2013 FL Strawberry Festival Queen Pageant by Berry Publications, Inc

PLANT CITY LIONS CLUB 2013

Thanks for Your Support and

to the 78th 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 Sight First 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 hosts 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. 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 activities. 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.

Past Presidents of the Plant City Lions Club 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 Donald R. Yoho . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1957-58 4

PLANT CITY LIONS CLUB 2013

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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2000-01 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 Kelleigh Klein . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2010-11 Gail Lyons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2011-12

Plant City Lions Club

2012-2013 Officers Serving Eastern Hillsborough County for Over 80 Years

S t e v e Ni e r m a n Tony Lee Verna McK elvin FIRST VICE PRESIDENT SECOND VICE PRESIDENT THIRD VICE PRESIDENT

Kerrie Gafford PRESIDENT

Gail Lyons PAST PRESIDENT

2013 Florida Strawberry Festival® Queen Scholarship Pageant 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 2013 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 January 26, 2013 at 6:00 pm.

GI F T S

A ND

OT HER INCENT IVES:

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

SC H O L A R S H I P S T O

AWARDED:

The Plant City Lions Club will provide a $1,000 scholarship for the 2013 Strawberry Festival Queen and $250.00 for each of the Court Members. The Florida Strawberry Festival will provide a $1,200 scholarship for the 2013 Queen, a $1,000 scholarship for the First Maid, and an $800 scholarship for each Court member.

A D D IT I O N A L P R I Z E S : Lions Club Auxiliary: $250 for Miss Congeniality

Queen’s Portrait: Harry Jeff coat will give the outgoing 2012 Queen a portrait of herself. Merle Norman Cosmetics of Plant City: $150 Gift for the Queen, $100 for the First Maid and $75 for each Court Member Simmons E ngraving and Monogr amming, I nc.: Will donate a trophy for the incoming Queen and a jacket for the outgoing Queen. T ip To Toe Salon: Choice of services from the Day Spa or merchandise for the Queen and Court. Strawberry Accessories Gift Certifi cates: $50 for the Queen, $40 for the First Maid, and $25 for each Court Member and Strawberry accessories for all Sunshine State Federal S&L : $100 for the Queen, $50 for the First Maid, and $50 for each Court Member Hills boro B ank: $100 for the Queen and First Maid, $50 for each Court Member Platinum B ank: $100 for the Queen and First Maid and $50 for each Court Member Harrell’s Nursery: Use of plants for the pageant

Hardee’s Fashions: Clothing for the flower girls B rown’s Floris t: Flowers to the Queen and Court J&G Jewelers: Fine strawberry jewelry for the Queen and Court Members Crescent Jewelers: Fine jewelry for the Queen and Court Members Your Family Jewelers: Fine jewelry for the Queen and Court Members Mango Cleaners: Monthly coupons for dry cleaning for the year of their reign for Queen and Court Members Maylene Shackelford LMT CNMT: One hour of relaxation therapy to Queen and each Court Member. Rehearsal and pageant night food for contestants, Lions Auxiliary – and a special thanks to Henry Falcon of SweetBay for donating Walden Lake Car Wash and Service Cent er: Car washes for the Queen and Court

Y MCA : A year-long membership for the Queen and three months membership for the Court Members

Neumeister’s Candy Shop: Candy boxes for the Queen and Court

Parris h T hreads: 2013 Sashes for the Queen, First Maid and Court Members, Tapestry strawberry bag for the Queen and Court

Sisters & Company: Donating Queen and Court hem’s for their wardrobe, also donating a gift to all 25 contestants. PLANT CITY LIONS CLUB 2013

Plant City Lions Club Sponsor of the Florida Strawberry Festival® Queens Scholarship Pageant President Kerrie Gafford • Strawberry Queen Pageant Queen Committees

Pageant Committee Co-Chairs: Gail Lyons, Kerrie Gafford Program B ook: Al Berry Decorations: Plant City Lions Club Auxiliary B ackstage: Jean Ann Davenport, Amy Trinkle, Rhonda Miller, Sue Davis Concessions: FFA - Pam Walden B ack Door Security: Stoney Burke, Michael Cameron Festival Liaison: Katie Sharer Butson U shers: Bob Fulks (Chairman), Charles Carter,

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 spon-

Michael Cameron, David Davenport, Frank Cummings, Coleman Davis, Bill Dodson, Don Humphrey, David Miller, Rick Norman, Bill O’Connor, Larry Roth, Randy Valdez, Durant Leos Photography: Stephanie Humphrey Communications: Gail Lyons, Kerri Gafford Sound/ Lighting: Jay Ballard (Chairman), J.R. Pitts Dressing Room: Pat Carter, Sue Davis, Nancy Burke, Laurette Valdez, Joyce Fulks, sorship of the Florida Strawberry Festival Queen’s Scholarship Pageant as well as the publication of the Strawberry Festival Souvenir Program and other Lions Club projects. Special recognition and thanks are extended to

The Plant City Lions Club is proud to honor AUXILIARY MEMBERS in this special section. President: Jean Ann Davenport Vice President: Sheryl Boggs Treasurer: Nancy Burke Secretary: Rhonda Miller Chaplin: Lois Lastinger Historian: Sylvia Dodson Sheryl Boggs Teresa Lee Ledgie Alley Pat Carter Sue Davis Joyce Fulks

