Leaders in Faith

By Cheryl Johnston

Since 1986, Phil Waldron has been involved with the Florida Strawberry Festival. First, he served as a volunteer, then in 1998 was appointed an Assistant Director, and is now serving his second year as Chairman of the Festival’s Board.

As a Christian, he is thrilled that all board and committee meetings begin with prayer. This act of reverence has always been a hallmark of the Festival’s operations.

Tell us a little about your family life.

I’m one of seven children, with only myself and two others still living. I was born at MacDill Air Force Base and graduated from Plant City High School in 1967. After graduation, I joined the U.S. Coast Guard and in 1972 married Sandra Holbrook. We met at Faith Temple Assembly of God where her father, Rev. Ernest Holbrook, was pastor. Music brought us together –she plays piano and I’ve played guitar since I was seventeen. We recently celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary and have planned a cruise later this year. Spending time with our two children and four grandchildren makes us happy. I served 32 years in the Coast Guard, mostly on the East Coast and in the Caribbean. Recently, I stepped down from playing guitar at our home church, Plant City Church of God, so some of our younger guitarists could gain the worship team experience.

How did you come to faith in Christ?

Being in the church environment led me to that decision. Sandra’s father had a gospel quartet, The Songsmen, which I accompanied on guitar. They were good men who had a great influence on my life.

Describe the role faith plays in the Florida Strawberry Festival organization.

We are an organization that operates on Judeo-Christian principles. Our policy since 1930 has been to start any gathering with prayer and I believe prayer guides us to our successes. Humility is important as we serve this community and our many guests, so being guided by a higher power is critical. The culture of the Festival keeps us focused on wholesome experiences for families. I think the Festival itself is a “Leaders in Faith” event.

What impact do you feel this culture has on visitors?

The Festival’s culture is also the character of Plant City in general. Everyone involved is family oriented. We strive to offer family-friendly entertainment so folks can have a good time in a safe and peaceful setting. It’s a pleasure to hear visitors’ positive comments. Many have come up to say thanks for the prayer and each morning’s patriotic salute.

We share our faith by our actions. For example, no alcoholic beverages are served. We begin all eleven Festival days with the National Anthem. A strong security presence ensures people feel safe and guests appreciate the friendliness of our employees and vendors. We also benefit from having help with parking from local church youth, whose service financially benefits their youth groups. We’re pleased to have maintained this reputation for good, clean family fun over all these years.

How can Plant City folks help with our annual Florida Strawberry Festival outreach?

Share the Festival by inviting others to come and enjoy all we have to offer. Shop with our vendors and buy some berries, too! Encourage the FFA youngsters as they show their animals and horticulture. Volunteer to serve with the approximately 2,000 others already doing so, because this Festival wouldn’t be possible without the community’s help. It’s a great way to make new friends as well. In short, get involved with one of Plant City’s best hospitality efforts!

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