2023 FSF

HEADLINE ENTERTAINMENT

Headline Entertainment returns with star-studded lineup

One of the most exciting aspect of each year’s Florida Strawberry Festival is their headline entertainment lineup, featuring some of the music industry’s biggest names ranging from country to rock to R&B and rap, and 2023 will be no different.

Heres a sneak peak at the acts that will be performing on the Wish Farms Soundstage at the Festival this year.

[Tickets can be purchased by calling 813-752-9194 or by visiting www.FLStrawberryFestival.com. For additional information, call 813-752-9194.]

JIMMY STURR AND HIS ORCHESTRA

• The Grammy-award-winning artist and his group will perform at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 2 and the event will be free with the price of admission.

THE OAK RIDGE BOYS

• The Oak Ridge Boys will perform at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 2.

• Tickets are $30.

WALKER HAYES

• Hayes will perform at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 2

• Tickets are $40.

WILLIE NELSON & FAMILY

• Willie Nelson & Family will perform at 3:30 p.m. on Friday, March 3.

• Tickets are sold out.

HALESTORM

• Halestorm will perform at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, March 3.

• Tickets are $45.

SARA EVANS

• Evans will perform at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 4.

• Tickets are $35.

CHRIS “LUDACRIS” BRIDGES

• Ludacris will perform at 7:30 on Saturday, March 4.

• Tickets are $40.

THE GATLIN BROTHERS

• The Gatlin Brothers will perform at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 5.

• Tickets are $25.

CHRIS YOUNG

• Young will perform at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 5.

• Tickets are $60.

NEAL MCCOY

• McCoy will be performing at 3:30 p.m. on Monday, March 6.

• Tickets are $30.

JOSH TURNER

• Turner will perform at 7:30 on Monday, March 6.

• Tickets are $35.

ROOTS & BOOTS: AARON TIPPIN, COLLIN RAYE AND SAMMY KERSHAW

• The group will perform at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 7.

• Tickets are $35.

CECE WINANS

• Winans will perform at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 7.

• Tickets are $25.

TANYA TUCKER

• Tucker will perform at 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 8.

• Tickets are $35.

THE POINTER SISTERS

• The Pointer Sisters will perform at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 8.

• Tickets are $40.

BILL HALEY JR. & THE COMETS

• The group will perform at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 9.

• Tickets are free with admission.

TOMMY JAMES & THE SHONDELLS

• Tommy James & The Shondells will perform at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 9.

• Tickets are $35.

FOR KING + COUNTRY

• FOR KING + COUNTRY will perform at 7:30 p.m.on Thursday, March 9.

• Tickets are $40.

WAYNE NEWTON

• Newton will perform at 3:30 on Friday, March 10.

• Tickets are $40

TRAIN

• Train will perform at 7:30 on Friday, March 10.

• Tickets are $50.

SAWYER BROWN

• Sawyer Brown will perform at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 11.

• Tickets are $30.

THE ISLEY BROTHERS

• The Isley Brothers will perform at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 11.

• Tickets are $40.

THE LEROY VAN DYKE COUNTRY GOLD TOUR, FEATURING LEROY VAN DYKE, T.G. SHEPPARD, MANDY BARNETT AND T. GRAHAM BROWN

• The group will perform at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 12.

• Tickets are $35.

LYNYRD SKYNYRD

• Lynyrd Skynyrd will perform at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 12.

• Tickets are $60.

FESTIVAL EVENTS SCHEDULE

THURSDAY, MARCH 2ND

FLORIDA BLUE SENIOR DAY/ O’REILLY AUTO PARTS RIDE-ATHON DAY

10:00 a.m. Gates Open, Midway opens at Noon.

10:30 a.m. to Noon. Jimmy Sturr & His Orchestra at Wish Farms Soundstage

11:45 a.m. Senior Citizens Drawing at Wish Farms Soundstage (One drawing only — MUST BE PRESENT TO WIN)

2:00 p.m. Deep Fried Strawberry Pie on a Stick Relay at Stingray Chevrolet Entertainment Tent

3:30 p.m. The Oak Ridge Boys at Wish Farms Soundstage

6:00 p.m. Rekindled Bits of Grass at Publix Showcase Tent

7:00 p.m. Mosaic Youth Swine Show at Patterson Co. Livestock Arena

7:30 p.m. Walker Hayes at Wish Farms

Soundstage

FRIDAY, MARCH 3RD

PUBLIX FOOD AND FUN FRIDAY

9 a.m. to Noon: Special Smiles Day (Entry at Gate 5)

10:00 a.m. Gates Open, Midway opens at Noon.

12:00 p.m. Amish Donut Eating Contest (Presented by Peachy’s) at Stingray Chevrolet Entertainment Tent

1:00 p.m. Dairy Contestant Judging at Patterson Co. Livestock Arena

3:30 p.m. Willie Nelson & Family at Wish Farms Soundstage

6:00 p.m. Pastor “Pee Wee” Collins at Publix Showcase Tent

7:00 p.m. Mosaic Youth Swine Sale at Patterson Co. Livestock Arena

7:30 p.m. Halestorm at Wish Farms

Soundstage

SATURDAY, MARCH 4TH

MIDFLORIDA CREDIT UNION

FREE KIDS DAY/CIRCLE K

SUPER SATURDAY WRISTBAND

DAY

10:00 a.m. Gates Open, Midway opens at 10:00 a.m.

11:00 a.m. Dairy Show Showmanship at Patterson Co. Livestock Arena

1:00 p.m. Dairy Show at Patterson Co.

