Florida Strawberry Festival Queen's Pageant Program by Berry Publications, Inc

76th ANNUAL

FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL® Queen’s Scholarship Pageant Plant City, Florida March 3-11, 2011

Natalie Burgin

2010 Florida Strawberry Festival Queen

Plant City Lions Club

We are a proud supporter of the 2011

Get your advance tickets today! www.flstrawberryfestival.com

Florida Strawberry FeStival

MAR. 3 - MAR. 13, 2011 - PLANT CITY, FLORIDA

THE JUDDS (The Last Encore)

This year marks the 76th year for the Festival. We salute the hard work and dedication of the festival staff, board members, community leaders and visitors who will make this year’s Festival the best ever. Also, as we enter our 57th year of service to the community, we thank all our friends and customers for making this milestone possible.

KENNY ROGERS TRACE ADKINS

Artists Appearing on the Wish Farms Soundstage: .38 SPECIAL

Thu. Mar. 3 10:30 am Jimmy Sturr & Orchestra FREE Thu. Mar. 3 3:30 pm Bobby Vinton $10 & $15 Thu. Mar. 3 7:30 pm Kenny Rogers $15 & $20 Fri. Mar. 4 3:30 pm John Conlee $10 & $15 Fri. Mar. 4 7:30 pm .38 Special $20 & $25 Sat. Mar. 5 1:00 pm Suite Caroline FREE Sat. Mar. 5 3:30 pm Jeremy Camp $20 & $25 Sat. Mar. 5 7:30 pm Gaither Vocal Band $20 & $25 Sun. Mar. 6 3:30 pm Trace Adkins $25 & $30 Sun. Mar. 6 7:30 pm The Judds (The Last Encore) $45 Mon. Mar. 7 3:30 pm Charley Pride $15 & $20 Mon. Mar. 7 7:30 pm Clint Black $20 & $25 Tues. Mar. 8 3:30 pm Chubby Checker $15 & $20 Tues. Mar. 8 7:30 pm Chris Young $20 & $25 Wed. Mar. 9 3:30 pm Tanya Tucker $15 & $20 Wed. Mar. 9 7:30 pm Rick Springfield $20 & $25 Thu. Mar. 10 10:30 am The Guy Lombardo Band FREE Thu. Mar. 10 3:30 pm George Jones $15 & $20 Thu. Mar. 10 7:30 pm The Doobie Brothers $25 & $30 Fri. Mar. 11 3:30 pm Ray Price $10 & $15 Fri. Mar. 11 7:30 pm Josh Thompson/ Justin Moore $15 & $20 Sat. Mar. 12 3:30 pm Allstar Weekend & Jennette McCurdy $10 & $15 Sat. Mar. 12 7:30 pm Billy Ray Cyrus $20 & $25 Sun. Mar. 13 3:30 pm Easton Corbin $15 & $20 Sun. Mar. 13 7:30 pm Lady Antebellum $45

CLINT BLACK

CHRIS YOUNG

TANYA TUCKER

RICK SPRINGFIELD GEORGE JONES

Concert dates and times are subject to change

Free Grandstand seating, 3:30 & 7:30 pm are on a first come, first seated basis. Order: www.flstrawberryfestival.com or 813-754-1996

CHARLEY PRIDE

THE DOOBIE BROTHERS

LADY ANTEBELLUM JENNETTE MCCURDY

Plant City

Main Office 102 W. Baker St. 752-6193 2 Plant City Lions Club

Walden Woods

2400 Jim Redman Pkwy. 754-1844

Zephyrhills

36450 Eiland Blvd. 782-9593

Riverview

7459 Highway 301 S. 677-7102

Brandon

420 W. Brandon Blvd. 689-1271

BILLY RAY CYRUS

Cool Whip • Stingray Chevrolet • TECO • Premium Leisure • Southern Ford Dealers • CF Industries • Patterson Companies • Mahaffey Tent Rentals • Verizon Wireless • Candyland Warehouse Plant City Lions Club

Thanks for Your Support and

WELCOME

Plant City Lions Club Officers 2010-2011 Serving Eastern Hillsborough County for Over 80 Years

to the 76th Annual Strawberry Festival Queen’s Scholarship Pageant

ions Clubs International is the world’s largest service club organization with more than 1.3 million members in more than 45,000 clubs worldwide. Clubs are comprised of active men and women in more than 200 countries and geographic areas. The Lions Clubs are best known for fighting blindness. This effort is supported by conducting vision screenings, equipping hospitals and clinics, distributing medicine and raising awareness of eye disease. Lions work through their mission of providing vision for all. Lions have extended their commitment to sight conversation through countless local efforts and through their International SightFirst Program, which works to eradicate blindness. The Plant City Lions Club was established in 1929 and is credited with being an integral part of starting the Florida Strawberry Festival in 1930. This partnership continues as the Plant City Lions Club host the annual Florida Strawberry Festival Queen’s Pageant. The Pageant is one of three major fundraising events for the Plant City Lions Club. The club also hosts an annual golf

tournament and runs an 11 day food booth at the Florida Strawberry Festival. As a result of the continued success of these major fundraising events, the Plant City Lions Club has a rich history of supporting much needed outreach in our local community and beyond.

Kelleigh Klein

In addition to supporting local and international sight programs, the Plant City Lions Club supports local organizations like Meals on Wheels, the United Food Bank of Plant City, Steppin Stone Farm, Southeast Guide Dogs, South Florida Baptist Hospital and more. Overall, the Plant City Lions Club invests more than $50,000.00 annually into outreach. The Plant City Lions Club is also credited with empowering the next generation. The clubs outreach dollars support scholarships for our local high schools and homeschool students, Boys and Girls Scouts, Boys and Girls Club, and Little League. Also, our Leo Program provides the youth of Plant City with an opportunity for personal development through volunteering. Leos from our local high schools provide volunteer support for all of the Plant City Lions Club events and activi-

President

gail Lyons

First Vice President

Kerrie Gafford Second Vice President

ties. They are also active volunteers in their local high schools, for the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce and for the United Food Bank of Plant City. The Lions Club motto is “We Serve.” Lions are part of a global service network, doing whatever is necessary to help our local communities.

Steve Nierman

Charles Harris

Third Vice President

Immediate Past President

Past Presidents of the Plant City Lions Club

2011 Florida Strawberry Festival Queen Scholarship Pageant

A. Schneide......................................... 1929-30 W.D. Marley....................................... 1930-31 C.O. McRae & G.B. Overton............. 1931-32 Solon Southerland & Treman Barnes... 1932-33 No Record of Officers......................... 1933-34 Treman Barnes.................................... 1934-35 Dr. Edgar Austin................................. 1935-36 Edgar Hull.......................................... 1936-37 Edwin Griffin...................................... 1937-38 L.E. Morgan, Jr................................... 1938-39 J.Y. Blake, Jr........................................ 1939-40 Harrell B. West.................................... 1940-41 Mack P. Clark...................................... 1941-42 Fred D. Alley....................................... 1942-43 John H. Cone...................................... 1942-44 G.E. Blevins........................................ 1944-45 J.C. Moore.......................................... 1945-46 J.K. McAllister.................................... 1946-47 O.M. Andrews.................................... 1947-48 R.R. Abbot.......................................... 1948-49 Earl C. Barker..................................... 1949-50 R.H. Crum......................................... 1950-51 Dr. C. Glynn Capps............................ 1951-52 Sim C. Sparkman................................ 1952-53 Denton L. Cook.................................. 1953-54 Jack Dempsey...................................... 1954-55 R.L. Morgan, Jr................................... 1955-56 W. B. Henderson................................. 1956-57

This contest is sponsored by the Plant City Lions Club who will conduct the pageant through the Coronation Ceremony of the five finalists, one of whom becomes the 2011 Florida Strawberry Festival Queen. The contestants are judged on personal interview, personality, beauty and poise. The entire pageant will be conducted at the Florida Strawberry Festival grounds on Feburary 5, 2011 at 6:00pm.

