photos available at Gates 1, 5, 13, 14, 16 INFORMATION BOOTHS Sponsored by Uncommon USA POTILLO’S RESTROOMS Complimentary attendant services available

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Here are some Frequently Asked Questions to help you maximize your Strawberry Festival visit.

1. How much is admission?

8. Are credit cards accepted?

Regular Admission at Gate • Adults (ages 13+): $10 • Children (ages 6-12): $5 • Children (ages 5 and under): FREE with paid adult admission

MasterCard, Visa, Discover and American Express are accepted at each gate for admission, for tickets on the Midway and for many of the vendors and crafters. It’s also wise to carry a little cash just in case.

2. Are any discounts available?

9. What is the best way to plan for my visit?

Go to flstrawberryfestival.com and click on Special Days & Discounts to view daily deals.

3. Are any group rates available?

Group rates are not offered. However, please call the festival tour line at 813-719-6680 with any questions.

4. How do I buy concert tickets?

Reserved seating tickets can be purchased online at flstrawberryfestival.com, over the phone at 813-754-1996 or in person at the Amscot main ticket office located at 2209 W Oak Ave. in Plant City. You can also stop by the ticket office located east of the Wish Farms Soundstage and get your tickets right before the show.

5. Which days are wristbands offered on the Midway?

Go to flstrawberryfestival.com and click on Belle City Midway to see the daily Midway deals.

6. What is included with my admission ticket?

For the price of a movie ticket, you can have fun all day! Included in your gate admission is access to view all exhibits and competitions, livestock shows, arts and crafts vendors and FREE entertainers.

7. Can I purchase fresh strawberries on the grounds?

Fresh strawberries are available for purchase at the Wish Farms booth (inside the northeast corner of the Parke Exhibit Building and directly outside Gate 1) and at Parkesdale Farms (inside the south end of the Parke Exhibit Building and also by Gate 16).

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There are plenty of resources available to you to make the most of your Festival visit.Use the festival website flstrawberryfestival.com, where you can view and print a schedule and map ahead of time or download the FREE mobile app (available on iTunes and Google Play) to carry the schedule, map and important information right in the palm of your hand.

Maps and schedules are also available on the grounds at the UNCOMMON USA information booths inside each entry gate. As always, with any further questions, feel free to call the friendly folks at the festival office at 813-7529194.

10. Can I bring my pet with me?

Dogs and/or other animals are not allowed on the festival grounds unless they are a service or guide dog. Certified trainers (with ID stating name) of companion dogs/animals will be allowed.

11. Are there food vendors?

In addition to the festival’s famous strawberry shortcake, you will find tantalizing treats to tempt your taste buds from about 150 vendors.

12. Can I bring food or drinks through the gate with me?

No bottles, cans, coolers or picnic baskets are permitted inside the gates.

13. Does the festival close because of bad weather?

A little rain doesn’t shut it down! Be sure to check the festival website, flstrawberryfestival.com where information on the weather is always kept up to date. Also, check the local weather forecast before you visit, and plan to bring a jacket, hat or sunscreen as is appropriate.

Fresh Strawberry Salsa with Pita Chips Serves 10-12 For Salsa: Ingredients 3 cups chopped fresh strawberries ½ cup minced yellow bell pepper ½ cup minced green bell pepper ½ cup minced red bell pepper ½ cup minced green onion 2 jalapeños, seeded and minced 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice ½ teaspoon sugar ½ teaspoon garlic powder ¼ teaspoon salt

In a large bowl, combine strawberries, all bell peppers, green onion and jalapeños.

In a small bowl, whisk together oil, lime juice, vinegar, sugar, garlic powder and salt; add to strawberry mixture, tossing gently to combine.

Cover and refrigerate. Serve with pita chips.

For Pita Chips: Ingredients 1 (12-oz.) package of pita bread, round split 6 tablespoons butter, melted 1½ teaspoons seasoned salt

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Lightly spray two large baking sheets with cooking spray.