Livestock Arena

2:00 p.m. Youth Strawberry Stemming Contest at Stingray Chevrolet Entertainment Tent

3:30 p.m. Sara Evans at Wish Farms

Soundstage

6:00 p.m. The Dirty Jones at Publix

Showcase Tent

7:30 p.m. Chris “Ludacris” Bridges at Wish Farms Soundstage

SUNDAY, MARCH 5TH COCA-COLA FAMILY DAY

9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Registration for Baby Contest (Hillsborough County Babies Only) at the Admin. Office.

10:00 a.m. Gates Open, Midway opens at 10:00 a.m.

10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Baby Contest: Decorated Diaper Contest; Baby Features Contest; Diaper Derby at Publix

Showcase Tent

11:00 a.m. Dairy Showmanship (Adults) at Patterson Co. Livestock Arena

11:30 a.m. Dairy Pee Wee Showmanship at Patterson Co. Livestock Arena

12:30 p.m. Dairy Costume Ball at Patterson Co. Livestock Arena

2:00 p.m. Youth Plant Sale at Patterson Co. Livestock Arena

3:30 p.m. The Gatlin Brothers at Wish Farms Soundstage

6:00 p.m. The Colleen Orender Band at Publix Showcase Tent

7:30 p.m. Chris Young at Wish Farms

Soundstage

MONDAY, MARCH 6TH

ACE HARDWARE GRAND PARADE DAY/CHICK-FIL-A RIDE-A-

THON DAY

10:00 a.m. Gates Open, Midway opens at 10:00 a.m.

10:30 p.m. Invitational Parade Luncheon at Trinkle Center

1:00 p.m. Grand Parade Begins in Downtown Plant City

2:00 pm. Grand Parade Passes by the Festival at Reynolds St.

3:00 p.m. Lamb Jumping Contest at Patterson Co Livestock Arena

3:30 p.m. Neal McCoy at Wish Farms

Soundstage

5:00 p.m. Strawberry Spaghetti Eating Contest at Stingray Chevrolet Entertainment Tent

6:00 p.m. Electric Woodshed at Publix

Showcase Tent

7:00 p.m. Lamb Costume Contest at Patterson Co. Livestock Arena

7:30 p.m. Josh Turner at Wish Farms

Soundstage

TUESDAY, MARCH 7TH

FLORIDA PEANUT FEDERATION

TWOSDAY RIDE-A-THON

10:00 a.m. Gates Open, Midway opens at Noon. Noon to 2:00 p.m. Peachey’s Youth Pretzel Making Clinic at the Kiddie

Corral

2:00 p.m. Adult Strawberry Stemming Contest at Stingray Chevrolet Entertainment Tent

3:00 p.m. Lamb Showmanship at Patterson Co. Livestock Arena

3:30 p.m. Roots & Boots: Aaron Tippin, Collin Raye and Sammy Kershaw at Wish Farms Soundstage

5:00 p.m. Lamb Show at Patterson Co. Livestock Arena

6:00 p.m. Reach City Worship at Publix

Showcase Tent

7:30 p.m. CeCe Winans at Wish Farms

Soundstage

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8TH

GROW FINANCIAL FEDERAL CREDIT UNION AMERICA HEROES DAY/RIDE-A-THON DAY

10:00 a.m. Gates Open, Midway opens at Noon.

1:00 p.m. Super Dog Mega Corndog

Eating Contest at Stingray Chevrolet

Entertainment Tent

3:15 p.m. Honor American Heroes at Wish Farms Soundstage

3:30 p.m. Tanya Tucker at Wish Farms

Soundstage

6:00 p.m. Martin & Kelly at Publix

Showcase Tent

6:00 p.m. Mosaic Youth Steer Show at Patterson Co. Livestock Arena

7:30 p.m. The Pointer Sisters at Wish Farms Soundstage

THURSDAY, MARCH 9TH

FLORIDA BLUE SENIOR DAY/ O’REILLY AUTO PARTS RIDE-ATHON DAY

10:00 a.m. Gates Open, Midway opens at Noon.

10:30 to Noon. Bill Haley Jr. & The Comets at Wish Farms Soundstage

11:45 a.m. Senior Citizens Drawing at Wish Farms Soundstage (One drawing only — MUST BE PRESENT TO WIN)

2:00 p.m. Strawberry Shortcake

Eating Contest at Stingray Chevrolet

Entertainment Tent

3:30 p.m. Tommy James & The Shondells at Wish Farms Soundstage

6:00 p.m. First Baptist Church Plant City at Publix Showcase Tent

7:00 p.m. Mosaic Youth Steer Showmanship at Patterson Co. Livestock Arena

7:30 p.m. For King + Country at Wish Farms Soundstage

FRIDAY, MARCH 10TH

TAMPA BAY TIMES DAY ON THE MIDWAY/MOONLIGHT MAGIC

10:00 a.m. Gates Open, Midway opens at Noon.

3:00 p.m. Strawberry Mashed Potato Pie Eating Contest at Stingray Chevrolet Entertainment Tent

3:30 p.m. Wayne Newton at Wish Farms Soundstage

6:00 p.m. Beef Breed Showmanship at

Patterson Co. Livestock Arena

6:00 p.m. Pastor “Pee Wee” Callins at Publix Showcase Tent

7:30 p.m. Train at Wish Farms Soundstage

10:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. Moonlight Magic at the Midway

SATURDAY, MARCH 11TH

FARM WORKER APPRECIATION

DAY/CIRCLE K SATURDAY WRISTBAND DAY

10:00 a.m. Gates Open, Midway opens at 10:00 a.m.

10:15 a.m. Baby Parade at GT Grandstangs

3:30 p.m. Sawyer Brown at Wish Farms Soundstage

6:00 p.m. The Jersey Girls at Publix Showcase Tent

7:00 p.m. Mosaic Youth Steer Sale at Patterson Co. Livestock Arena

7:30 p.m. The Isley Brothers at Wish Farms Sound Stage

SUNDAY, MARCH 12TH

COCA-COLA FAMILY DAY

10:00 a.m. Gates Open, Midway opens at 10:00 a.m.