4 Plant City Lions Club

Donald R. Yoho.................................. 1957-58 Paul Bailey.......................................... 1958-59 Cecil Everidge..................................... 1959-60 W. Glenn Knox................................... 1960-61 Henry McElveen................................. 1961-62 Hilman Bowden.................................. 1962-63 Horace A. Andrews............................. 1963-64 James L. Redman................................ 1964-65 Rodney M. Sparkman......................... 1965-66 John L. Ryals....................................... 1966-67 Robert Spooner................................... 1967-68 Vernon E. Ayscue................................ 1968-69 William D. Vernon............................. 1969-70 Jack T. GIbbs, Jr.................................. 1970-71 Gerald Hooker.................................... 1971-72 James Farmer....................................... 1972-73 Alfred E. Berry.................................... 1973-74 J. Myrle Henry.................................... 1974-75 W. Robert Martin................................ 1975-76 E. Robert Lastinger............................. 1976-77 Grady Hutto....................................... 1977-78 Paul B. Causey.................................... 1978-79 Ronald H. Baker................................. 1979-80 James S. Moody, Jr.............................. 1980-81 Bernard Caton.................................... 1981-82 Hubert Alderman................................ 1982-83 Jim Jackson......................................... 1983-84 Ned Butler.......................................... 1984-85

Frank Henderson................................ 1985-86 Dr. Don Humphrey............................ 1986-87 Coleman Davis.................................... 1987-88 Dan Walden........................................ 1988-89 O.C. Whitehead.................................. 1989-90 William Dodson.................................. 1990-91 Gary Boothe........................................ 1991-92 Doyle LaGrone.................................... 1992-93 G. Dean Snyder................................... 1993-94 Robert P. Fulks.................................... 1994-95 Daniel M. Coton................................ 1995-96 Doug Gibbs........................................ 1996-97 David Miles......................................... 1997-98 John Dwyer......................................... 1998-99 Dr. Greg J. Huang.................................... 1999 William P. O’Connor...................... 1999-2000 Judith P. Barta................................. 2000-2001 Timothy W. Shuff............................... 2001-02 Francis Hardee.................................... 2002-03 Lee Williams....................................... 2003-04 Jaime Davis......................................... 2004-05 Stephen Robert................................... 2005-06 Brian West.......................................... 2006-07 Bill Ulbricht............................................. 2007 Michael Cameron................................ 2007-08 Jodi Smith........................................... 2008-09 Charles Harris..................................... 2009-10

Gifts and Other Incentives: The Strawberry Festival will provide: • A crown for the Queen • Banners (sashes) for each of the five finalists • Formal gowns and a wardrobe for each of the five finalists • Trophies for each of the five finalists Scholarships to be Awarded: The Plant City Lions Club will provide a $1,000 scholarship for the 2011 Strawberry Festival Queen

and $250.00 for each of the Court Members. The Florida Strawberry Festival will provide a $1,200 scholarship for the 2011 Queen, a $1,000 scholarship for the First Maid, and an $800 scholarship for each Court member. Additional Prizes: Lions Club Auxiliary: $250 for Miss Congeniality Queen’s Portrait: Harry Jeffcoat will give the outgoing 2010 Queen a portrait of herself. Merle Norman Cosmetics of Plant City: $100 Gift for the Queen, $50 for the First Maid and $25 for each Court Member Simmons Engraving and Monogramming, Inc.: Will donate a trophy for the incoming Queen and a jacket for the outgoing Queen. Tip To Toe Salon: Choice of services from the Day Spa or merchandise from the gift shop for the Queen and Court

Jackie’s Dance Theatre: Dance scholarship for the Queen and Court

J&G Jewelers: Fine strawberry jewelry for the Queen and Court Members

Sunshine State Federal S&L: Two $100 Savings Bonds for the Queen

Crescent Jewelers: Fine jewelry for the Queen and Court Members

Regions Bank: $100 Savings bond for the Queen, $50 for each Court Member

Your Family Jewelers: Fine jewelry for the Queen and Court Members

Hillsboro Bank: $100 Savings Bond for the First Maid Platinum Bank: $50 Savings Bond for the First Maid Harrell’s Nursery: Use of plants for the pageant YMCA: A year-long membership for the Queen and three months membership for the Court Members Parrish Threads: Tapestry strawberry bag for the Queen and Court Hardee’s Fashions: Clothing for the flower girls Brown’s Florist: Flowers to the Queen and Court

Camellia Rose Tea Room: Christine Alexander tee shirt embellished with Swarovski Crystal strawberries for the Queen and Court Members. The Queen and her Court will be the guests during the annual “Tea with the Queen” teatime event. The Queen will also receive a tin of a special strawberry tea blend named in her honor. Artist in You: Ceramic plates to make into their own creation for the Queen and Court Members Mango Cleaners: Monthly coupons for dry cleaning for the year of their reign for the Queen and Court Members Plant City Lions Club

Plant City Lions Club Sponsor of the Florida Strawberry Festival® Queens Scholarship Pageant President Kelleigh Klein Strawberry Queen Pageant Queen Committees General Chairman Gail Lyons

The Plant City Lions Club Hard at Work and Hard at Play

Pageant Committee Program Book: Al Berry

Ushers: Bob Fulks (Chairman), Charles Carter, Michael Cameron, David Davenport, Coleman Davis, Bill Dodson, Jeff Dunn, Bill Fritz, Don Humphrey, Tony Jackson, David Miller, Rick Norman, Bill O’Connor, Randy Valdez, Durant Leos

Dressing Room: Pat Carter, Sue Davis, Nancy Burke, Laurette Valdez, Joyce Fulks, Sylvia Dodson

Concessions: Bruce Collins (Chairman), Coleman Davis, Mike Maggard

Photography: Stephanie Humphrey

Dance Choreography: Lisa Harris Tucker, Martha Lastinger Henderson

Back Door Security: Charles Harris (Chairman), Lee Williams, Stoney Burke, Doug Driggers, Steve Singletary

Sound/Lighting: Jay Ballard (Chairman), J.R. Pitts

Decorations: Plant City Lions Club Auxiliary Backstage: Jean Ann Davenport, Angie Nierman, Rhonda Miller, Courtney Singletary

Communications: Kelleigh Klein

Tickets and Door: Judy Barta, Francis Hardee, Lisa Harris Tucker, Karen Bozeman

Souvenir Program Book - Sales and Production: In The Field Magazine—Berry Publications, Inc.

Appreciation The Plant City Lions Club takes this opportunity to express its appreciation to the Strawberry Festival Association, the Plant City Area Merchants, and many others in the Plant City area who support the Lions Club in their sponsorship of the Florida Strawberry Festival Queen’s Scholarship Pageant as well as the publication of the Strawberry Festival Souvenir Pro-

The Plant City Lions Club

gram and other Lions Club projects. Special recognition and thanks are extended to Mr. Paul Davis, Manager of the Florida Strawberry Festival, and members of the Lions Auxiliary for their assistance in staging the Strawberry Queen Pageant.