Cut pita rounds into triangles. Place pita triangles on prepared pan.

Brush each with melted butter. Sprinkle with seasoned salt.

Bake until golden brown, about 8 minutes.

Let cool completely.

Tampa Bay Times | Friday, February 24, 2017 |

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THE CAB CALLOWAY ORCHESTRA Tickets: FREE with Paid Admission

ELLE KING Tickets: $20

RASCAL FLATTS RHYTHM & ROOTS TOUR Tickets: $50

IN PERSON

AMSCOT MAIN TICKET OFFICE 2209 W Oak Ave. Plant City

ONLINE

www.eTix.com

Morrow Steel free grandstand: Limited stadium seats are free for all shows with general admission. Seating is on a first-come, first-seated basis. Stadium shows are at 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. The stadium is cleared after each 3:30 p.m. show.

Reserved seats are available at the Amscot main ticket gate located at 2209 W Oak Ave., Plant City. An additional ticket office adjacent to the east-side bleachers is open during the festival to sell any remaining reserved-seat tickets. Reserved concert seat tickets do not include gate admission. Ages 3 and up require a ticket for all shows.

Purchase reserved-seat tickets online at flstrawberryfestival .com.

Gates open at 10 a.m. and close at 10 p.m. daily. Midway times vary. Children 5 and under are admitted free when accompanied by a paying adult. Children 6 to 12 require a youth ticket purchase of $5. General admission is $10 for patrons 13+. Dogs and/or other animals are not allowed on the festival grounds unless they are a service or guide dog.

Certified trainers (with ID stating same) of companion dogs/animals will be allowed. All animals in shows or contests are to be removed immediately after the close of the event.

SunnyBell Kiddie Korral, sponsored by Florida Dairy Farmers, opens daily at 10 a.m.

No illegal drugs or firearms are allowed. No alcoholic beverages, pets, selfie sticks, lasers or drones are allowed on the festival grounds.

PLANT CITY

, MARCH 2 THURSDAY H 12, 2017 ARC SUNDAY, M

DISCOUNT PRICES ADULTS (AGES 13+) $8 CHILDREN (AGES 6-12) $4 CHILDREN (5 & UNDER) FREE REGULAR ADMISSION TICKETS (AT THE GATE) Adults (ages 13+) • $10 Children (ages 6-12) • $5 Children (ages 5 & under) • FREE Discount gate admission tickets can be purchased through March 12 at participating Publix Super Markets throughout west-central Florida.

For more information, midway hours and concert ticket information, visit: flstrawberryfestival.com

GATES OPEN DAILY 10AM-10PM

OFFICIAL PARTNERS

Because of the early printing of this events schedule, changes, errors, deletions or omissions may occur, in which case the Florida Strawberry Festival reserves the right to construe its own rules and regulations and to decide all matters and differences in regard thereto.

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THURSDAY, MARCH 2

SATURDAY, MARCH 4

Florida Blue Senior Citizens Day / O’Reilly Auto Parts Ride-A-Thon Day Patrons 60 years of age or older get $2 off the gate admission of $10. O’Reilly Auto Parts Ride-A-Thon noon-11:00 p.m. A wristband purchased at the Midway for $20 will entitle the wearer to ride most mechanical rides for this one low price. Present voucher from participating O’Reilly Auto Parts stores at Midway to receive $3 off $20 wristband and ride all day for only $17.

10:00 a.m.• Gates Open; Midway opens at noon 10:30 a.m-noon • Jimmy Sturr & His Orchestra, Wish Farms Soundstage 11:45 a.m. • Senior Citizens Drawing, Wish Farms Soundstage (One drawing only — must be present to win) 2:30 p.m. • Fanta Strawberry Soda Throwdown, Belmont Festival of Magic Stage 3:30 p.m. • Drifters, Platters & Cornell Gunter’s Coasters, Wish Farms Soundstage 6:00 p.m. • Will Erickson and the Wreckage, Publix Showcase Tent 7:00 p.m. • Mosaic Youth Swine Show, Patterson Co. Livestock Arena 7:30 p.m. • For King & Country, Wish Farms Soundstage

Free Kids Day / Youth Parade Day / Super Saturday Wristband Day Free Kids Day: Kids through high school age admitted free. Super Saturday Wristband Day 10 a.m.-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. Free Kids Day sponsored by MIDFLORIDA Credit Union.