Members: Debby O’Conner Jennifer West Nora Hanna Ann Crampton Amy Trinkle

Children’s Court Crown Bearer: Elijah West Train Bearers: Russell Caton, Robbie Davenport Heralds: Elizabeth West, Taryn Storter Flower Girls: Hope Storter, Alexis Coton 6

PLANT CITY LIONS CLUB 2013

Sylvia Dodson, Debbie O’Conner, Lois Lastinger Tickets and Door: Judy Barta, Francis Hardee,, Courtney Singletary, Bridgette Zickefoose, Maribel Lorenzo Opening Number: Lisa Harris Tucker, Souvenir Program B ook - Sales and Production: In The Field Magazine – Berry Publications, Inc. The Royal Gallery photos courtesty of the Plant City Photo Archives.

Mr. Paul Davis, Manager of the Florida Strawberry Festival, and members of the Lions Auxiliary for their assistance in staging the Strawberry Queen Pageant.

PLANT CITY LIONS CLUB 2013

2013 PAGEANT CONTESTANTS & SPONSORS

CONTESTANT

SPONSOR

CONTESTANT

SPONSOR

Parksedale Farms

14 Madison Brooke Astin

Poppell Insurance

2 Sara Elizabeth Brummer

Haught Funeral Home

15 Kayla Danielle Faulk

Stingray Chevrolet

3 Kelsey Morgan Brown

Sisters and Company

16 Jessica Ann Brown

Broke & Poor

4 Samantha Kay Farkas

Jarrett Scott Ford

17 Rebeckah Susan Wellen

Tip to Toe Spa and Gifts

5 Katlyn Nicole Joyner

Camellia Rose Tea Room

18 Jordan Williams

Farm Credit of Central Florida

6 Jamee Lynne Townsend

Astin Strawberry Exchange

19 Haley Elizabeth Ours

Regions Bank

7 Courtney Lynn Kitchens

Sunshine State & Federal

20 Nikki Lindsey Honaker

Gator Ford

8 Ashton Victoria Houston

Platinum Bank

21 Kristin Nicole Bozek

Dental Associates

9 Emily Marie Colburn

EW Simmons Farm

22 Emily Paige Gonzalez

Agro Culture

10 Maddy Alyse Keene

Wish Farms

23 Ericka Dianne Lott

Freds Market

11 Sarah Marie Pupillo

Florida Insurance Center

24 Lindsey McClain English

Johnsons BBQ

12 Catherine Marie Wellen

Morrow Steel

25 Kelsey Morgan Fry

Hillsboro Bank

13 Debra Jane Lentz

Tractor World

Stephanie Dee Taylor

PLANT CITY LIONS CLUB 2013

Hanna Hodge Benton Hannah Benton, formerly known as Hannah Hodge and the 2006 Strawberry Queen was born and raised in Plant City. Hannah graduated from Durant High School in 2006, earned her Associate’s degree from Hillsborough Community College, followed by a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of South Florida. Hannah formerly worked for Florida State Senator Ronda Storms serving District 10 for the past 5 years. As a Legislative Assistant, she relocated to Tallahassee for legislative session 3 months out of the year and learned a great deal working in our State Capitol. Recently married, Hannah and her husband E.J. moved to Frederick, Maryland. They are enjoying the new adventure, but look forward to starting a family and settling in the Tampa Bay area with their dog, Longo.

Skip Mahaffey Skip Mahaffey has nearly thirty years in the Country radio format. He has worked for: • WFUS & WQYK in Tampa, FL • WCOL in Columbus • OH, KSON in San Diego, CA • KIIM-KCUB in Tucson, AZ • KVOO in Tulsa, OK • Dial-Global’s True Country, Sixty-plus Affiliates Nationwide: 2011-2012. He presently works with WXOF & WXCV in Citrus County, FL as a Programming Consultant/Talent Coach. He also has Mahaffey Creative, were he is a consultant, teacher and coach for air talent, artists and presenters as well as authors and experts to improve their on-air skills. And he is also the host of The Skip Show WTAN, WDCF and KLRG (Little Rock), an entertainment and community focused talk show. Skip Mahaffey’s broadcasting accomplishments include: • CMA Major Market Personality of the Year Winner: 2001, 2003. Nominee: 2000 • CMA Large Market Personality of the Year Winner: 1996. Nominee: 1995 **The first broadcaster to win the CMA Broadcast Personality Award 3 times**

• Billboard Magazine Air Personality of the Year Winner: 2001. Nominee; 1998 • Academy of Country Music Personality of the Year nominee: 2005 • Radio & Records Magazine Country Air Personality of the Year Nominee: 2002-03 • CMA member: Lifetime Member • Academy of Country Music Member: 1991-1994, 2002-present • Host of Westwood One's Country Six Pack Specials 1999-2004 • Disney Media Partner: 1999-2009. His television and other experiences include: • Country Music Field Reporter, WTSPTV (CBS) WFLA-TV (NBC), Tampa • Co-Host "Hot Country Hits" on WFTSTV (ABC): 2001-2002 • Halftime Host: Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 1998-2003, 2005-2009 • Host of the NHL Tampa Bay Lightning’s “Drive on Ice”: 1999-2003 • Founding member of "Bit-kicker" morning show prep network 1994-2011 Mahaffey’s community involvement includes: • Skip's Kids - A group that provides VIP trips for underprivileged children of Tampa Bay to places .