The

is proud to honor

Plant City Lions Club

in this special section

would like to thank

AUXILIARY MEMBERS President - Jean Ann Davenport Vice President - Rhonda Miller Treasurer - Nancy Burke Secretary - Jill Ballard/Laurette Valdez Chaplain - Lois Lastinger Historian - Sylvia Dodson Members Beverly Fritz Ledgie Alley Joyce Fulks Rean Barger Angie Neirman Nora Hanna Debby O'Connor Pat Carter Tara Smith Ann Crumpton Jennifer West Sue Davis Children's Court Crown Bearer - Robert Davenport Train Bearers - Connor Butler and David Miller Heralds - Sierra Urra and Leigh Ann Miller Flower Girls - Ashley Dunn and Sanibel Carter

We appreciate all the fine work and support in all our projects 6 Plant City Lions Club

The

Durant High School Plant City High School & Strawberry Crest High School Leo Clubs for their exceptional participation in Lions activities and projects throughout the year. We are very proud to have you as part of the “LION” Family Plant City Lions Club

2011 Pageant Contestants & Sponsors Contestant

Sponsor

Page Contestant

Sponsor

Page

1 Somer Harvey

Tampa Electric Company

17 Tori Shepherd

Wishnatzaki Farms

2 Victoria Garren

Sunshine State Federal S&L

18 Kaitlin Hartzog

Astin Strawberry Exchange

3 Summer Norris

E.W. Simmons Family Farms

19 Riley Andreau

Jarrett-Scott Ford

4 Caitlin Cribbs

Parkesdale Farms

20 Ashley McMath

Michael Cameron

6 Kourtney Otero

Tip To Toe Day Spa & Gifts

21 Erika Wardzinski

The Timbers at Chama

7 Kelley Lott

Hydraulic Hose & Cylinder

22 Danielle O'Brien

Dental Assoc. of Walden Woods

8 Calli Jo Parker

Hillsboro Bank

23 Taylor Wiggs

Trinkle, Redman, Swanson, Coton, Davis & Smith, P.A.

9 Amber Carapezza

Florida Insurance Center

24 Regan Knotts

Bartow Chevrolet

10 Laura Beasley

Farm Credit of Central Florida

25 Kallee Cook

Cowboys Western World

11 Ainsley Bowers

Poppell Insurance

27 Kristen Smith

Fred's Southern Kitchen

12 Ashley Scruggs

Red Rose Inn & Suites

28 Erica Kelley

Platinum Bank

13 Megan Young

Edward Jones

29 Kori Lane

Uncommon USA, Inc.

14 Emily Funk

Haught Funeral Home

30 Katlyn Messick

Morrow Steel

15 Taelor Highland

Badcock Furniture

31 Victoria Watkins

Broke & Poor Surplus Building Materials, Inc.

16 Kayla Stepp

Tractor World, Inc.

32 Jayne Berry

Timberlane Pet Hospital

Katie Sharer Butson, 2004 Florida Strawberry Festival Queen and Pageant Emcee, is sponsored by Malissa Crawford, Coldwell Banker.

Former Strawberry Queens 1930 Charlotte Rosenberg 1931 Irvin Wilder 1932 Elizabeth Carey 1933 Christine Walden 1934 Dorothy Adelson 1935 Virginia Moody 1936 Pauline Schulte 1937 Eloise Howell 1938 Norma Robinson 1939 Faye Mott 1940 Catherine Fletcher 1941 Jane Langford 1942-1947 6 year Suspension 1948 Barbara Alley 1949 Peggy Hodges 1950 Etta Mae Helzer 1091 Edwana Snowden 1952 Arvor Lois Harris 1953 Ruby Jean Parker 1954 Ruth Shuman 8 Plant City Lions Club

1955 1956 1956 1957 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972

Betty Clements Virginia Young Mary Jane Jackson National Strawberry Queen Linda Potter Sheila West Linda Eady Betty Jean Cook Diane O’Callaghan Marlene Coon Janice E. Barnes Georgie Blevins Sandra Link Kathy Mascali Maria Junquera Silvia Azorin Dee Zoet Krysta Nifong Sherrie Chambers Linda Scanlon

1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992

Phyllis Head Denise Watts Sheryl Simmons Martha Lastinger Karen Owens Mimi Phillips Pam Smith Lisa Lynn Harris Pamela Lillan Farris Nancy Lynn Wright Lisa B. Johnson Sandra Howard Kay Newsome Becky Lewis Rebecca Sue Brown Robyn Simmons Kristen Lynn Martinson Joanna Lynn Cooper Stephanie Chesser Lisa Stanaland

1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

Ashley Moody Amy Swilley Courtney Clark Amy Maria Norman Stephanie Ann St. Martin Jessica Eran McDonald Kayla Shareé Drawdy Alison Dianne Archbell Kellie Anne Hinson Shannon Leigh Davis Erica Leann Der Kaitlin J. Sharer Ashlee Rae Watkins Hannah Renee Hodge Summer Nicole Pippin Kristen Elise Smith Lauren Briann Der Natalie Burgin

Natalie Burgin

2010 Strawberry Festival Queen When I began the year as the 2010 Strawberry Festival Queen, my biggest support system was my family. Throughout my reign, I discovered the circle I call “my family” becoming larger. The community of Plant City and its Strawberry Festival is more than a small town and its celebration of its harvest. No, it is a family, a group of individuals bound together, supporting their own and inspiring their youth. This year we did not serve just as Strawberry Festival Queen and Court, but we were inducted into the Plant City Family. To the Strawberry Festival and Board Members: From you we have gained honorary mothers and fathers who have supported us and inspired us. To our new mother, Mrs. Sandee Sytsma: Thank you for your godliness, your tireless efforts, and your dedication to the Queens program. You have successfully kept five energetic young women in line and taught us many life lessons. At our most stressful moments you have been our pillar of encouragement and strength. We could have done nothing without you. I feel I have been blessed with four new sisters: TyLynn Ebin, Ashlynn Robinson, Dayla Dementry and Rachel Hallman. To our First Maid, TyLynn: Your infectious laugh and unique individuality has encouraged us all to think out-of-the-box and to be the best version of ourselves. Ashlynn: Your warm heart and genuine love of people challenged us all to give more to others. Dayla: Your undying resolve to overcome all obstacles and achieve your dreams has inspired us all to chase our dreams mirroring your passion. And to Rachel: Your radiance and zest for life filled every room and brought us all together.   To the city of Plant City: It has been my greatest privilege to represent you as the Strawberry Queen. You have opened your arms to me. Your love and support has blessed me inexpressibly. Every day your kind words, hugs, smiles and prayers were freely given. I know I speak for the entire Court when I say that you have touched our lives, and we are exceptionally grateful to you. As we begin a new chapter of our lives, we will be forever sustained by the support, encouragement and love derived from our Plant City Family. I will always look back on this year with the deepest gratitude. Most humbly yours,

Natalie Burgin

2010 Florida Strawberry Festival Queen Plant City Lions Club

FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL: Getting Better With Age Family Value & Fun; Celebrating the Strawberry Harvest