Dairy Shows sponsored by Grove Equipment Service. Youth Strawberry Stemming Contest sponsored by Mavric’s Chocolate Barn.

10:00 a.m. • Gates Open; Midway opens at 10 a.m.

11:00 a.m. • 44th Annual Strawberry Youth Parade, State Farmer’s Market 1:00 p.m. • Dairy Show Showmanship, Patterson Co. Livestock Arena 2:00 p.m. • Youth Strawberry Stemming Contest, Stingray Chevrolet Entertainment Tent 2:30 p.m. • Fanta Strawberry Soda Throwdown, Belmont Festival of Magic Stage 3:30 p.m. • Kane Brown, Wish Farms Soundstage 6:00 p.m. • First Baptist Church of Plant City Modern Worship Team, Publix Showcase Tent 7:30 p.m. • Gospel Night featuring Pastor Calvin “Pee Wee” Callins, Publix Showcase Tent 7:30 p.m. • 3 Doors Down, Wish Farms Soundstage

FRIDAY, MARCH 3 Publix Feeding Florida Day / Moonlight Magic Night Publix Feeding Florida Day from noon-10 p.m. Present any Publix brand nonperishable item at entry gate and receive $5 off the regular price of $20 Fun Pack Ride Coupon Book. Moonlight Magic: Ride most mechanical rides for one special price of $25 per person. All patrons entering the Midway will be required to purchase a $25 wristband, 10 p.m.-2 a.m. All patrons are subject to search.

10:00 a.m. • Gates Open; Midway opens at noon 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. • World Record Strawberry Smoothie Created by Cabot Creamery, Inside Gate 1 1:00 p.m. • Dairy Contestant Judging, Patterson Co. Livestock Arena 2:30 p.m. • Fanta Strawberry Soda Throwdown, Belmont Festival of Magic Stage 3:30 p.m. • Willie Nelson and Family, Wish Farms Soundstage 6:00 p.m. • Soul Circus Cowboys, Publix Showcase Tent 7:00 p.m. • Mosaic Youth Swine Sale, Patterson Co. Livestock Arena 7:30 p.m. • Kip Moore, Wish Farms Soundstage 10:00 p.m. - 2:00 a.m. • Moonlight Magic, Midway

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SUNDAY, MARCH 5 Coca-Cola Family Day: Present any Coca-Cola brand can or plastic bottle product at entry gate to receive a voucher for $5 off the $25 wristband and ride most mechanical rides 10 a.m.-11 p.m. for only $20. Can or bottle is not valid for gate admission. Baby Contest sponsored by South Florida Baptist Hospital. Youth Plant Show & Sale sponsored by Gulf Coast Turf & Tractor.

9:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m.• Registration for Baby Contest, Admin. Office (Hillsborough County babies only) 10:00 a.m.• Gates Open; Midway opens at 10 a.m.

10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.• Baby Contest: Decorated Diaper Contest; Baby Features Contest; Diaper Derby, Publix Showcase Tent 11:00 a.m. • Dairy Showmanship (Adults), Patterson Co. Livestock Arena 11:30 a.m. • Dairy Pee Wee Showmanship, Patterson Co. Livestock Arena 12:30 p.m. • Dairy Costume Ball, Patterson Co. Livestock Arena 2:00 p.m. • Youth Plant Sale, Patterson Co. Livestock Arena 2:30 p.m. • Fanta Strawberry Soda Throwdown, Belmont Festival of Magic Stage 3:30 p.m. • Clare Bowen / Charles Esten, Wish Farms Soundstage 6:00 p.m. • HOLA Plant City!, Publix Showcase Tent 7:30 p.m. • Little Big Town, Wish Farms Soundstage

MONDAY, MARCH 6 Grand Parade Day / Ride-A-Thon Day Ride-A-Thon 10 a.m. -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. Grand Parade Day sponsored by SunPass. Parade Luncheon sponsored by Tampa Electric Co. Lamb Shows sponsored by Bad Boy Mowers. Strawberry Spaghetti Eating Contest sponsored by Spaghetti Eddie’s.

