Florida Strawberry Festival is Ripe with Entertainment

March 2 – March 12 Plant City hosts the annual Florida Strawberry Festival. The is a county fair style venue that hosts concerts to some of the biggest names in musical entertainment, both past and present. As well as lots of rides, food, fair entertainment, and need I say ….. Strawberries!!!!!!

The entertainment seems to be a huge draw every year and this year is no exception. With acts like Willie Nelson, Maddie and Tae, Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers and numerous more; there is a taste of entertainment for everyone during its 10 day run. Throughout the midway there is also smaller entertainment that is always fun to watch. If you have never seen Robinson’s Racing Pigs, you are really in for a treat of unique entertainment. Belmont’s Festival of Magic is also there to amaze through the art of illusion. There is also plenty of crafts to view and livestock, too.

The highlight, for me, of the Strawberry Festival is “Make Your Own Strawberry Shortcake” run by the St. Clement Catholic Church. This year I chose to do it twice, for lunch and for dinner. Wait in line and load your bowl with as much strawberries and whip cream as you possibly can and enjoy. They even put a strawberry on top for you so you can create that perfect picture moment.

If attending the festival this year, it is recommended showing up earlier for a couple of reasons. Parking always seem to be tight there and the earlier you arrive, the better spots you can find for an easier exit when wanting to leave. Also, there are opportunities plenty to pick up a flats of strawberries both inside the festival. These strawberries are guaranteed to be fresh and picked daily.

I went to my first festival in 2016, and decided than that this will be an annual trip for me. This year I rode a few of the rides and there are some extreme and hair-raising rides to take advantage of for both the young and the old. Yes, Thrillseekers like The Thrillfreak found some mechanical thrills and added two roller coasters to his list.

The price for admission is a reasonable $10 for adults and $5 for children (5 and under free with paid adult). You can also get discounted gate tickets and St. Clement “Make Your Own Strawberry Shortcake” at participating Publix stores. For more information about the festival, you can visit their website here. I highly recommend a visit to the festival. Even if you are not a fair goer this is such a unique place that you will find there is something for everyone. ALSO, EVERYONE LOVES STRAWBERRIES!!!!!!  

David “Thrills”
The Thrill Freak

Twitter  @TampaAmazeMe

Instagram @Thrillfreak 

David “Thrills” is an avid enthusiast of thrill parks and entertainment activities in the Tampa Bay Area. He is also addicted and running mudruns and 5k’s throughout the year. Be sure to follow me on twitter or instagram or email me at tampathrillme@gmail.com for any questions or concerns. Pictures are the property of  David “Thrills” taken at the 2017 Florida Strawberry Festival.