• Good Kid of the Week - A weekly on air feature where local children are acknowledged and awarded for outstanding accomplishments. • St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital - Helped raise over $1,000,000 in four years. • The Angelus- 1999-2003. As emcee of the annual Charlie Daniels concert, raised over $1,000,000 for a local home for severely handicapped children and adults. • Postcards From Home – In the past 9 years, sent over 275,000 postcards from listeners to troops overseas. • Shriner's Hospital - Raised over $25,000 for the local Shriner's Hospital. • Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office A weekly on-air segment devoted to crime prevention and other law enforcement issues. • Adventures for Wish Kids – Helped raise over $750,000 in one year to provide family activities to children with life threatening illness' in three states. • Honors and Other Notables – Emceed the Change of Command ceremony at US Central Command for Gen. Tommy Franks; Emcee for “Freedom Concert” for US Central Command broadcast to US Military installations over the world. PLANT CITY LIONS CLUB 2013

The Florida Strawberry Festival® 2013 Brings More Fun and Exciting New Events! “For the price of a movie, a family can have a full day of fun at the 2013 Florida Strawberry Festival,” says General Manager, Paul Davis. Celebrating its 78th anniversary, February 28 – March 10, 2013, the Festival’s theme this year is “Our Masterpiece of Fun!” Over the last 77 years, the Festival has been working on a masterpiece that brings fun to folks of all ages. This year, the Festival will be working on its masterpiece by bringing an exciting headline entertainment line-up, competitive contests, youth events, free on-grounds entertainment, thrilling rides, and of course delicious strawberries! With today’s economy Davis noted that the Festival’s board of directors chose to keep the same prices for admission and strawberry shortcake in an effort to help patrons come out and create new memories. Adult advance gate admission ticket sale prices are $8 for ages 13 and up while youth tickets purchased in advance are $4 for 6 – 12. Children under 6 are admitted free when accompanied by a ticketed adult. Advance general admission and show tickets can be purchased on the Festival’s website, calling the ticket office at 813-754-1996 or by visiting the Amscot Main Ticket Gate at 2209 W. Oak Avenue in Plant City. Group Sales are available by calling 813719-6680. “The Florida Strawberry Festival is again teaming with Sweetbay Supermarkets where advance gate admission tickets can be purchased from January 30 – March 10,” said Davis. The full listing of participating Sweetbay Supermarket locations is on the Festival’s website. Exciting news! The Florida Strawberry Festvial now has its very own APP! And it’s FREE! The Florida Strawberry Festival App can be found on both the iTunes and Android Markets by searching “Florida Strawberry Festival.” The app not only puts valuable information at your fingertips, but can help you make your day at the Festival a true masterpiece by scheduling reminders of the exciting events taking place on our grounds! And don’t forget, the app is your GPS! When you park your car, be sure to set the app to remember your location so when you’re ready to head home, the app will navigate you back to where you started! “Brought back by popular demand are the Festival’s Special Days, which run throughout the annual event where members of select groups are admitted free or with a discount such as Senior Citizens’ Day, American Heroes Day 10

PLANT CITY LIONS CLUB 2013

and Free Kids’ Day,” said Davis. “We offer additional specials on our midway such as Mountain Dew Family Day, Tampa Tribune and TBO.com Day and Sweetbay Supermarket Day in addition to our annual Moonlight Magic Nights,” he noted. “After listening to our patrons and evaluating the annual Moonlight Magic Nights, our Board of Directors voted to change the hours from 11 pm – 3 am to 10 pm – 2 am,” says Davis. “We believe this change in time will not only enhance the value of the experience for our patrons but also give families better opportunities to come out and enjoy the magic of our midway.” Belle City Amusements now has a Guests Services location on our midway. Should you need any assistance, the Guests Services location will be clearly marked on our maps. Be sure to stop by and check it out. The Wish Farms Soundstage will be hosting 26 headline acts during the 78th annual Strawberry Festival, as well as free daily, family-oriented entertainment, nearly 400 vendors, exhibitors and food concessions and Belle City Amusement’s Midway with more than 80 thrilling rides, many of which are the only ride of its kind. New to the festival this year is “JUMP” The Ultimate Dog Show; a nonstop, action packed, Canine Thrill Show that showcases Incredible dogs and their handlers performing amazing stunts to upbeat music that will thrill audiences of all ages. “I’ve been told that most of the performing Pet Stars have been adopted from various animal shelters throughout the US,” said Davis. We are also excited to be welcoming The Sweeney Family Band “Country Comedy Revue,” who many of you may have seen at the Volunteer Appreciation Dinner this past November. Be sure to come out and reveal your musical masterpieces this year as Talent Quest Florida will be hosting their Karaoke Contest over two nights, March 1 and March 8 from 7:00 – 10:00 pm, be sure to sign up at TalentQuestFlorida.com. The Florida Strawberry Festival is primarily an agricultural fair, formed to celebrate the bountiful harvest of the strawberry. The founding principles of the Festival continue to be the guiding purpose while striving to enrich the lives of thousands of our areas youth. “I am proud to say that over the last two years, more than 3,400 students who participated in agricultural contest at the Florida Strawberry Festival