10:00 a.m. • Gates Open; Midway opens at 10 a.m.

11:00 a.m. • Invitational Parade Luncheon 1:00 p.m. • Grand Parade Begins, Downtown Plant City 2:00 p.m. • Grand Parade passes by the Festival, Reynolds Street 2:30 p.m. • Fanta Strawberry Soda Throwdown, Belmont Festival of Magic Stage 3:30 p.m. • The Bellamy Brothers, Wish Farms Soundstage 5:00 p.m. • Lamb Showmanship & Show, Patterson Co. Livestock Arena 5:00 p.m. • Strawberry Spaghetti Eating Contest, Stingray Chevrolet Entertainment Tent 6:00 p.m. • NRG, Publix Showcase Tent 7:30 p.m. • Jennifer Nettles, Wish Farms Soundstage

TUESDAY, MARCH 7 TWOSDAY / Ride-A-Thon Day TWOSDAY and Ride-A-Thon from noon-11 p.m.

It’s your choice! Ride any single ride for only $2 or ride most mechanical rides all day with a $20 wristband purchased at the Midway. Adult Strawberry Stemming Contest sponsored by Chocolate Strawberry Express.

10:00 a.m. • Gates Open; Midway opens at noon 2:00 p.m. • Adult Strawberry Stemming Contest, Stingray Chevrolet Entertainment Tent 2:30 p.m. • Fanta Strawberry Soda Throwdown, Belmont Festival of Magic Stage 3:00 p.m. • Lamb Jumping Contest, Patterson Co. Livestock Arena 3:30 p.m. • Brenda Lee, Wish Farms Soundstage 6:00 p.m. • Ben Allen Band, Publix Showcase Tent 7:00 p.m. • Lamb Costume Contest, Patterson Co. Livestock Arena 7:30 p.m. • Needtobreathe, Wish Farms Soundstage

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Tampa Bay Times | Friday, February 24, 2017 |

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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8

SATURDAY, MARCH 11

American Heroes Day / Ride-A-Thon Day: Ride-A-Thon noon-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.

American Heroes Day: All active, reserve, retired military, veterans, law enforcement and first responders are admitted free with valid ID. American Heroes Day sponsored by Friends of U.S. Military Families.

Farm Worker Appreciation Day / Super Saturday Wristband Day Farm Worker Appreciation Day sponsored by Astin Farms. Super Saturday Wristband Day from 10 a.m.-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. Baby Parade sponsored by South Florida Baptist Hospital.

10:00 a.m.• Gates Open; Midway opens at noon 1:00 p.m. • Super Dog Mega Corndog Eating Contest, Stingray Chevrolet Entertainment Tent 2:30 p.m. • Fanta Strawberry Soda Throwdown, Belmont Festival of Magic Stage 3:30 p.m. • Tracy Byrd, Wish Farms Soundstage 6:00 p.m. • Mosaic Youth Swine Show, Patterson Co. Livestock Arena 6:00 p.m. • 33 Years, Publix Showcase Tent 7:15 p.m. • Honor American Heroes, Wish Farms Soundstage 7:30 p.m. • Scotty McCreery, Wish Farms Soundstage

THURSDAY, MARCH 9 Florida Blue Senior Citizens Day / O’Reilly Auto Parts Ride-A-Thon Day Patrons 60 years and older get $2 off the gate admission of $10. O’Reilly Auto Parts Ride-A-Thon noon-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. Present voucher from participating O’Reilly Auto Parts stores at Midway to receive $3 off $20 wristband and ride all day for only $17.