Going Green for the Environment

By Jim Frankowiak

“If it ain’t broke, don’t try to fix it,” is an anonymous, but popular phrase that applies nicely to the Florida Strawberry Festival. Celebrating its 76th annual occurrence March 3 – 13, 2011, the festival’s theme this year is “Taste the Flavor of Fun!” “For the price of a movie, a family can have a full day of fun,” said Festival General Manager Paul Davis, who also noted the festival’s board, recognizing the challenges of the current economy, has not raised the price of admission or the cost of a strawberry shortcake. Adult advance ticket sales are $8 for ages 13 and up. Youth tickets purchased in advance are $4 for 6 – 12. Children under 6 are admitted free when accompanied by a ticketed adult or older youngster. “We also have special days throughout the festival when members of select groups are admitted at no charge or with a discount such as Kids’ Day, Senior Citizens’ Day and American Heroes Day,” said Davis. “We offer other specials such as Mountain Dew Day and Moonlight Magic Nights when attendees can enjoy midway rides all day for a flat fee,” he noted. Advance general admission and show tickets can be purchased on the festival’s web site, calling the ticket office at 813-754-1006 or by visiting the ticket office at 2209 Oak Avenue in Plant City. Group sales are available by calling 813-719-6680. “This year we are again teaming with Sweetbay Supermarkets in central Florida where advance gate admission tickets can be purchased from February 10 through March 13,” said Davis. In addition to the 24 headline acts, the 76th Strawberry Festival will also offer daily free, family-oriented acts, Belle City Amusement’s Midway with 80 thrilling rides, nearly 400 vendors, exhibitors and food concessions. “Among our new free acts this year are the Pirates of the Columbian Caribbean, a high energy, high wire act,” said Davis. “Belle City’s Midway will feature several new thrill rides, among them the Avalanche Roller Coaster, the largest coaster ever at the festival.” Though the Festival gains a high level of attention for its top-notch entertainment and fun-filled midway rides “we must never forget that the festival is a celebration of the strawberry harvest,” said Davis. “It’s a time for our community to celebrate and recognize the importance of our strawberry industry and agriculture.” “Our various youth competitions enable us to recognize our cattlemen and women of tomorrow as well as our growers of the future and to help them prepare themselves to carry forward this important agricultural tradition,” said Davis. “During just the last two years I am proud to say we have had some 6,800 students participate in the various youth events associated with the Strawberry Festival and they have won more than $1.3 million in competitive events. That is money or scholarships that will help them defray the cost of their college educations as they work to become members of tomorrow’s agricultural community.” The festival provides young people with a productive and positive experience to showcase their hard work in various competitions, many under the auspices of 4-H and FFA. “Seeing a youngster sleeping next to his or her entry at the Steer Tent is a true slice of Americana that says precisely what the Strawberry Festival is all about, and I hope that’s something that never changes.” 10 Plant City City Lions LionsClub Club

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But the annual Florida Strawberry Festival is much more. “This is a time when our community spirit really shines,” said Davis. “Our volunteers are critical and precious ingredients that make our festival one of the best in the country. I’m not talking just about service, but their individual commitment to make attendance at the festival an enjoyable one for every attendee and visitor.” “You can’t pay for their heart, desire and commitment. The Strawberry Festival is the Plant City community and the Plant City community is the Strawberry Festival,” he said. “The Festival and experience of visitors has put Plant City on the map in a special way and I express my heartfelt thanks to each of those 2,700 who give unselfishly of their time and talent during the festival.” The Florida Strawberry Festival today ranks among the top 50 fairs in North America. The festival is a community-oriented organization governed by a board of directors that devotes many hours to establishing policies and direction for the event. Though an annual outstanding showcase for the area, the Florida Strawberry Festival has never been the recipient of taxpayer subsidies. In recognition of its commitment to family, the festival does not allow the sale of alcoholic beverages on its premises. It is important to recognize that more than 8,000 acres of strawberries are planted annually in the greater Plant City area of Hillsborough County where some 2,800 farms produce fruit and vegetable crops with an estimated value of $400 million. One of the largest agricultural counties in the nation, Hillsborough’s crops, in addition to strawberries, includes citrus, tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplant, squash, okra, peppers, beans, dairy products, eggs, ornamental horticulture, tropical fish, beef cattle, swine and other related products. “You have no doubt seen bumper stickers and signs that say, No Farmers – No Food,” said Davis. “We believe in that and don’t want anyone to forget.” The Florida Strawberry Festival also has its own post office, operated each day of the festival by the U.S. Postal Service and the hand stamp on letters and cards mailed for the post office read “Florida Strawberry Festival Station, Plant City, Florida 33563.” Though the list of entertainers may change from year to year and the midway will offer new ways for thrill seekers to enjoy themselves, the Florida Strawberry Festival will continue to celebrate family, the harvest and the ever important role of agriculture. For more information about the Florida Strawberry Festival, visit www.flstrawberryfestival.com.

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Plant City Lions Club 11

Welcome to the 76th Annual

Florida Strawberry Festival®, Inc. “A Corporation Not For Profit... For Progress”

The Florida Strawberry Festival, Inc. is not operated for profit. It serves the useful purpose of developing the Agricultural, Educational, Livestock, Cultural, Commercial, and Industrial resources of this county. This Corporation is a Member of the Following Associations Florida Federation of Fairs National Independent Concessionaires Associations Country Music Association Plant City Chamber of Commerce International Association of Fairs & Expositions Brandon Chamber of Commerce Florida Festivals and Events Association

2011 Officers

Agricultural Tractors

General Manager

Compact Tractors Michael Sparkman PRESIDENT

Ron Gainey

VICE PRESIDENT

Jim Jeffries SECRETARY

Dan Walden TREASURER

Paul Davis

GENERAL MANAGER

Directors

Terry O. Ballard

Ken Lucas

Al Berry

Gary Boothe

Hilman Bowden

Daniel Coton

Floyd Hall

Dub McGinnes, Jr.

Joe Newsome

Kenneth Peace

David Sullivan

Sandee Parke Sytsma

Associate Directors Directors Emeriti

Member Emeritus

Dr. Michael Salvato Renita Boles Chris Sparkman Doug Driggers Kay Varnum William Keel Phillip Waldron Andrew Knotts Pamela Warnock Rick Lott Lane Wetherington David Miles Danny Wilkes Jon Poppell 12 Plant City Lions Club

Carl Carpenter, Jr.

Bruce Galloway Johnny Dean Page Evelyn Oszmianski Ray (Rolly) Rollyson, Jr. B.M. (Mac) Smith, Jr. Robert Trinkle William Vernon

General Manager Emeriti Kenneth Cassels, CFE

Patsy Brooks, CFE

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Plant City Lions Club 13

Katie Sharer Butson, Emcee & 2004 Strawberry Festival Queen

We are proud to sponsor

Riley Andreu. From childhood, Katie Sharer Butson has made it her lifelong passion to bring out the beauty in each person she meets. Since 2005, Katie has been building her brand as a make-up artist, hair stylist, and wardrobe stylist. Her bold enterprise and creativity has not gone unnoticed. Katie was recently featured in Cut and Dry Magazine, landed a cover for the nationally distributed magazine â&#x20AC;&#x153;Fourpointsâ&#x20AC;?, and has traveled across the country with the brilliant and talented, Deb Knoske Photography. A graduate of Paul Mitchell the School Tampa, Katie currently resides in Raleigh, NC with her husband Daniel.

Good luck from all of us at Jarrett-Scott Ford.