received more than $1.5 million in funding through premium awards, scholarships and sales. “We find our youth to be our most precious resource,” said Davis, “and we support higher education by providing agricultural organizational programs that benefit students financially.” Students learn the value of hard work and dedication all while investing in their futures. It’s another dream come true for the Florida Strawberry Festival as the final phase of the Agricultural Complex is complete with the construction of the Astin Farms and Ed & Myrtle Lou Swindle Family Pavilions. The new pavilions, along with the 30,000 square foot multipurpose agricultural complex that was completed in 2011, has been a dream in the making for more than 30 years. To better serve our agricultural programs and the communities’ needs, in 2011 the Florida Strawberry Festival board of directors approved the construction of two open air pavilions that adorn the East and West sides of the multi-purpose agricultural complex. The East Pavilion is named after the Astin Family while the West Pavilion is named after the Swindle Family, both of whom are lifelong supporters of the agriculture industry and the Plant City Community. These generous donations not only benefit the Florida Strawberry Festival and the Plant City Community, but it will have a life altering impact on the thousands of individuals who attend and participate in agricultural events. The two pavilions provide the complex with an additional 37,000 square feet of open air space. During the Festival the pavilions will be used to house livestock and plants and will also be available to rent during the off-season. Today, the Florida Strawberry Festival is ranked among the top 50 fairs in North America. The Festival is a community-oriented event committed to providing family fun entertainment and does not allow the sale of alcoholic beverages on its premises. While the Festival strives to offer new and exciting attractions each year, The Florida Strawberry Festival will always be a community event that celebrates family, community, the harvest and the important role that agriculture plays in our area. For more information about the Florida Strawberry Festival, visit www.flstrawberryfestival.com

PLANT CITY LIONS CLUB 2013

Our Queen Looks Back “It’s Has Been A Pleasure”

n Plant City it's every young girls dream to become the Florida Strawberry Festival Queen. I know this because my dream began many years ago when Queen Stephanie St. Martin visited my kindergarden classroom. Today 14 years later here I am. One can only imagine how honored and proud I have been to represent my hometown, Plant City, and the Florida Strawberry Festival. I am proof that dreams really do come true! First, I would like to thank the Plant City Lion's Club and the Lion's Auxiliary for sponsoring the Queen's Pageant. Your members have been so gracious to the court members and I, and your scholarship dollars have been put to good use for our continuing education. Thank you for sponsoring a scholarship pageant that helps develop young women in the Plant City community. To the Florida Strawberry Festival and Directors, you have become like a second family to me. Thank you to the Directors and their spouses who have chaperoned and escorted us throughout the year. The court members and I have always felt safe and proud to be in the company of such respected people. I would like to extend a special thank you to Paul Davis, General Manager of the Festival, and Ron Gainey, President of the Festival for their kindness, support, chauffeuring skills, and of course their fun-filled spirit! Mrs. Sandee Systma, our chaperone, mentor, and boss, thank you for your continual guidance and your regal wisdom. You are a true example of a "Gracious Southern Woman." We love you!

I would like to thank my parents and family for all their love and support. No matter where the road in life takes me, I know my family will be there cheering me on. I love you!

Calli Jo Parker, Chelsea Talavera, Erica Kelley, and Olivia Higgins, the four of you have made this year unforgettable, and I'm blessed to have you all in my life. I love you all so much. Calli Jo, thank you for always being there when I needed advice, and wise words. You are such a strong young lady and I know God has great plans for you! Chelsea, thank you for always bringing laughter, humor, and sass to all our activities. You are such a genuine, sweet girl, and I've enjoyed every minute of this year with you! Erica, thank you for being the hairstylist in the group, how would we look without you? Honestly, you are the nicest, and most sincere person I know. Olivia, thank you for always being there to talk. I knew I could confide in you and talk to you about anything. You are such an honest, loving girl, who is absolutely beautiful inside and out! I have so many fond memories with each one of you and I can honestly say you have all left footprints on my heart.

This past year is one I will remember forever, and I'm so blessed to have had the opportunity to serve such an amazing organization and community! I thank God everyday for His blessings during our reign. As we move on to new stages in our lives, we will always reflect back to the fun times we've had together! The Florida Strawberry Festival and Plant City will always hold a special place in our hearts for the rest of our lives!

To the great citizens of Plant City, it has been a pleasure to represent you this year. I am proud to live in the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World and I will always value my small town roots. Thank you to the citizens who waved to us, recognized us, fed us, and loved us throughout the year. Your support means more than you'll ever know!