11:00 a.m. Youth Beef Breed Show at Patterson Co. Livestock Arena

1:00 p.m. Kitchen Craft Cookware

Drawing at Neighborhood Village

3:30 p.m. The Leroy Van Dyke Country Gold Tour, featuring Leroy Van Dyke, T.G. Sheppard, Mandy Barnett and T. Graham Brown at Wish Farms Soundstage

5:00 p.m. Stingray Chevrolet Corvette

Drawing

6:00 p.m. HOLA! Plant City at Publix

Showcase Tent

7:30 p.m. Lynyrd Skynyrd at Wish Farms Sound Stage

ON GROUNDS

Runa Pacha “Indian World”: Daily at 11 a.m., noon, 2 p.m., 4 p.m., 6p.m. and 8 p.m. in the Verizon Wireless Gazebo

Nerveless Nocks Jetback Flying Water Circus: Daily at 12:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Sponsored By: Visions of Outdoor Living

Robinson’s Racing Pigs: Daily at 11 a.m., noon, 2 p.m., 4 p.m., 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Sponsored By: Netterfields Concessions

Dakin Dairy Farmers Milking Parlor: Daily at noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.

Sponsored By: Bay 2 Bay Outdoor Services

Meet the Festival’s Official Mcots,

“Mr. and Mrs. Berry”: Daily in the Orthotic Works Gazebo from 11-11:30 a.m., 3:30-4 p.m. and 5:30 to 6 p.m.

Kids Coloring Corner: Daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Sponsored By: Simply Healthcare Plans

Rock-It The Robot: Daily at 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Sponsored By: All-American Gutter Protection

Scott’s World of Magic Show: Daily at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Sponsored By: Absolute Vision Auto Glass.

FESTIVAL SERVICES

Badcock Home Furniture & More Mother & Baby Suite: TECO Expo Hall

Images Everywhere!: Festival Photos Available at Gates 1, 5, 13, 14 and 16

Lost & Found Caboose: East end of the Roy & Helen Parke Building

Sponsored By: Chocolate Strawberry Express

Carolina ATM’s are located near Woodrow Wilson Street, the TECO Expo Hall, the Arthur Boring Building and other locations throughout the Festival.

Sage Dental Hand Washing Stations: Located throughout the grounds.

Portlock Restrooms: Complimentary attendant services available.

Information Booths sponsored by Uncommon USA

Wheelchairs, Electric Scooters and Strollers: Available for rent at Gates 1, 14, 16 and Tour Bus Lot across from Gate 10.

T-Mobile Trams running from Red, Blue and Gray Parking Lots to Gates 10 and 14.

File photo

GUIDE TO DISCOUNTS AT THE FESTIVAL

THURSDAY, MARCH 2ND

FLORIDA BLUE SENIOR DAY

Patrons age 60 years of age and older will get $2 off tandard gate admission of $10. Additionally, a prize will be given away at 11:45 on each Senior Day to the lucky senior citizen whose ticket is drawn from the barrel. The drawing will take place on the Wish Farms Soundstage following the 10:30 a.m. show. Tickets for the drawing will be available to all seniors in the stadium and you must be present to win.

O’REILLY AUTO PARTS RIDE-ATHON DAY, NOON TO 11 P.M.

A wristband purchased at the Midway for $25 will entitle the wearer to ride most mechanical rides for one low price. Present a voucher from participating O’Reilly Auto Parts stores at the Midway ticket booth to receive $5 off the $25 writband and ride all day for just $20.

FRIDAY, MARCH 3RD

PUBLIX FOOD AND FUN FRIDAY

Present any Publix or GreenWise branded non-perishable and receive a voucher for $5 off the $30 wristband and ride most mechanical rides all day for only $25.

SPECIAL SMILES DAY, SPONSORED BY THE ROTARY CLUB OF PLANT CITY

The Rotary Club of Plant City welcomes all individuals with special needs from 9 a.m. to noon. This unique event is reserved for celebrating and serving some of the community’s most treasured guests in a safe, fun and sensoryconsiderate environment. All Special Smiles attendees and one companion will be admitted for free at Gate 5. Visit www.fltrawberryfestival.com/special-smilesday for more information.

SATURDAY, MARCH 4TH

CIRCLE K SUPER SATURDAY WRISTBAND DAY, 10 TO 11 A.M.

A wristband purchased at the Midway for $35 will entitle the wearer to ride most mechanical rides for one low price. Present a Circle K register receipt and receive $5 off the $35 dollar writband and ride most mechanical rides all day for only $30.

SUNDAY, MARCH 5TH

COCA-COLA FAMILY DAY, 10 TO 11 A.M.

Present any empty CocaCola brand can or plastic bottle product at the entry gate to receive a voucher for $5 off the $30 wristband and ride most mechanical rides all day for only $25. Can or bottle not valid for gate admission, one can or bottle per person.

MONDAY, MARCH 6TH

ACE HARDWARE GRAND PARADE DAY

The Strawberry Festival Grand Parade will begin at 1 p.m and pass the Festival grounds at approximately 2 p.m, starting downtown at Evers St. and Renfro St., heading north through downtown Plant City and then west towards the Festival grounds on Reynolds St.

CHICK-FIL-A RIDE-A-THON DAY, 10 TO 11 A.M.

A wristband purchesed at the Midway for $25 will entitle the wearer to ride most mechanical rides for one low price. Present a Chick-Fil-A register receipt and receive $5 off the $25 dollar wristband and ride most mechanical rides all day for only $20.

TUESDAY, MARCH 7TH

FLORIDA PEANUT FEDERATION

TWOSDAY RIDE-A-THON, NOON TO 11 P.M.

It’s another day for the kids!