Riley is the daughter of Alan and Kelly Andreu. She is a junior at Durant High School and is an officer in both the Leo Club and Student Government Association and a member of the National Honor Society. Riley plans to attend the University of Florida where she will pursue a degree in telecommunications where she can prepare for a career in TV broadcasting. In her free time she plays soccer and flag football for the Lady Cougars.

2000 E. Baker Street | 813-752-4171 | jarrettscottford.com 14 Plant City Lions Club

Plant City Lions Club 15

Riley McKenna Andreu, Contestant 19

Sponsored by Edward Jones

TRINKLE, REDMAN, SWANSON, COTON, DAVIS & SMITH, P.A. Taylor is the daughter of Joe and Laura Carter. She is a senior at Durant High School and active in FFA, FCA and the Poetry Club. Next fall Taylor plans to attend Hillsborough Community College and then transfer to a four year university. In her free time, Taylor enjoys sketching/drawing, raising steers for the Florida Strawberry Festival and cooking with her mom.

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Tim Shuff, CFP® Financial Advisor .

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Member SIPC

Megan is the daughter of Jeannie Young and the late Fred Young. She is a graduate of Durant High School. Her community involvement includes the FFA, Florida Strawberry Growers Association Ambassador and an active member of Lone Oak Baptist Church. Megan is currently attending Hillsborough Community College. After receiving her AA degree at HCC, she plans to transfer to the University of Florida to pursue a degree in Agricultural Communications.

Megan Danielle Young, Contestant 13

Taylor Ashley Wiggs, Contestant 23

Sponsored by Trinkle, Redman, Swanson, Coton, Davis & Smith, P.A.

Good Luck 2011 Contestants

121 North Collins Street P.O. Box Drawer TT Plant City, Florida

Phone: 813.752.6133 Facsimile: 813.754.8957

44 Plant City Lions Club

Hillsborough Surveying Inc. Plant City, Florida 813-707-9086 LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED TIMOTHY W. TEW, P.L.S. OWNER/PRESIDENT

“W

Did you know you can choose your Surveyor when Re-Financing!!!! Plant City Lions Club 45

Charlotte Rosenberg 1930 First STrawberry Queen This year will be the 76th Strawberry Festival Queen’s Contest produced by the Plant City Lions Club. As in 1930, and even today, the contest was the premier annual event designed to raise money for the clubs children’s eye glass program and other notable local non-profit projects. The first queen in the 1930 contest was Charlotte Rosenberg. Her court (maids) included Nettie Simmons, Alice Maxey, Kathryn Dudley, Irvin Wilder and Alice Sly. Pages included: Helen Spear, Catherine Fletcher, Katherine Andrews and Virginia Dennison. Queen Charlotte Rosenberg died on October 17 last year. She lived in Tallahassee for many years taking care of the printing business her husband left her after he died in 1966.

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Plant City Lions Club 47

In the Beginning... It was in early 1929 that a few men, who were members of the newly chartered Lions Club, proposed at one of their weekly meetings that Plant City needed some kind of a celebration. After a brief discussion it was decided that they would have a Strawberry Festival to focus attention to the berry growers in and around Plant City. The Lions Club furnished the leadership needed to organize this special event. So, in 1930, came the birth of the Florida Strawberry Festival. The queen’s contest was organized as a fund-raising project. The Lions Auxiliary took care of the selection from the very start, and the tradition continues today. A number of years ago the Florida Strawberry Festival asked Panky Morgan Snow to write the history of the Festival. She found in the January 3, 1930 issue of the Plant City Enterprise, a story that gave the date of March 12, 13, 14, and 15 as the dates of the first Strawberry Festival. The Club members asked attorney James A. Henderson to handle the details of incorporation and the Plant City Enterprise offered to run the necessary legal notices without cost. An election of officers and directors took place at a meeting in the old City Hall. City Commissioner Al Schneider was named president, W. Dee Marley, vice president, Henry H. Huff, secretary, Henry S. Moody, treasurer. Other members of the Board of Directors were James W. Henderson, F.E. Cummins and Marcus E. Cone. Appointed to an executive committee were W.D. Marley, John C. Dickerson, Henry S. Moody, Henry Hamilton Huff, Miss Motelle Madole, Mrs. J.G. Smith, Miss Hazel Kelley, Miss Irene Merrin, J.B. Edwards, F.E. Cummins, H.M. Barker, G.O. Parker, W. D. Marley, Al Schneider, Marcus E. Cone and Henry H. Huff. That was in 1930, and one year later all of the above were listed as charter members of the Strawberry Festival. 48 Plant PlantCity CityLions LionsClub Club 48

The Lions Clubs idea of the Strawberry Festival in 1930 drew an enthusiastic response from people in east Hillsborough’s surrounding community, and they indicated they would participate. A site known just south of Jackson Elementary School was chosen as the area where the Festival would be held because it was centrally located and easy to get to with plenty of parking. Fifty booths with additional space allotted for the Plant City Women’s Club’s annual flower show were planned for the exhibits. During all the preparation for the festival, trainloads of strawberries were leaving the city by rail at a rate of more than 100,000 quarts a day. They averaged 30 cents per quart. Thus, Plant City soon became known as the “World’s Winter Strawberry Center.” The four-day program for the first annual Florida Strawberry Festival was: • Wednesday, March 12, Children’s Day. Schools dismissed at 10am, and all children would get in free. The parade would begin at 1pm, and the Queen would be crowned that evening. • Thursday, March 13 – Strawberry Day • Friday, March 14 – Tourists Day • Saturday, March 15 – Farmers’ Day The merchants around town jumped into the frenzy, and offered unheard of bargains. The La Premiere Beauty Shop in the Young Moody building offered a haircut and a permanent for $2.50. Plant City Department store sold ladies’ dresses worth $2.25 for just $1.00! 1930 was a big year for Plant City and everyone got involved. This was the beginning of a legacy for Plant City, now known as the “World’s Winter Strawberry Capital.”

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49 PlantCity CityLions LionsClub Club 49 Plant

1956 Florida Strawberry Festival QUEEN’S CONTEST ®

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The 21st Florida Strawberry Festival Queen’s Contest was held on Monday night, February 20, 1956. As you can see from the picture it was held on the out door stage with little to no decorations. The three judges appear to be seated on a black covering which may have been bales of hay. Judges included Miss Marina Doria, Switzerland water ski champion and beauty queen. Miss Ann Hart, Florida Camellia Queen, and Mr. Al McFadyen, publicity director for Cypress Gardens. A total of 39 contestants competed for the crown. According to the Plant City Photo Archives, Virginia Young won the competition.