God Bless,

Chelsea Bowden

PLANT CITY LIONS CLUB 2013

• Parents are Scott & Diane Taylor • Senior at Plant City High School, ranked in the top 10 of her class • Member of Civinettes, Students Against Destructive Decisions and the National Honor Society • Attends First Baptists Church of Plant City & volunteers as a volleyball coach for young girls at the YMCA and Plant City Elite Volleyball club • Hobbies include baking cakes with her grandma, running with her dogs Cookie & Rusty, putt-putt golfing and working at Grandpa Johnson’s BBQ • Plans on attending a local four-year university pursuing her dream of becoming an orthodontist

PLANT CITY LIONS CLUB 2013

• Parents are Jeff & Laura Brummer • Senior at Plant City High School • Secretary of the National Honor Society, Vice-President of the World Language Club, Secretary of the senior class, student council secretary and member of Civinettes • Captain of the varsity cheerleading team and member of the flag football team • Hobbies include riding rollercoasters, going to the beach and spending time with friends & family • Plans to pursue a degree in speech pathology at a four year university

PLANT CITY LIONS CLUB 2013

• Parents are Alicia & Aaron Pues and Derrick & Angel Brown • Senior at Plant City High School • Member of the Civinettes, Students Against Destructive Decisions and the National Honor Society • Has volunteered at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital for 4 years • Member of Knights Baptist Church • Has worked at Panera Bread for a 1 ½ years • Hobbies include being out on the boat with family, singing karaoke, and going to the beach with friends • Future plans include earning a degree in the medical field from a four-year university

PLANT CITY LIONS CLUB 2013

• Parents are George & Lisa Farkas • Graduate of Durant High School • Sophomore at Hillsborough Community College • Member of Plant City Junior Woman’s Club and Turkey Creek First Baptist College & Career Ministry • Hobbies include baking, quilting and spending time with my family & friends • Goal is to become a Neonatal Nurse after obtaining a B.S.N. in nursing from USF

PLANT CITY LIONS CLUB 2013

• Parents are Darren & Lisa Joyner • Senior at Strawberry Crest • Dual enrolled at Hillsborough Community College • Member of the National Honor Society • Employed at Panera Bread • Attends New Hope Free Will Baptist Church • Hobbies include running, shopping, baking, reading, helping others and spending time with family & friends • Plans to attend University of South Florida to pursue a degree in Physical Therapy

PLANT CITY LIONS CLUB 2013

• Parents are James & Cathy Townsend • Senior at Strawberry Crest • President of FFA • Member of the National Honor Society, Beta Club, Mu Alpha Theta and Leo Club • Captain of varsity volleyball team • Vice President of the Senior Class Council • Hobbies include beach volleyball, public speaking, serving fellow FFA members and showing beef cattle at the Florida Strawberry Festival • Plans to study Environmental law and play collegiate level volleyball

PLANT CITY LIONS CLUB 2013

• Parents are John & Toni Kitchens • Senior at Plant City High School • Involved in Future Business Leaders of America, Youth Alive, Civinettes, National Honor Society, Chorus and the Raider Swim Team • Hobbies include swimming, designing websites, online shopping and watching old movies • Plans to attend Florida State University and major in computer engineering

PLANT CITY LIONS CLUB 2013

• Parents are Shannon Houston and Travis & Tracey Houston • Honor graduate of Strawberry Crest High School & current freshman at Hillsborough Community College • Teen volunteer at H. Lee Moffit Cancer Center • Hobbies include playing piano, decorating cakes, fishing with her papa, and spending time with family & friends • Plans to major in international business & accounting

PLANT CITY LIONS CLUB 2013

• Parents are Ron & Pamela Colburn • Homeschooled • Volunteers at the YMCA as an assistant homeschool PE coach • Volunteers at St. Clements Catholic Church teaching 4th grade Faith Formation • Volunteers at the USTA –HCC Tampa Tennis Center a a court monitor • Job Shadows at the YMCA with personal trainers • Hobbies are exercising, Zumba, volleyball & reading • Plans to attend a four year college and earn a degree in personal training, to become a personal trainer and zumba instructor • Wants to own her own gym one day

PLANT CITY LIONS CLUB 2013

• Parents are LaRoyce & Debby Keene • Junior at Plant City High School • President of Civinettes Service Club, member of the National Honor Society & ASL (Sign Language) Honor Society • Hobbies include volleyball, reading, dancing & spending time with friends & family • Plans to pursue an engineering degree from a major university

PLANT CITY LIONS CLUB 2013

• Parents are Michael & Katrina Pupillo • Senior at Durant High School • Involved with student government, Leo Club and Durant Thespians • Member of the National Honor Society and Students All Connected • Plans to attend the University of Florida to pursue a double major in political science & education • Hobbies include working with young children, participating in theater productions, reading, spending time with family, cooking & baking

PLANT CITY LIONS CLUB 2013

• Parents are Bob & Cathy Wellen •Junior at Seffner Christian Academy • Member of the National Honor Society, Vice-President of the Debate Club, member of the varsity volleyball team and chorus • Volunteered at a deaf school in Knockpatrick, Jamaica • Sings weekly in praise and worship band • Hobbies include coaching middle school girls basketball, baking, horseback riding, photography, traveling with family and playing guitar • Plans to study medicine