10:00 a.m. • Gates Open; Midway opens at noon 10:30 a.m.-noon. • Cab Calloway Orchestra, Wish Farms Soundstage 11:45 a.m. • Senior Citizens Drawing, Wish Farms Soundstage (One drawing only — must be present to win) 2:00 p.m. • Strawberry Shortcake Eating Contest, Stingray Chevrolet Entertainment Tent 2:30 p.m. • Fanta Strawberry Soda Throwdown, Belmont Festival of Magic Stage 3:30 p.m. • The Oak Ridge Boys, Wish Farms Soundstage 6:00 p.m. • J. Klein Band, Publix Showcase Tent 7:00 p.m. • Mosaic Youth Swine Sale, Patterson Co. Livestock Arena 7:30 p.m. • The Blues Brothers, Wish Farms Soundstage

FRIDAY, MARCH 10

9:00 a.m.• Registration for Livestock Judging Contest, Patterson Co. Livestock Arena 10:00 a.m. • Gates Open; Midway opens at 10 a.m.

10:00 a.m.• Livestock Judging Contest, Patterson Co. Livestock Arena 10:15 a.m.• Baby Parade, Morrow Steel Free Grandstand 2:30 p.m. • Fanta Strawberry Soda Throwdown, Belmont Festival of Magic Stage 3:30 p.m. • Maddie & Tae, Wish Farms Soundstage 6:00 p.m. • Jack Michael Band, Publix Showcase Tent 7:00 p.m. • Mosaic Youth Swine Show, Patterson Co. Livestock Arena 7:30 p.m. • Patti LaBelle, Wish Farms Soundstage

SUNDAY, MARCH 12 Coca-Cola Family Day: Present any Coca-Cola brand can or plastic bottle product at entry gate to receive a voucher for $5 off the $25 wristband and ride most mechanical rides 10 a.m.-11 p.m. for only $20. Can or bottle is not valid for gate admission. Youth Beef Breed Show sponsored by the Hay Exchange. Fanta Strawberry Soda Throwdown sponsored by Taylor’s Doughboy.

10:00 a.m.• Gates Open; Midway opens at 10 a.m.

11:00 a.m. • Youth Beef Breed Show, Patterson Co. Livestock Arena 1:00 p.m. • Kitchen Craft Cookware Drawing, Neighborhood Village 2:00 p.m. • Pulaski Vacation Giveaway, TECO Expo Hall 2:30 p.m. • Fanta Strawberry Soda Throwdown, Belmont Festival of Magic Stage 3:30 p.m. • Joe Nichols, Wish Farms Soundstage 5:00 p.m. • Stingray Chevrolet Corvette Drawing, East Ind. 6:00 p.m. • HOLA Plant City!, Publix Showcase Tent 7:30 p.m. • Rascal Flatts “RHYTHM & ROOTS” Tour, Wish Farms Soundstage

Tampa Bay Times Day on the Midway / Moonlight Magic Night Tampa Bay Times Day on the Midway from noon-10 p.m. Receive $5 discount with a coupon from the Tampa Bay Times for the $20 Fun Pack Ride Coupon Book. Moonlight Magic: Ride most mechanical rides for one special price of $25 per person. All patrons entering the Midway will be required to purchase a $25 wristband, 10 p.m.-2 a.m. All patrons are subject to search.

Strawberry Mashed Potato Pie Eating Contest sponsored by Pickle Barrel Sirloin Tips.