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1956 Pageant Contestants 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Margie Morgan Florence Linton Marie Kaiser Sandra West Virginia Young June Fussell Marilyn Simmons Mary Joe Crichton Deloris Harris Gail Sink

50 Plant City Lions Club

11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

Charlotte Wilbur Mary Jane Jackson Mary White Martha Tharrington Sylvia Hasty JaVerne Edwards Carolyn Hardee Maureen Crum Carolyn Martin Jean O’Berry

21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

Christian Blanton Marie Stanphill Sylvia McCardel Sara Linda Ennis Marlene Lang Dorothy Ray Mahlin Charlene Hudson Avonell Horne Shirley Howe Mildred Green

31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38

Norune Cochran Fredda Jane Dees Ruth Pardue Louise Ahlers Jeanette Prevatt Carol Marlene Hunter Martha Clemons Amelia Polk

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Plant City Lions Club 51

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Barbara Alley was s rida State University, As a freshmen at Flo Strawberry Festival Queen. Barbara wa t a en rid em Flo on 48 stp 19 po r the yea ed six er a crown to serve as queen aft the first young lady pageant, due to World War II. the d an of the festival 1914 Plant City s held at the historic nt The 1948 pageant wa ation ceremony took place on a differe ron al’s co tiv the fes d an the ol to ho me w ho High Sc stadium, which is no g gown night at the football ntestants competed simply in an evenin ra was rba co Ba l e, let mp co s wa concert stage. Al n ce the competitio of their choice and on an, a leading city official. org M t Ra by ed crown today’s queen and t ng of gifts and prizes Unlike the outpouri not recall receiving any prizes. “I did no did said. court receive, Barbara ing queen was honor enough,” Barbara need any gifts, just be a schools, and involving all of the are on ati ron co ge lar a rba After re, Ba ra completed es, luncheons and mo rried Hilman Bowden. ma n a year filled with parad soo l. on at FSU and her degree in Educati 12 years at the local junior high schoo y just for the d sh an gli ie, En t arl gh Ch and She tau have two sons, Bud Barbara and Hilman wedding anniversary. th 60 ir celebrated the een and the opportu her experience as qu Barbara summed up ng short of “fantastic!” nothi nity she was given as

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Ruth Shuman Brown 1 954

When Ruth Shum Queen, she had no idea an was crowned the 1954 Strawberry that she was a part of his tory in the making. “All of the girls in the com munity wanted to go ou berry Queen,” Ruth rec t for Strawyoung ladies from Brandalls. “The year I went out was the first time on could compete.” Ruth competed in and was named the 1954both an evening gown and a shorts outfit was crowned by the Ma queen along with six court members. She Ruby Jean Redman. Ru yor of Plant City and the current queen, nearly every business in th also remembers receiving gifts from pair of earrings she receivtown, including dishes, a coffee pot and a in her jewelry box to thi ed from Hull’s Jewelers which she still has s day. “My most special memo ry is how warmly munity embraces their queens. They truly makethe Plant City comRuth said. us feel so special,” In 1987, Ruth’s daught Queen, making them the er Becky would be crowned Strawberry queen. Ruth’s daughter first mother-daughter duo to ever serve as Leslie was also a memb Queen Court. er of the Strawberry Ruth has certainly munity as a 35 year En made her mark of the Plant City comglish teacher and head of Department at Plant Cit the Guidance and, of course, former quy High School, as a mother, grandmother een . She hopes to continue tha the years to come. t legacy in “At this time in my life , I am enjoying my fam all who have been a tre ily and friends, husband of 50 years. Asmendous support in the recent loss of my tim e goes by, I look forward involved in my commu to being more in New York,” Ruth sai nity, church and visiting my two grandsons d.

52 Plant City Lions Club

Our acclaimed scope of services includes: • Evelyn and Batista Madonia, Sr. Heart and Vascular Center • Jim and Ruby Jean Redman Emergency Center/First Care • Pete Beaty Surgical Center • Diagnostic Imaging Center • Swindle Imaging Center • Heartburn Treatment Center • Bone, Joint and Reconstructive Center • Complete women’s services • Cardiac, pulmonary and physical rehabilitation • St. Joseph’s Children’s at South Florida Baptist Hospital Pediatric Unit

813-644-4328

301 N. Alexander St. | Plant City, FL 33563 Plant City Lions Club 53

uee Q ® l a v i est F y r r e b

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den” faded ing “Rose Gare 1975 Strawng si n so er of Lynn And crowned th As the soundnd, Sheryl Simmons was elf. Sheryl had competed rs ou he n gr into the back by none other than Lynnmmunity, in evening gowstival co fe en e e ue th th Q at in y s berr temperature r young ladies alongside othe, all while braving freezing it su s to a and swim savings bond stadium. ranging from . She served with s ft gi h it w month owered Sheryl was sh ith that she drove for a hile they did not inw Sm . d us .M an B rs be om mem meeting Fest Pacer fr d three court did have the privilege of a first maid an ey ” ical stars, th troduce mus vision show “Gunsmoke. portunity le te e Having the opt makes th e. lif from re ti en y ha st year of m everyone w “It was the be metown and share with blessing,” Sheryl said. ho a y of m t t ith to represen ique, was nothing shor now works w Airlines and is a proud Plant City un ta el D r fo k ness. She on to wor Sheryl went in their engineering busi r to Hayden. e he ev ot St d dm an an and gr her husb best word to ibeth and Ali eryl feels the mom to Mer Sh n, ee qu as r time To sum up hey “Stupendous.” pl m si is it describe

Congrat ulat ions t o all of t he 2011 Florida St rawberry Fest ival® Queen Contest ant s Family Owned 6005 State Rd. 39 South | (1/2 mile south of State Rd. 60) | Plant City, FL 33567

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1997

54 Plant City Lions Club

by Glenn

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It has been 14 yea the excitement of heari rs since Stephanie St. Martin experienced Strawberry Festival Qu ng her name announced as the 1997 of South Florida and een. She was a freshmen at the University ladies in representing was selected to serve with four other young proud to call home. the Festival and town she was, and is, so After receiving the and more, she began a keys to a new car, gift cards, sashes, dresse in which she participa year of service to the Plant City communit s elementary schools to ted in parades, spoke at local events, visite y d promote reading, and much, much more. “One of the many fun events we were able to as queen and court wa participate in contest. And while thes the cow milking and cow chip throwing eve nt is no longer held, I have of the festival an d of being queen,” Ste it is a great memory phanie said. Since her time as queen , Ste ph an ie is Resource Teacher at Bu now the Reading the education system rney Elementary School and has been in for the pa st 11 years. She is marri Bikowski and they ha ed to Scott ve a daughter, Bella wh o just turned two. “The little girl that I cro wned queen of the Ba going out for Strawber by Parade is no exciting to see the exp ry Queen. Time goes by quickly but it is w erience come full circle ,” Stephanie said.

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Plant City Lions Club 55

DON STINE

New Ag Center

CONSTRUCTION, INC. Contractors and project managers

Don Stine, President NEW EVELYN & Joel Hollis, Vice President BATISTA MADON IA, SR. AGRICULT URE SHOW AREN Kevin McLeod, Adam Stine, Project Managers A For more than 30 years Don Stine has been dedicated to building fine quality commercial construction work. Some of his long term corporate clients include Amoco, Shell Oil, Amerada Hess Corp., Checkers, 7-11, Subway, Dunkin Donuts, Circle K, Exxon-Mobile, Murphy Oil, Polk County School Board, RaceTrac, Sunshine State and Sparky’s Food Stores. For many years we have partnered with the Florida Strawberry Festival. We built the Expo Hall, Main gate entrance, and more recently the new Festival offices. Come April 1, 2011 we will begin construction of the new 2.5 million dollar “Evelyn and Batista Madonia, Sr. Agriculture Show Arena.” By Christian Smith April 1, 2011 will see another milestone in the expansion of the Florida Strawberry Festival with the ground breaking of the new “Evelyn and Batista Madonia, Sr. Agriculture Show Arena” just north of the midway in the current location of the annual beef, dairy and related animal show activities. In 2006 Festival Board members Terry Ballard and Joe Newsome suggested that the Festival consider constructing permanent facilities to house livestock exhibited at the Festival by 4-H and FFA youth. The idea grew in 2009 when Festival President Mike Sparkman took action and appointed Board members Ron Gainey and Jim Jeffries to co-chair the committee. Four other members of the Ag Facilities Committee include Lee Bakst, Assistant Manager, Florida Strawberry Festival, Kenneth Parker, Ken Grimmer and architect Mark Johnson. During the past year the committee visited other agriculture facilities as far away as Perry, Georgia to gather information to insure a facility that would be a functional property year round. After much work, a plan was submitted to the Festival Board for approval. This past November the Florida Strawberry Board approved the Committee’s plan to build a 34,000 square foot building at a cost of $3.4 million. This state-of-the-art Agriculture Arena will be the first air-conditioned building of its type designed to hold cattle, horse and other animal competitive shows in the Tampa Bay area. With a concrete floor that will accommodate folding chairs, and slide out bleachers on each side of the new building it will have a seating capacity of over 3,100. When not in use for agriculture purposes the arena will be available for rent for entertainment, speaking venues, and a multitude of different events. With a successful Fair this year, President Mike Sparkman said the Festival Board most likely will start phase two the first of April 56 Plant City Lions Club