PLANT CITY LIONS CLUB 2013

• Parents are Ken & Ruth Lentz • Home Schooled Senior/dual enrolled • Pursuing a career in singing and playing guitar • Early admissions student at Hillsborough Community College • Hobbies include airsoft, music & roller skating

PLANT CITY LIONS CLUB 2013

• Parents are Sam & Buffy Astin • Senior at Durant High School • Student Government Association president and varsity cheer captain • FFA State finalist of ornamental horticulture demonstration, and best all around cheerleader • Community service includes mentoring children at Turkey Creek Middle School, the Berry Walk Against Drugs and Toys for Tots • Plans to obtain a Master’s Degree in Business Marketing at the University of Tampa and manage her family’s 90 year old farm • Hobbies include going to the movies with friends, catching rays at the beach and shopping

PLANT CITY LIONS CLUB 2013

• Parents are Michael & Kelly Mullis • Attends Hillsborough Community College • Member of Bethany Baptist Church • Hobbies include traveling with family, shopping, baking & volunteering at the South Florida Baptist Hospital • Plans to major in nursing to become a pediatric nurse

PLANT CITY LIONS CLUB 2013

• Parents are Kenny & Denise Brown • Senior at Plant City High School • Member of the National Honor Society, 2013 Senior Executive Council, serving as class historian, student council, Civinettes, SADD and PCHS FFA • Loves seeing people from her community at a cashier at Grandpa Johnson’s BBQ • Enjoys spending time with family saltwater fishing • Volunteers her time mentoring young cheerleaders • Member of Plant City First Baptist Church

PLANT CITY LIONS CLUB 2013

• Parents are Bob & Cathy Wellen • Senior at Seffner Christian Academy • Member of National Honor Society, president of the Debate Club, member of varsity basketball team, member of ensemble and chorus, predicted valedictorian • Volunteered at deaf school in Knockpatrick, Jamaica • Sings weekly in church’s praise and worship band • Hobbies include coaching middle school girls basketball, watercolor painting, writing poetry, horseback riding, traveling and playing guitar • Plans to study business and law

PLANT CITY LIONS CLUB 2013

• Parents are Jerrold & Julia Williams • Graduate of Durant High School, freshman at Hillsborough Community College • Member of HCC’s science club where she participates in fundraisers for the prevention of breast cancer & cardiovascular disease • Hobbies include kickboxing, mentoring her younger cousin in cheerleading and pageant competitions, & helping her family on their strawberry farm • Plans to pursue a degree in dentistry from the University of Florida

PLANT CITY LIONS CLUB 2013

• Parents are Greg & Sharon Ours • Graduate of Plant City High School, freshman at Hillsborough Community College • Ambassador for the Florida Strawberry Growers Association • Attends Bethany Baptist Church • Member of the Plant City Junior Woman’s Club • Hobbies include running, spending time with family & friends, and baking & selling strawberry cookies to raise funds for Relay for Life • Plans to obtain a degree in education

PLANT CITY LIONS CLUB 2013

• Parents are Billy Honaker and David & Wendy Howell • Senior at Durant High School • Member of the FFA and Leo Club • Enjoys participating in past swine & steer projects • Member of River of Life Christian Center where she enjoys volunteering with different church events and her youth group • Hobbies include spending time with family & friends, shopping and laughing • Plans to pursue a degree in nursing at a local university

PLANT CITY LIONS CLUB 2013

• Parents are Melissa Bozek-Pfost and the late Doug Bozek • Graduate of Strawberry Crest, freshman at Hillsborough Community College • Member of the National FFA organization, Plant City First Baptist Church and the National Honor Society • Enjoys spending time with her friends, fishing & shopping • Studying Marine Biology

PLANT CITY LIONS CLUB 2013

• Parents are Steve & Kim Gonzalez • Senior at Durant High School • Secretary of the Durant Senior Council • Competes and has gone to state twice with FFA for Ornamental Horticulture Demonstrations • Student leader in her youth group at Victory Worship Center • Plans to attend Hillsborough Community College and further her education at the University of South Florida to earn a degree in Biology • Hobbies include singing, spending time with family, going to the beach and pretending to be a photographer with her Instagram App

PLANT CITY LIONS CLUB 2013

• Parents are Rick & Dianna Lott • Junior at Plant City High School • Plays varsity soccer and varsity volleyball • Member of the Civinettes, National Honor Society, Students Against Destructive Decisions and Plant City’s First Baptist Youth Group • Hobbies include going to the beach with friends, cooking and shopping • Plans to attend the University of Central Florida to study photography

PLANT CITY LIONS CLUB 2013

• Daughter of Chrystal English • Junior at Plant City High School • Vice-President of the Plant City Sr. FFA Chapter and serves as student advisor for the Hillsborough County FFA Federation • Member of the Civinettes, National Honor Society, Youth Alive Club & Florida Junior Cattleman’s Association • Has twirled batons competitively for 12 years • Hobbies include writing, drawing & volunteering with Relay for Live • Attends Plant City Church of God • Plans to study at the University of Alabama in mass communication/journalism • Hopes to travel after college and establish herself as a journalist

PLANT CITY LIONS CLUB 2013

• Daughter of Glenn and Kendra Harrell • Senior at Plant City High School, ranked in the top 5% of her class with a 5.48 GPA • Captain of the PCHS Varsity Swim Team, president of the Ronald McDonald Charity House Club and treasurer of the National Honor Society • Member of the First Baptist Church of Plant City • Enjoys participating in speech competitions, swimming competitively & spending time with my family • Plans to attend a university and major in marketing

PLANT CITY LIONS CLUB 2013

Remember When For years the Plant City Norman McCloud Post 26 of the American Legion would raffle off a new car for a $1.00 donation. However, the Florida State Legislature passed a law making raffles illegal. The Legion got passed the law by selling a pencil for $1.00 and giving the buyer a free ticket on the car raffle.