10:00 a.m. • Gates Open; Midway opens at noon 1:00 p.m. • Strawberry Mashed Potato Pie Eating Contest, Stingray Chevrolet Entertainment Tent 2:30 p.m. • Fanta Strawberry Soda Throwdown, Belmont Festival of Magic Stage 3:30 p.m. • Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers, Wish Farms Soundstage 6:00 p.m. • Beef Breed Showmanship, Patterson Co. Livestock Arena 6:00 p.m. • Neon Truckers, Publix Showcase Tent 7:30 p.m. • Elle King, Wish Farms Soundstage 10:00 p.m. - 2:00 a.m. • Moonlight Magic, Midway

CHARLIE GRIMES FAMILY AGRICULTURAL CENTER Livestock Shows, Sales & Contests ASTIN FARMS PAVILION Swine Exhibit: March 2-March 4 Dairy Exhibit: March 2-March 5 Steer Exhibit: March 8-March 11 SWINDLE FAMILY PAVILION Mosaic Poultry & Rabbit Shows: Daily 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Beef Breed Exhibit: March 10-March 12 Youth Plant Show Exhibit: March 2-March 5 Lamb Show Exhibit: March 6-March 8 NEIGHBORHOOD VILLAGE Neighborhood Village: Daily 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Sponsored by: Kitchen Craft Neighborhood Village Youth: Daily 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Garden Club Horticulture Show: Daily 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Strawberry Queen Exhibit: Daily 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

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ROY & HELEN PARKE BUILDING Shoebox Float Display: Daily 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Sponsored by: Shoemelons MILTON E. HULL ARMORY BUILDING East Hillsborough Art Guild Art Show: Daily 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Sponsored by: Good Health Saunas Photography Contest: Daily 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Sponsored by: Spivey Concessions STRAWBERRY PRODUCTION EXHIBIT Demonstration of Strawberry Production: South of the Milton E. Hull Armory Building.

Sponsored by: Florida Strawberry Growers Association PIONEER VILLAGE Demonstration of Strawberry Production: Daily 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Sponsored by: Florida’s Best

“We are so excited to have them back. From the very first time they were here, they’ve been such a hit with our fans,” said Lauren McNair, the festival’s public relations and media representative. “They just have such a high-energy show that really resonates with our fans.”

The Grammy-winning trio’s members – lead vocalist Gary LeVox, bassist/keyboardist Jay DeMarcus and guitarist Joe Don Rooney – got their start in 1999 and quickly gained notice for their ferocious live show, one that puts their soaring, airtight harmonies center stage.

Last summer, Rascal Flatts scored a major career milestone, illustrating just how much folks liked seeing them in a live setting: The band sold its 10-millionth concert ticket.

At the band’s Strawberry Festival performance, fans can expect to hear a set generously peppered with nearly two decades of contemporary country-pop hits, including Summer Nights, I Melt, Fast Cars and Freedom, Banjo, and, of course, the band’s signature cover of Tom Cochrane’s rousing Life Is a Highway.

In a live setting, the trio sometimes plays around with tempos and creatively deconstructs certain tunes.

(A rockabilly-style Praying for Daylight and a doo-wop version of the mega-hit Happy delighted concertgoers on past tours.) They even toss in a few unexpected covers. Last year, fans on some tour stops were pleasantly surprised when the band performed a few bars of Prince’s Purple Rain after the pop superstar’s sudden passing.

2017 Florida Strawberry Festival

Entertainment Spotlight

RASCAL FLATTS

WHEN RASCAL FLATTS BRINGS ITS RHYTHM & ROOTS TOUR TO THE STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL MAIN STAGE ON SUNDAY, MARCH 12, IT WILL BE THE BEST SELLING COUNTRY ACT’S THIRD APPEARANCE AT THE FESTIVAL – AND ORGANIZERS COULDN’T BE MORE THRILLED ABOUT THAT.

Though a fresh country-pop sound and big hooks have long endeared the band to younger fans, Rascal Flatts doesn’t stray too far from the traditional – or haven’t you heard all that twangy fiddle and tasty pedal steel guitar? On tour, the act, which incidentally, got its start at the now-shuttered Nashville honky tonk Fiddle & Steel Guitar Bar, smartly allows those backup musicians to shine.