Main Gate Entrance 2012 by constructing two adjacent buildings with stalls, animal wash/grooming and storage areas. The anticipated cost of phase two is $1.6 million. “This building would not have been possible at this time had it not been for the generous donation made by Evelyn and Batista Madonia, Sr., owners of East Coast Brokers and Packers and the Red Rose Inn and Suites here in Plant City,” said Sparkman. The Festival President continued, ”It should be noted that the Madonia’s are no stranger to giving back to the community or to those who work for them in their tomato packing business. A few years back they bought the Spurgeon Baptist College property next to their packinghouse on Highway 60 in Polk County, and turned it in a migrant workers camp complete with a daycare center, church, housing and other related facilities. More recently they made a major contribution to the South Florida Baptist Hospital for the construction of the new “Evelyn and Batista Madonia, Sr. Heart and Vascular Center.” “We feel we have been blessed in so many ways that it is our responsibility to invest in the future of our community,” said Evelyn Madonia. Mike Sparkman’s leadership as president of the Florida Strawberry Festival has been remarkable. In the past few years he has led the way for the building of the new “Main Gate,” Festival offices and now the new agriculture center. The construction of the agriculture arena was awarded to Don Stine Construction of Plant City. Stine’s quality workmanship is visible all over the Festival grounds. His company built the 25,000 square foot Expo Hall as well as the main gate and Festival offices. The new “Evelyn and Batista Madonia, Sr. Agriculture Show Arena” will be fully operational by the fall of this year.

Expo Hall

the new Festival offices

2509 Turkey Creek Road Plant City, Florida 33566 Office: (813) 752.9119 Fax: (813) 752-5704

Plant City Lions Club 57

Strawberry Facts According to history during the time of the Yellow Emperor who ruled China around 2600BC, the Emperor’s physician used the leaves of the strawberry plant as a medicine to detoxify the body and help in reducing aging effects.The strawberry was discovered in Virginia by the first Europeans when their ship landed there in 1588. In 2003 the American Dietetic Association Food and Nutrition Conference and Exhibition stated that strawberries were naturally high in fiber, vitamin C, folate, potassium, antioxidants, and boost overall body wellness. Long before Plant City had a Chamber of Commerce, it had a Board of Trade, which promoted business and industry. These far-sighted men sponsored “Strawberry Day” in Plant City on January 1, 1914. According to the Florida Strawberry Growers Association the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center has patented six Florida varieties in less than a decade, SWEET CHARLIE, ROSA LINDA, EARLIBRITE, STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL, CARMINE and WINTER DAWN. These varieties are marketed to Florida growers and growers around the world. As a result, Florida strawberry research receives worldwide support of its program. This isn’t small change, either. Strawberry royalties collected from these varieties have made Florida Strawberry Patent Service Corporation (FSPS) the second largest source of royalty funding of all IFAS varieties. FSGA’s wholly owned sister organization, FSPS, holds exclusive rights to license agreements for growing Florida patented strawberry varieties around the world. The Association issues licenses, collects royalties, and sends money to fund additional variety research. Because of the Association’s long standing relationship of funding strawberry research, IFAS allows FSPS to rebate $.50-$2.00/thousand to FSGA members. YOU MUST BE A MEMBER IN GOOD STANDING TO RECEIVE THIS REBATE.

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Best of Luck to all the contestants! 58 Plant City Lions Club

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209 South Alexander Street • Plant City, FL 33563 Tampa 813-885-1918 • Plant City 813-754-2546 mikejr@ecowatertampa.com www.ecowater.com Plant City Lions Club 59

Festival Queen the Plant City & Court leaving Stine Construct Airport in Don for Governor ion’s private plane parade in Ta Scott’s Inaugural Jan.4, 2011. llahassee, Monday,

The 2010 Queen and Court The Florida Strawberry Festival Queen and Court are led by Florida Strawberry Festival Director Sandee Parke Sytsma, daughter of Helen Parke and the late Roy Parke. Since 2000 Sandee has devoted her time and talents to the program and her “girls.” Although she admits that her duties are quite fabulous and fun, it is definitely a year-long responsibility to coordinate schedules, outfits, and appearances for five different girls, one queen and four court members, between the ages of 16 to 20. The exciting and busy schedule begins with a Monday morning meeting immediately after the pageant to go over the rundown of prefestival events and to start preparation and planning for opening day. Her first instructions are, “always bring your camera, red lipstick, and be ready to have fun!” Wardrobe fittings, shopping trips, luncheons, interviews, and fashion shows kick off everything with a blast! Sytsma is assisted by Florida Strawberry Festival Associate Director, Kay Newsome Varnum. The 1985 Florida Strawberry Festival Queen helps Co-Direct while many of the Directors wives assist in chaperoning the girls during the 11-day celebration and occasionally throughout the year. During the festival you will see the Queen and Court signing cookbooks, attending concerts, visiting vendors, waving in parades, awarding winners, greeting guests and lending a helping hand to contestants in the all you can eat shortcake contest. The Queen and Court participate in events and activities after the festival that include Citizen of the Year Luncheon, Little Miss Plant City, Chamber of Commerce Breakfasts and Ribbon Cuttings, Relay for Life, Junior Royalty, and the Plant City Christmas Parade. The Queen and Court Coordinator is constantly looking for ways to improve the program while promoting the festival and increasing exposure that has captured the attention of Good Morning America and The New Yorker Magazine. Above all, it is important to her that the girls represent the Plant City community in the best way possible while leaving them with a fun and memorable experience. 2010 Queen Natalie Burgin and her court recently flew to Tallahassee to participate in the inaugural parade for Governor Rick Scott. One of the new and exciting things that the 2011 Queen and Court will be enjoying is a trip to New York with Sister’s & Company to be fitted for their apparel and accessories accompanying a photo shoot with Stephanie Humphrey Photography. Through the years, the schedules may change, clothing trends will vary, and a different group of girls are guaranteed to come in, but one thing will always remain constant…..the friendships and memories that are made with “Ms. Sandee” during their reign. “I feel so blessed to have been crowned Strawberry Queen, not only for the wonderful experience it was, but because of the friendship it gave me with Ms. Sandee. She is a godly role model and I do not know how I would have made it without her,” shared 2006 Queen Hannah Hodge. The growth and success of the Florida Strawberry Festival Queen Program can greatly be attributed to a gracious lady that follows behind a big smile (with red lipstick of course), a positive word for everyone and to a wonderful community who supports them both! 2004 Queen Katie Sharer Butson said, “Sandee Sytsma is the heart and soul of the Florida Strawberry Festival Queen Program. Her dedication, commitment and genuine love for young women leaves a lifelong impact and legacy that changes the life of each individual she comes in contact with.” Plant City Lions Club 61