From noon to 11 p.m., ALL kids up to 17 years old are admitted FREE with a paid adult. In addition, enjoy a special day full of deals on rides at the Festival. Ride any single ride for $2, or ride most mechanical rides all day with the purchase of a $25 wristband at the Midway.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8TH

RIDE-A-THON DAY

A wristband purchased for $25 at the Midway will entitle the wearer to ride most mechanical rides for one low price.

THURSDAY, MARCH 9TH

FLORIDA BLUE SENIOR DAY

Patrons age 60 years of age and older will get $2 off their standard gate admission of $10. Additionally, a prize will be given away at 11:45 on each Senior Day to the lucky senior citizen whose ticket is drawn from the barrel. The drawing will take place on the Wish Farms Soundstage following the 10:30 a.m. show. Tickets for the drawing will be available to all seniors in the stadium and you must be present to win.

O’REILLY AUTO PARTS RIDE-ATHON DAY

A wristband purchesed at the Midway for $25 will entitle the wearer to ride most mechanical rides for one low price. Present a voucher from participating O’Reilly Auto Parts stores at the Midway ticket booth to receive $5 off the $25 writband and ride all day for just $20.

FRIDAY, MARCH 10TH

TAMPA BAY TIMES DAY ON THE MIDWAY, NOON TO 10 P.M.

Present a coupon from the Tampa Bay Times to receive $5 off f the $20 Fun Pack Ride Coupon Book. The coupon will be available in The Tampa Bay Times on Sunday, March 5 and Wednesday, March 8. The coupon will be on www.tampabay.com on Friday, March 10. The online coupon must be printed in hardcopy and an Electronic Version of Coupon WILL NOT be accepted. This coupon is only redeemable on Friday, March 10. (NO WRISTBANDS AVAILABLE UNTIL 10 P.M.)

MOONLIGHT MAGIC, 10 P.M. TO 2 A.M.

SATURDAY, MARCH 11TH

FARM WORKER APPRECIATION DAY

Farmworkers will receive FREE admission with a voucher from Astin Farms.

CIRCLE K SUPER SATURDAY WRISTBAND DAY, 10 TO 11 A.M.

A wristband purchesed at the Midway for $35 will entitle the wearer to ride most mechanical rides for one low price. Present a Circle K register receipt and receive $5 off the $35 dollar writband and ride most mechanical rides all day for only $30.

SUNDAY, MARCH 12TH

COCA-COLA FAMILY DAY, 10 TO 11 A.M.

Present any empty CocaCola brand can or plastic bottle product at the entry gate to receive a voucher for $5 off the $30 wristband and ride most mechanical rides all day for only $25. Can or bottle not valid for gate admission, one can or bottle per person.

MIDFLORIDA

Key kids, it’s your day! Kids through high school age are admitted FREE.

GROW FINANCIAL FEDERAL CREDIT UNION AMERICA HEROES DAY

All active, reserve and retired military veterans, law enforcement, fist responders and healthcare workers are admitted FREE with a valid ID.

With the festival extending their hours to 2 p.m., you’ll have the opportunity to ride most mechanical rides under the moonlight for one special price of $30 per person. All patrons entering the Midway will be required to purchase a wristband (NO WRISTBANDS AVAILABLE UNTIL 10 P.M.)

Each year, the Florida Strawberry Festival offers deals and discounts for each day throughout the 11-day event.

CREDIT UNION FREE KIDS DAY

TAYLOR JENKINS STAFF WRITER

WELCOME to the 88th annual Florida Strawberry Festival

I hate to disagree with Andy Williams, but the “Most Wonderful Time of the Year” is actually happening NOW! The 88th Annual Florida Strawberry Festival begins today, and what a celebration it will be. It’s a time to celebrate our abundant agricultural harvest, our dedicated farmers, our loyal guests, and the town of Plant City that we all proudly call home. During the next 11 days, our city will be bustling with visitors from all over the world who have waited a year to experience the charm of our festival and the sweetest strawberries grown anywhere in the world. Roll out your welcome mat because it’s time to extend the hospitality for which Plant City, Florida is famous.

Whether you’re a festival veteran or a fist-time visitor, be sure to include seeing the new entertainers and attractions we’re bringing in for you including the Jersey Girls, Rockland Road, Nerveless Nocks Jetpack Flying Water Circus, the Berry Big Wheel, and more. Our loyal concessionaires are busy preparing your favorite treats and whipping up new ones like the Very Berry Sugar Waffle, Berry Battered Corn Dog, Mrs. E’s Strawberry Freeze (a nod to everyone’s favorite vendor manager, Mrs. Ellany), Mac Stack, Sandy Ann’s Old-Fashioned Fried Pies, Fried Oyster-Mushroom Po’ Boy, Langos Ear, and Pumpkin Patch With a Strawberry Twist. We’re also looking forward to our new “Special Smiles Day” which will take place on Friday, March 3rd from 9 a.m. to noon. On this day we will offer free entry to guests with special needs and one caregiver to enjoy a safe, fun, and sensory considerate environment. We have constructed new restrooms at your request, added pavers under the stadium grandstands, and spruced up the grounds in anticipation of your arrival. In addition to the new, we’ll be bringing back the festival traditions you know and love: 24 of the country’s top musical acts, hundreds of food vendors, nearly 100 rides, hundreds of animals, and too many world-famous strawberry shortcakes to count.

On a personal note, as I embark upon my final estival and approach my April retirement, I am flooded with emotions and memoris. It’s hard for me to believe that it’s been 15 years since I fist stepped foot on the Florida Strawberry Festival grounds as its president. I recall feeling immensely blessed at the opportunity to lead the operations of Plant City’s longest standing tradition, and that feeling has never faded. I grew up in this community, and the festival has always been part of my existence. The challenge of operating this world-renowned event that draws over half a million visitors in just 11 days has been thrilling. As exciting as it has been to book legendary acts, construct new facilities, and navigate an ever-evolving industry, the truth is that the people are the aspect I will cherish most. To the volunteers, stakeholders, directors, and associates, I extend my sincerest gratitude.