A Festival Is Born by Panky Morgan Snow

There was something about the people who call Plant city “home” that even a Great Depression could not faze. While residents of other towns throughout the country walked on edge of ruin in the late 1920s, folks in Plant City seemed to draw closer together. They took comfort in helping each other rather than wringing their hands in despair. They had church and school suppers, civic clubs sponsored softball games for the men, the Home Demonstration Club taught women how to can their own vegetables, and youth groups, such as the Future Farmers of America and 4-H Clubs, took a hard look at farming and cattle raising as a profitmaking venture. A number of men in an upstart civic group called the Lion’s Club, thought, in 1929, it might even be good for the city to have a strawberry festival. It would help the economy, be good for the morale of people here and in the surrounding area, and might even put Plant City on the map. When the community challenged the newly chartered Plant City Lions Club to furnish leadership for organizing the first Strawberry Festival, the Lions accepted. The club, as a fund-raising project, also took on selection of a festival queen. And the Lions Auxiliary, a support group made up of Lion’s members’ wives, would step in to help throughout the coming years…thus, in 1930 the Florida Strawberry Festival was born.

PLANT CITY LIONS CLUB 2013

Stephen W. Shouse, AAMS® 1514 S. Alexander Street, Suite 206 Plant City, FL 33563 (813) 752-9400 stephen.shouse@edwardjones.com

Jeff Dove, AAMS® 1953 SR 60 East Valrico, FL 33594 813)654-7885 jeff.dove@edwardjones.com

Luke Carvalho, AAMS® 2806 James L Redman Pkwy, Suite 201 Plant City, FL 33566 (813)752-9765 luke.carvalho@edwardjones.com

Tim Shuff, AAMS® CFP® 104 N. Evers Street, Suite 10 Plant City, FL 33563 (813)752-1071 tim.shuff@edwardjones.com

PLANT CITY LIONS CLUB 2013

A Lasting Legacy

by Calli Jo Parker

n a quaint little town called Plant City, the strawberry crop grew bountiful and was something to be celebrated. In 1930, the town elders decided a festival would take place, the mayor would declare a holiday, and a queen would reign. The entire town gathered to vote on their favorite girl, Charlotte Rosenberg, a blue-eyed beauty, was crowned the very first Strawberry Queen. Little did Charlotte know, she would become the matriarch to a long line of historical Queens and Courts that would reign for generations! Strawberry Queen is a time honored tradition in our little town of Plant City. From the red velvet robe, to the seven inch crown, to the entire procession that takes place at the pageant, Strawberry Queen is something to be remembered. These girls are found walking the streets of Plant City visiting shops and businesses. Their red lips and friendly demeanors are eager to greet anyone who crosses their path. They are beloved and cherished in this town, similar to Miss Rosenberg when the town elected her to be their Queen. The Lord has blessed our town with many Queens who leave a legacy to be lived up to. For some it has been a sisterly bond, with Erica and Lauren Der, and Ashley and Victoria Watkins. Our town has also been represented with mother-daughter queens like Ruth and Becky Brown. Our Court members leave legacies as well, from mother to daughter and sister to sister. However the 2012 coronation marked a new piece of history, where Queen Chelsea Bowden was crowned, fulfilling the legacy of both her Grandmothers Ruby Jean Barker Redman and Barbara Alley Bowden. Mrs. Redman, who served as Queen in 1953, says that the pageant was a bit different in her day. The pageant consisted of two days. On a Monday night the girls wore a shorts outfit and the Court was decided. Later in the week on Thursday night, the girls wore their evening gowns and the Queen was crowned. When asked what her initial thoughts were when she was crowned, she humbly replied, “Why me? I couldn’t believe they picked me!” Mrs. Bowden, the Queen of 1948, tells her memories of the pageant night. She says that her pageant was held for one night and she only had to wear an evening gown. When asked her initial thoughts after being crowned, with a grateful heart she simply thought, “Thank you judges!!” When 2012 Queen Chelsea Bowden was crowned she was struck with disbelief. Chelsea is a student at Hillsborough Community College where she is pursuing a degree in nursing. She is honored to follow in her grandmothers’ footsteps, and feels that the Strawberry Queen pageant has opened many doors for her. Her most memorable time this year was the pageant. The feeling she had when she was crowned Queen is one that will never be forgotten. Chelsea encourages others to take part in Strawberry Queen in the future.