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That time of year is fast approaching and we are excited to be celebrating the 76th annual Florida Strawberry Festival®. Our theme this year is “Taste The Flavor Of Fun!” to showcase all the Festival has to offer. With headline entertainment, competitive contests, youth events, free on-grounds acts, thrilling rides, and of course delicious strawberries, a day at the Festival will surely give you a chance to taste the many flavors of fun! While many of our staple performers like, Dennis Lee, Rev. Art Jones, Runa Pacha, the Bluegrass Parlor Band with Cory & Jarrod Walker and Plant City native and Durant High School graduate, Jay Taylor Band, will be joining us again this year, we also have some new acts. Verizon presents the Pirates of Columbian Caribbean, which takes place 28 feet in the air above a huge pirate ship. This aerial high wire thrill Show is nothing short of a thrilling adventure. Other new and exciting acts are The Magic of Lance Gifford & Company as well as Rock-It The Robot, a 9-foot tall robot who is known as everyone’s favorite dance partner. By popular demand we have brought back Spirit Song, who will be performing Friday, March 11 in the Sweetbay Supermarket Showcase Tent. We also have a free special showing at 1 p.m. on March 5 of the very talented, Suite Caroline, on the Wish Farms Soundstage. Rounding out our entertainment is The Gothard Sisters, who will be performing everything from fast fiddle numbers to singing ballads and Irish dancing, March 3 – March 7 and Brady Goss, the electrifying entertainer and piano phenomenon can be seen March 8 – March 13. Both acts will be performing in the Cool Whip Whipped Topping Entertainment Tent. March 3 & 10 are again Senior Citizens’ Days with special performances by Jimmy Sturr and his Orchestra on March 3 and The 62 Plant City Lions Club

Guy Lombardo Band on March 10 on the Wish Farms Soundstage. March 4 and 5, Latin entertainment will be featured with Hola Plant City in the Sweetbay Supermarket Showcase Tent. Sundays, March 6 and 13 are Mountain Dew Family Days where guests can receive $5 off the $25 wristband for the Ride-A-Thon by bringing a Mountain Dew can to the Festival. March 8 is the Festivals second annual Red Hat Day. Red Hatters get $2 off gate admissions all day and can take part in a multitude of activities geared towards the Red Hat Society. March 9 is American Heroes Day. All active, reserve, retired military, veterans, law enforcement and first responders are admitted FREE with a valid ID. There will be a special presentation on the Wish Farms Soundstage prior to the 3:30 Tanya Tucker concert. And Saturday, March 13 is Farm Worker Appreciation Day sponsored by Wish Farms. To add to the fun, the Festival will be hosting the first ever Celebrity Dessert Challenge in the Stingray Chevrolet Entertainment Tent, a Youth Stemming Contest on Kids Day for kids in grades kindergarten through sixth grade, and the Super Dog Corn Dog Eating Contest. The Festival is also excited to be adding new food such as deep fried corn on the cob and fried biscuits. As you can see, the Board of Directors and staff have been quite busy trying to make this year’s Festival something special. We are looking forward to another exciting year. Make plans now and mark your calendars for the 76th annual Florida Strawberry Festival, March 3-13, 2011 and “Taste The Flavor Of Fun!” in beautiful Plant City, Florida.

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Then and Now—A History of the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World Florida Strawberries —

a taste of summer all winter long!

resh farm-to-market strawberries in February? Check it out. Though it’s cold and dreary in many parts of the country, February is fabulous in Florida where strawberry growers are harvesting their winter crop and shipping hand-picked fruit to key markets. So, what’s the back story that led to Plant City and neighboring Dover, Florida in Hillsborough County to be recognized as the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World? Over 100 years ago, Henry Plant settled the area where most of Florida’s winter strawberries are grown. Mr. Plant was a visionary and a very good businessman. He realized that if a railroad was constructed to link Plant City to Tampa, only about 23 miles away, the local farmers could develop a thriving market for their freshly harvested winter strawberry crop. So, what did he do? He built one! The town was named Plant City in commemoration of Henry Plant and his railroad, which significantly boosted commerce in the primarily agricultural community by merging it with the South Florida Railroad. Plant City became incorporated in 1885 by a 49 to 1 vote. It had a population of approximately 350 people, thirteen stores, several hotels, a frame schoolhouse and two churches. Today, Plant City-Dover has a combined population of approximately 35,000. Originally, Plant City was a large cotton center, but after changing its primary crop to strawberries it gained recognition as the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World!

In 1980, a few strawberry growers began meeting in their homes to discuss the best way to organize a group that would represent the interests of the Florida strawberry industry. On February 11, 1982, the Florida Strawberry Growers Association (FSGA) www.FlaStrawberry.com was born and acknowledged by the state as a nonprofit organization representing the Florida strawberry industry in the areas of research, promotion and member/community service. In the years since then, the growers have met that mission and succeeded in forming a voluntary organization that represents over 8,000 acres of berries today. It was strawberries that made residents of the communities of Plant City and Dover, Florida a family. That bond and community spirit continues to this day. It’s in this area of the country where some of the sweetest, reddest and juiciest strawberries are grown. The fact of the matter is, Florida is the dominate U.S. supplier of fresh winter strawberries at a time when many parts of the country are blanketed with snow. Yes, it’s true — Florida strawberries provide a taste of summer all winter long!

Florida Strawberries — a taste of summer all winter long! 64 Plant City Lions Club

Plant City Lions Club 65

Thank you for assisting us with the cover photo shoot, Billy Keith Williams and

1508 Sparkman Road Plant City, FL 33566

66 Plant City Lions Club

Plant City Lions Club 67

Strawberry Queen and Court will Travel to New York with Sister’s & Company! The 2011 Florida Strawberry Festival Queen and Court will travel to NYC with Sister’s & Company for a wardrobe fitting and photo shoot! Local businesses Hopewell Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens and Crawford Hill Interiors have helped make this possible for the new Queen and Court. While in New York the girls will enjoy going to the fashion district to be fitted for the evening gowns at Jovani thanks to Regalia Magnificent Apparel, while Sister’s & Company shops the market for accessories and other special things for the girls. Not only will they be outfitted for the 11 day celebration, they will be enjoying the sights and sounds of the city. Staying in Times Square, adjacent to Central Park, the five new representatives of the Florida Strawberry Festival will be enjoying a Broadway Show, dinner at Carmine’s in the Theatre District, shopping, and much more! They will be accompanied by Devony Scott (Sister’s & Company), Katie Sharer Butson (Regalia), Stephanie Humphrey (Stephanie Humphrey Photography), and Sandee Sytsma (Florida Strawberry Festival). Thank you Florida Strawberry Festival, Hopewell Funeral Home, Crawford Hill Interiors, Regalia Magnificent Apparel, Stephanie Humphrey Photography, and Fred’s Southern Kitchen for helping Sister’s & Company make this fun and exciting adventure possible! 68 Plant City Lions Club

Sisters & Company 104 E. Reynolds St.—Historic Plant City 813.754.0990

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Plant City Lions Club 69

Best Wishes to All the Strawberry Festival Contestants

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Plant City Lions Club 71

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