Your work ethic and pride in this festival truly amaze me. To our city government, law enforcement, restaurants, hotels, and businesses, our success would not be possible without your support and encouragement. To the staff, thank you for coming to work for more than just a paycheck but for the love of this community and the values we hold dear. And finall, I thank our farmers. You are the backbone of our community, and it is the literal fruit of your labor that entices people from all over the world to visit Plant City, Florida.

Although I am retiring as president, I will be a lifelong Florida Strawberry Festival patron, volunteer, and champion. I have the utmost confidene in President Elect Kyle Robinson and know that his leadership will carry the festival in the best direction. Thank you, my Plant City family. I love you all and look forward to seeing you soon at our harvest celebration.

Paul Davis President, Florida Strawberry Festival®

LIVESTOCK SCHEDULE

THURSDAY, MARCH 2 AT 7 P.M. Mosaic Youth Swine Show

FRIDAY, MARCH 3 AT 7 P.M.

Mosaic Youth Swine Sale

SATURDAY, MARCH 4

Dairy Showmanship- 11 a.m. Dairy Show- 1 p.m.

SUNDAY, MARCH 5

Dairy Showmanship (Adults) 11 a.m.

Dairy Showmanship (Pee Wee) 11:30 a.m.

Dairy Costume Ball- 12:30 p.m.

Youth Plant Sale- 2 p.m.

MONDAY, MARCH 6

Lamb Jumping Contest- 3 p.m.

Lamb Costume Contest- 7 p.m.

TUESDAY, MARCH 7 AT 3 P.M. & 5 P.M.

Lamb Showmanship and Show

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8 AT 6 P.M. Mosaic Youth Steer Show

THURSDAY, MARCH 9 AT 7 P.M. Mosaic Youth Steer Showmanship

FRIDAY, MARCH 10 AT 6 P.M. Beef Breed Showmanship

SATURDAY, MARCH 11 AT 7 P.M. Mosaic Youth Steer Show

SUNDAY, MARCH 12 AT 11 A.M.

Beef Breed Show

Mosaic Poultry & Rabbit Exhibits on Display Daily from 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Every day of the Festival offers the opportunity to see the pride of our community-our youth- exhibit the animals and plants they’ve been raising for months and even years. See some of the finst livestock in the area and learn how the winners are chosen.

FESTIVAL MAP

Remember: No matter where you park your car, take note of your spot with photos and notes to help you find it laer and reduce your chances of getting lost.

Plant City Police Department will not easily be able to help you find our car if you’ve lost track of where you parked it. If it was stolen, that’s a different story.

2023 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE: DRIVE OFF WITH A NEW CORVETTE

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

For the fourteenth year, Stingray Chevrolet has donated a brand-new Corvette to be raffle off at the 023 Florida Strawberry Festival.

The car, a 2023 Corvette Stingray Coupe 3LT, valued at $82,280, features a 490 horsepower 6.2L V-8 engine, an eightspeed dual-clutch transmission, rear-park assist, HD rear vision camera and a lightweight-removable roof panel. Other bells and whistles include an eight-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth technology, voice recognition, 10-speaker Bose Premium audio system, wireless charging technology, theft deterrent system, high wing spoiler and forged aluminum wheels.

In a nod to the Florida strawberry, the vehicle’s luxurious leather interior sports Adrenaline Red Napa. The sports car’s exterior is painted Arctic White with dual red racing stripes.

“I can tell you that I’m looking forward to the most successful raffleet,” said Stingray Chevrolet Owner Steve Hurley. “The Arctic White color of this 3LT trim level Corvette with solid Adrenaline Red interior and red dual racing stripes is stunning!”

All the fundraiser proceeds will benefit Uniy in the Community, tht provides assistance to underprivileged families and seniors in need. Stingray Chevrolet has raised over $2.5 million dollars for Unity in the Community since

they began the annual vehicle giveaway in 2010.

Tickets for the drawing are $5 each and are available at the dealership located off xit 22 on I-4 in Plant City until 6 p.m. on Friday, March 10 and also at Stingray Chevrolet’s vehicle display on the festival grounds during the 11-day event until 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 12. Tickets can also be purchased online (a $2 processing fee will be applied to online sales) at www. stingraychevroletraffle.com until 3 p.m. on Friday, March 10. Individuals can purchase a maximum of 50 tickets/$250 donation.

The winning ticket will be drawn at 5 p.m. on March 12 at the festival. The winner need not be present to win and will be promptly notified y phone.

All proceeds from the raffl benefit Uniy in the Community, a Plant City based non-profit organization that contributes to local youth organizations and other groups who provide assistance and support to a variety of organizations including such worthy causes as community service scholarships, backpacks for needy students and local food banks.

“The unique relationship between the Florida Strawberry Festival and Stingray Chevrolet has made it possible for ‘Unity in the Community’ to raise more funds than any other fundraiser benefiting the oganization,” said Hurley. “This would not have been possible without our partnership with the Florida Straw-

Don’t miss out on a chance to win a 2023 Corvette Stingray Coupe 3LT.

NEW ENTERTAINMENT MAKES ITS WAY TO THIS YEAR’S FESTIVAL

In addition to the star-studded headline entertainment that will rock the 11-day festival, a number of new groups will be performing across the Festival grounds.

While the star-studded headline entertainment lineup always catches the eyes of music-lovers as they plan their trips over to Plant City for the strawberry festival, a number of new acts will be playing across the festival, free for all to enjoy at either the Publix Showcase Tent or the Entenmann’s Strawberry Tent.