Though Rascal Flatts’ last last proper studio album was 2014’s well-received Rewind, its members have continued to create new music, including a 2016 Christmas album and a brand new single, the triumphant up-tempo love song Yours If You Want It, co-written with the late Andrew Dorff. The single is the first new music fans have heard from the band’s upcoming 2017 album of the same name.

Rascal Flatts, Appearing on Stage Sunday, March 12, 7:30 p.m., Tickets $50

Tampa Bay Times | Friday, February 24, 2017 |

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NEEDTOBREATHE Appearing on Stage

Tuesday, MARCH 7 7:30 PM Tickets $25/$30

On their new album Hard Love, the band mixes things up yet again, weaving programmed drums and synthesizers into their propulsive alt-rock sound. In an interview, Rinehart spoke about that and more.

The Strawberry Festival does book some pop and rock acts, but it’s primarily a country festival.

Who are your favorite country artists?

I’m a Stapleton fan, for sure. I like a little bit of Eric Church. I’ve always liked old-school country. I’m a huge Dolly Parton fan, believe it or not. I’ve always been into stuff like Lucinda Williams, Steve Earle, that sort of world.

What made you veer away from straight Southern Americana rock on Hard Love?

2017 Florida Strawberry Festival

Entertainment Spotlight

The first time Needtobreathe picked up banjos and mandolins early in their career, their record label had no idea what they were doing. And for good reason: Neither did the band.

“I think people thought that because we were from the South, we just grew up playing bluegrass,” said singer-guitarist Bear Rinehart. “We knew what those instruments sounded like, but we played straight-up guitar rock. We didn’t play a lot of that kind of music. So that first album we played those instruments, held those instruments in our hand, it felt very fresh and new.”

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Sometimes, honestly, you just get a little bit bored with yourself. Early on, we were on the road 200 days out of the year, so most of the songs were getting formed in soundcheck, and it’s a band in a room. A lot of this record, at least the beginning stages, were getting made in our houses, in our little studios. So the drummer had to be on our keyboards, trying something. We initially just thought those were representations; we weren’t really going to put those on the record. And we brought them to the band. It was like, “I don’t really know what I’m doing here, but this feels right to me.” And I think that’s what this record was about.

Did it feel right playing those songs in arenas on last year’s Tour de Compadres?

It really did. We had just gotten off a big tour, playing amphitheaters for the first time. It was the first time we had sold out Red Rocks, playing to 10,000 people. And the song has to take up a different kind of space in those places than they ever had before. I don’t think you have to make a huge record for it to work, but it certainly was fun to explore that, take out a bigger band, or have singers like we did. We enjoy using as many of those tools as we can.

That vitality propelled the South Carolina band’s anthemic songs, and put them square in the heart of this decade’s Americana rock boom that made stars of bands like Mumford and Sons and the Avett Brothers.

When you play a festival like Bonnaroo or Hangout, is it very different from playing a festival like Rock the Universe or Night of Joy? Are the crowds very different, or is one festival the same as any other festival?

But Needtobreathe has always been tough to pin down. They have roots in Christian rock, and in addition to mainstream rock festivals like Bonnaroo, they’ve also performed at spiritual festivals like Orlando’s Rock the Universe and Night of Joy. When they play the Strawberry Festival on March 7, they’ll pull both religious and secular fans.

The smell in the air is a little bit different, probably. In terms of what we do, it’s not really different.

What we like about festivals so much is sometimes the production is such a big deal when you’re out headlining — you play these theaters and bring all these lights with you and stuff. At festivals, most of the time, we’re playing in the middle of the day, so everybody’s seeing what’s going on. We always feel like we thrive in that setting. If the band is all on 10 all the time, we feel like we really win in those situations, and the audience is ready to be that same way.

| Friday, February 24, 2017 | Tampa Bay Times

Tampa Bay Times | Friday, February 24, 2017 |

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| Friday, February 24, 2017 | Tampa Bay Times