PLANT CITY LIONS CLUB 2013

While the pageant has changed since 1930, the center remains. The opportunity to impact a town so dear and become a part of its history is an experience second to none. Becoming a member of the Strawberry Queen and Court, living the legacy of a beloved mother, sister, grandmother, or friend, is cherished forever. Charlotte Rosenberg had no idea of the heritage she began simply by being her friendly self. Each year a dream comes true in our tiny town, so be kind, love hard, and dream big because you never know when it is going to be you!

PLANT CITY LIONS CLUB 2013

The Quintilla Geer Bruton Archives Center, a genealogy and family history library and The Florida Opry, a well-known music venue featuring bluegrass, country, folk and gospel, rental spaces, the original auditorium and the H. B. Plant Railroad Historical Society fill the 45,000 square foot red brick schoolhouse.

The Queen’s Room

Formed in 1974 as a 501c3, dedicated to the preservation of the historical and cultural heritage of Plant City and eastern Hillsborough County, the Society is supported by membership, fundraisers and grants. Donations to the library and museum collections of the EHHS are accepted and appreciated. Just as the sunshine sweetens the strawberries, our Queens Museum room filled with strawberries and beauty is a must see for visitors to the historic 1914 PCHSCC.

by Shelby Jean Roberson Bender, Hillsborough Historical Society, Inc.

President, East

s the sun comes up over the horizon, its early morning rays stream through a room on the northeast corner of the historic 1914 Plant City High School Community Center. Located in Plant City’s North Residential Historic District at 605 North Collins Street, one of the classrooms, dedicated to the late Frances Foster Hull, is also known as the Florida Strawberry Festival Queens Exhibit Room. Rhinestone crowns, once worn by the young women who were recognized as the prettiest in our community, sparkle in the sun’s rays. Gold lame’ strawberries on the red velvet robe last worn by Sherrie Chamber Mueller when she was crowned Queen of the Florida Strawberry Festival in 1971, shines brightly. Museum guests are greeted, most appropriately, by the gown worn by the first Strawberry Queen, Charlotte Rosenberg, who was crowned queen of East Hillsborough’s first Strawberry Festival on March 12, 1930. Charlotte, the daughter of Sam and Fannie Rosenberg, was a member of the senior class at the 1914 PCHS. Just a few steps away, is the satin gown worn by Catherine Fletcher Clark in the spring of 1940 when she was crowned queen. Catherine, the daughter of R.M. and Nita Fletcher, served as a page to Queen Charlotte in 1930. Lining the wall are framed photographs of the queens from every year. A collection of souvenir booklets, from every year’s pageant, is displayed for visitors to take a look back at all the beautiful young women who have vied for the coveted title of Queen over the last 82 years. The historic three story school building, now listed on the National Register of Historic Places Sites, was built at a cost of $40,000. Having served the community as both junior and senior high schools for almost 60 years, the last school bell rang in the early 1970s. At the urging of the East Hillsborough Historical Society and with wide community support, the building was deeded to the City of Plant City by the Hillsborough County School Board in 1975 for use as a community center. The Society continues the preservation and care of the historic site as the managing partner with the City. The EHHS offices, collection exhibits, Pioneer Museums,

PLANT CITY LIONS CLUB 2013

It’s Good To Be The King By Ted Campbell

lorida may have an orange on its license plates, but the King of Agriculture in Hillsborough County is the Strawberry. Each winter our farmers plant 11,000 acres – over 200 million plants – predominately within a 20-mile radius of Plant City, FL. This is probably the most densely concentrated specialty crop in America. Why Plant City? For over 100 years, multiple generations of farmers have enjoyed the well-drained sandy soil - combined with an ideal winter climate of warm days, cool nights, and little rain. Our delicious strawberries are harvested continuously from Thanksgiving until Easter every year. These family-owned strawberry farms generate almost half of Hillsborough’s agricultural value on only 4 percent of the county’s agriculture land. That puts Hillsborough into the top 10 agriculture counties in the U.S. while producing over $800 million in economic benefit for this area. Direct strawberry farm employment is about 17,000 with another 38,000 Americans employed in supporting jobs – many in the surrounding community. People quickly recognize the workers required for field labor, packaging production, plastic, chemicals, refrigeration, irrigation systems, transportation, and capital equipment, but also consider the accountants, lawyers, payroll systems, insurance, maintenance workers, hardware suppliers, tires, fuel, and many more. Few people realize the strawberry growers fund over $400,000 in annual research at the University of Florida to help sustain the industry. Add in the Strawberry Festival’s economic boost to our area, and you begin to comprehend the immense impact of Florida strawberries. So when you eat America’s favorite fruit this winter, remember that sweet juicy berry is one of the largest economic engines in Plant City!

PLANT CITY LIONS CLUB 2013

BIG NAME Entertainment

The Plant City Lions Club started having “Big name” entertainment at the Strawberry Festival in 1971. The first entertainer was Dale Evans, wife of cowboy movie star Roy Rogers. The Lions Club paid Dale Evans’ airfare, lodging, food and $2,000.00 for her performance at the Queen’s contest on the outdoor stage at the Strawberry Festival.

Photo above: Dale Evans & 1971 Queen Sherrie (Mueller) Chambers

PLANT CITY LIONS CLUB 2013