The following list features all of the new acts that will be making their debut at the Florida Strawberry Festival and where to find them. If some of them sound familiar, that’s probably because they are, with this year’s new performers taking the stage at different venues throughout the state, the country or right here in town at Krazy Kup!

THE DIRTY JANES

The Dirty Janes emerge seasoned with several major festival appearances under their belt, having played with names like Lynyrd Skynyrd, Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown, Elle King, and The Allman Betts Band. With a full-length album under way, Clearwater’s renowned Clear Track Studios has become a second home for the group. It will be their first release under their new name and is expected to hit both platforms and shelves this year.

The Dirty Janes will be performing in the Publix Showcase Tent on Saturday, March 4 at 6 p.m.

Colleen Orender. Photo courtesy of the Florida Strawberry Festival

TAYLOR JENKINS STAFF WRITER

The Dirty Janes. Photo courtesy of the Florida Strawberry Festival

THE COLLEEN ORENDER BAND

Nashville Recording Artist Colleen

Orender’s new music is a sultry jazz dream with pop sensibilities and a touch of James Bond. A touring jazz and blues artist for decades, Orender turns your hometown venues into smoldering 1930’s Mississippi juke joints. She teamed up with Michael Davey in Nashville to produce her new sound that many are comparing to Amy Winehouse with Julie London’s essence. We see a new genre stand on its own, the Sophisticated Pop of the decade.

The Colleen Orender Band will be performing on the Publix Showcase Tent at 6 p.m. on Sunday, March 5.

MARTIN & KELLY

The incredibly talented duo of Jilly Martin and Ryan Brooks Kelly have become the next must-see act from New England to Nashville. Over the years, they’ve been featured as support acts for many traditional, and mainstream country artists. Standouts in today’s crossover country music scene, Jilly & Ryan’s songs bridge the boundary between traditional and new country. They’ve made their mark with highly-acclaimed original music and are winning over audiences everywhere they perform. Jilly and Ryan’s compelling songwriting, dynamic vocal harmonies and stunning musicianship have them poised for a breakthrough in the music industry. Martin & Kelly will be performing in the Publix Showcase Tent on Wednesday, March 8 at 6 p.m.

ROCKLAND ROAD

Rockland Road is a street just outside Nashville. It’s a studio where countless hit records have been recorded. It’s a crossroads where country, gospel, pop, R&B and Americana music has coexisted and thrived for years. It is also a vocal-driven, melodic band with a signature sound as rich and authentic as its namesake. Rockland Road is six musicians who share the last name

Martin—representing four generations of musical heritage—all vocalists who among them play 23 different instruments. It is a powerhouse group featuring soulful vocals imbued with a pure, exuberant joy worthy of the talented blood that flows through this family’s veins. Rockland Road will be performing in the Entenmann’s Strawberry Tent daily at noon, 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Jilly Martin and Ryan Brooks Kelly Photo courtesy of the Florida Strawberry Festival

Rockland Road. Photo courtesy of the Florida Strawberry Festival

WE HAVE A WINNER: STRAWBERRY QUEEN’S EXHIBIT SHINES A LIGHT ON THE PAGEANT’S PAST AND PRESENT

The exhibit allows visitors to take a journey through the history of Plant City’s Strawberry Queens and their court.

TAYLOR JENKINS STAFF WRITER

As you step through the doors of Neighborhood Village at the Florida Strawberry Festival, you are greeted by a flwing gown illuminated by the soft glow of the spotlight that sits above it. Encapsulated in a glass case along with the gown is photos of this year’s Strawberry Queen, Kennedie Clinton, and her court — featuring First Maid Jaida Davis and court members Addison Raburn, Fe Ramirez and Kaleigh Salmon.

The stunning display not only welcomes you to Neighborhood Village, but serves as a centerpiece for the annual Strawberry Queen’s exhibit. Put together each year by sisters and Plant City natives Marsha Passmore and Dodie White, the exhibit features countless photos, memories and highlights from each individual Strawberry Queen — along with their court — in the pageant’s history, dating back to 1930.

“We’re so proud of Kennedie and her court,” Passmore said. “They’re very genuine young ladies and they’re the real deal, that’s the way I look at it. They’re so solid and they’re so good and they make us smile when we see them because they’re just infectious… Their smile is infectious, their personality is infectious and that’s just the true quality of a good-hearted person.”

“What makes it so great as well is that, yes, they do represent the Strawberry Festival, but they start the very night they win and go the entire year representing not just the Festival but Plant City and the surrounding areas and they represent us so well,” White added. “They make us proud to send them out for interviews and to be represented in other affairs wherever they go. They just make us proud, they resonate happiness and they remind people why the Strawberry Festival is so important to this area.”

For Clinton, her role as Strawberry Queen is only a continuation of what has already been a year-long commitment as a proud representative of Plant City, being named Strawberry Queen just one week after concluding her reign as the 2022 Florida Strawberry Festival Junior Royalty Queen — while also fiishing as a semifinalit for Miss Florida Teen USA 2021 and 2022 and being named Face of the Year at the 2022 National Princess America Pageant along the way.

“All I can say about Kennedie is that we loved her from the fist minute we saw her, she is like a magnet,” Passmore said.

“She represented Junior Royalty with such grace and such beauty and it says it all when she stepped out of that role and a week later she became our Florida Strawberry Festival Queen,” White said. “I think that not only do we recognize that about her, but the judges and other people recognize it as well. We saw it the day we really got to know the personalities of the Junior Royalty, when we got to know her as a person and a young lady — a very genuine young lady. So when she was crowned, we were thrilled.”

And while you walk across the red carpet that lays at the floor f the exhibit — with all of the past queens and court members displayed on one side of you and a dazzling display decorated in accordance with 2023’s Festival theme, We Have A Winner, on the other — you will eventually arrive at another special display that highlights each year’s

featured queen. For 2023, the featured queen is 1997’s pageant winner Stephanie St. Martin (Bikowski).

“We try to use the theme when deciding the featured queen, when we find out what it is,” Passmore said. “This year, when we found out that it would be, ‘We Have A Winner,’ well, is Stephanie not a winner? She’s a winner inside and out because her heart’s the size of this room so she was very easy to select.”

In addition to being named Strawberry Queen in ‘97, Bikowski has continued to make an impact on the Plant City community ever since. As a reading coach at Robinson Elementary School she was named Teacher of the Year this past year, her second such accomplishment after previously being named Teacher of the Year at Burney Elementary School in 2008 — along with being named a Top 10 finalit for district-wide Teacher of the Year. And each year Bikowski and her sister Jennifer Morgan — the public relations and media representative for the Florida Strawberry Festival, as well as a former court member herself in 2000 — organize the choreography for the Strawberry Queen’s Pageant.

On Monday night, Passmore and White hosted the grand unveiling, where the exhibit was viewed for the very fist time by Bikowski and this year’s court.

“Seeing the gown tonight, it was just so surreal,” Clinton said. “I’ve always done plenty of pageants but that dress was so special to me, I cried when I put it on. It made me feel a movie star, it made me feel amazing, and now to have this dress that made me feel so beautiful up where I don’t even know how many, probably thousands of people walk through here and see the dress that was so special to me, it’s just such an amazing moment. Miss Marsha and Miss Dodie set it up so gorgeously, I was just so full of ecstasy. I’m so excited and I’m so happy and I can’t wait for everyone to see it at the festival.”

The honored guests joined Passmore and White throughout the night, along with their families, Florida Strawberry Festival president Paul Davis, future president Kyle Robinson and several Festival staff membes as they shared stories and took in this year’s rendition of the exhibit for the fist time.

“It was so beautiful and surreal and so many memories pop up in your head as you’re going through and you’re seeing different people,” Bikowski said.

“I know so many of the former queens and court members so seeing each of them it kind of takes you back to when they were on the court. And then when I got to walk around and see the display they did for me on the end, it was just awesome because all of the little itty bitty things are there… Every year we walk through, I walk through with my daughters and they say, ‘mommy, look at your big blonde hair, it’s so big.’ But then I get to show them how my sister was in the court and that my mom was in the court back in the 1970’s.”

The Strawberry Festival has been a passion for the Passmore and White for over 40 years, where they fist served as tram captains for several years before transitioning to the festival’s ambassador program, working in the Business and Professional Women’s Club booth and eventually spending the past nine years bringing the Strawberry Queen’s exhibit to life.

NEW FOODS

syrup. Located at the Dessert Factory near Edwards Street on the West side of the festival grounds.

Entenmann’s Strawberry Tent.

PUMPKIN PATCH WITH A STRAWBERRY TWIST

Oh the food. Sweet, salty, strange, tasty, on-a-stick, on a plate, in a bowl, there are eight new foods at the 2023 Florida Strawberry Festival and more than half of them feature Plant City-grown strawberries. Start planning which foods you will try this year. Try one or all of them.

MRS. E’S STRAWBERRY

FREEZE

An iced strawberries and cream refresher! A delightfully fresh strawberry-flvored snowball, coupled with condensed milk and topped with whipped cream and a chocolate dipped strawberry. It tastes as good as it looks! Located at A&M Concessions on

Edwards Street.

VERY BERRY SUGAR WAFFLE

A strawberry-flvored sugar waffle dted with powdered sugar, a heaping mound of fresh strawberry filling piled high with whipped cream and topped with a fresh strawberry. Located at Fain’s Concession on the Southside of the festival grounds.

VERY BERRY BATTERED CORN

DOG

A sweet and salty combination that is too delicious to pass up! A berry-battered corndog, deep fried until golden brown and served with a sweet strawberry

MAC STACK

A hunk of sweet cornbread, piled high with a savory helping of slow-roasted pulled pork, a dollop of mac-n-cheese with BBQ beans, tangy coleslaw and drizzled with barbecue sauce. Located at Piggy Palace on the Southside of the festival grounds.

SANDY ANN’S OLD FASHION

FRIED PIES

Fried pies just like momma used to make! These light and flay pies come in a variety of flvors including apple, blueberry and, of course, strawberries and cream. Located at Sandy Ann’s Old Fashion Fried Pies near East Independent.

FRIED OYSTER-MUSHROOM

PO BOY

A crispy fried oyster-mushroom on a toasted bun topped with lettuce, tomato, pickle and a generous smear of remoulade sauce. This vegan-friendly option comes with a side of seasoned rice and smoked beans. Located at Seasoned Greens near the West end of GT Grandstands.

LANGOS EAR

A langos is a Hungarian deepfried flatbead. The Best Around has combined their traditional elephant ear batter with this European recipe to make a savory garlic-buttered flatbead, topped with a homemade cream cheese and sour cream blend and sprinkled with real bacon crumbles. Located on the North side of the

Homemade hard pumpkin ice cream garnished with a generous serving of marshmallows and graham cracker crumbles, a

A strawberryflvored sugar waffle dted with powdered sugar

VISITING PLANT CITY

Planning a visit to the Florida Strawberry Festival? There’s more to see and do in Plant City.

Even though the Florida Strawberry Festival is the main attraction, don’t miss out on the rich history, culture and eateries that Plant City has to offer. After you’ve had your fill f fun at the festival, here are a few local spots to enjoy during your visit to our hometown.

HISTORIC DOWNTOWN

Plant City’s downtown area was designated as a U.S. historic district in 1993 and is home to several historic buildings, restaurants, coffee shops, businesses and homes. For a schedule of downtown happenings or walking map visit www. plantcitymainstreet.org. Here are some of our favorites that are either in downtown or adjacent to it:

Robert W. Willard Railroad Museum and Train Viewing Platform

If trains are your passion, this quaint museum is for you. Located at 102 North Palmer Street, the museum has a sizable collection of railroad equipment and memorabilia, including a completely restored Seaboard Air Line caboose. Next to the museum is a train watching platform so you can watch trains going by.

Courier Field and Veterans’ Monument

Located 703 North Wheeler Street, this open space features restrooms, a gazebo and plenty of space for a game of tag or frisbee and a picnic. A veterans’ monument honors those who’ve served in the Armed Forces.

Plant City Photo Archives and History Center

History buffs will revel in the more than 55,000 digitized images and an exhibit gallery that documents the history of Plant City. Located at 106 South Evers Street, the Photo Archives is open Monday - Thursday 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. For more information visit www.plantcityphotoarchives.org.

Bing Rooming House Museum

Once a resting place for African Americans visiting from out of town, the Bing Rooming House Museum now exhibits history through photography, videos and sports memorabilia. Located at 205 South Allen Street, the museum is open Mondays 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. and Wednesdays 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.. Call 863-398-2059 to schedule tours anytime of the week or weekends. For more information visit www.PlantCityBingHouse.com.

ACTIVE FUN

McIntosh Preserve

There’s more than 350 acres of land to explore at McIntosh Preserve, located at 775 East Knights Griffinoad. It’s home to many different wildlife species, including bald eagles, red-shouldered hawks, deer, American alligators and bobcats. Enjoy miles of trails and views from a 30-foot observation tower. The Preserve is open daily from sunrise to sunset.

Dr. Hal and Lynn Brewer Park

This park, located at 1491 Hunter Street, is a great spot to visit for outdoor activities. Walk around the pond on a paved trail. Other park features include a fountain, pavilion, benches, bike racks, trail lighting and outdoor fitnss system.

Sadye Gibbs Martin Community Center

Located at 302 South Maryland Avenue, Sadye Gibbs Martin Community Center guests can enjoy basketball, volleyball and pickleball. For more information or a complete list of scheduling options visit www.PlantCityGov.com/ParksRec or call 813-659-4253.

FOOD/DRINKS

Jonson’s Barbecue/Fred’s Market Restaurant

These family-run establishments have been serving up mouthwatering barbecue and comfort food with a side of Southern hospitality since the 1950’s. These two restaurants are located side-by-side at 1401 and 1407 West Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Johnson’s is your go-to spot for pit-smoked meat, burgers, wings, classic southern sides and dessert. Fred’s offers a farmhouse feel with all manner of southern homestyle cooking, served buffetstyle.

Krazy Kup

Located in the heart of downtown at 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd., Krazy Kup is a local haunt for residents and visitors alike. It offers one of the most fun coffee experiences you’ll find with unique decor, baked goods, snacks, wraps and of course, plenty of fresh-brewed hot and cold coffee beverages. It’s also home to a number of entertainment options in its upstairs loft, ranging from open mic nights and retro movie-showings to live musical performances. There’s always something happening at this hip hangout. Visit its website at www.krazykup.com to learn more about its menu and entertainment schedule.

Norma’s

Stop at Norma’s for some of the best Spanish food in Plant City. Not only does the downtown eating establishment serve sandwiches, tacos, salads, soups, bowls and traditional sides, but they’re also home to one of the best Cuban sandwiches in the area. Norma’s is located at 120 North Collins St. and is open from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. every Monday - Saturday. For more information visit www.normasplantcity.com.

Bruton’s Cigar Shop

According to its Website, not all smoke is created equal and that couldn’t be more accurate because Bruton’s is in a class by itself. Whether you’re savoring a cigar from its retail shop or a cocktail from its full service bar, climb the custom-built spiral staircase to enjoy a grand view from the rooftop lounge overlooking the streets of historic downtown Plant City. For more information or its hours of operation visit www.brutonscigarshop.com.

Roots Tap Room & Wine Bar

Roots is a low-key bar in downtown Plant City that offers something on tap for everyone. With several wine options and eight rotating drafts ranging form a light pilsner to an imperial stout, Root’s strives to always have a beer available for you, no matter your taste.

Located at 101 South Evers St., you can check their ever-changing list of beers available on tap at www.rootsofplantcity. com.

Keel Farms

Stop by Keel Farms while you’re in town for a chance to tour the grounds, taste their award-winning wines, ciders and beers, hand-pick your own bushels of strawberries from their 25-acre farm and grab a bite from their handcrafted menu of upscale pub-style food.

For more information about Keel Farms, Keel & Curley Winery or to make a reservation, visit www.keelfarms.com.

NEW FESTIVAL VENDORS

ANDOR PEPPERS

Selling pepper sauces and jellies, Andor Pepper is located in the Parke Exhibit Building.

ASCOT DRIFTING

Want an opportunity to explore your adventurous side? Ascot Drifting will be showcasing a variety of skateboards, longboards, wheels and so much more. Buy a board and shred the pavement in your neighborhood as your spirits soars. Ascot Drifting is located in the TECO Expo Hall.

BEAUTY FOR ASHES

Located in the Advantage

Restoration North Exhibit Tent, Beauty for Ashes carries a variety of dessert-inspired scented candles.

BLACK SHEEP MOUNTAIN

GOURMET

Serving a wide assortment of jams, jellies, BBQ sauces and fruit butters, Black Sheep Mountain Gourmet is located in the Arthur Boring Building.

BOAL EXPRESS

Specializing in traditional African cultural apparel, as well as baskets and drums, Boal Express is located in the Advantage Restoration North Exhibit Tent.

CHOOT’EM UP

MARSHMALLOW TACTICAL SUPPLY

Have a blast shopping at

Choot-em Up Marshmallow Tactical Supply. The vendor will be showcasing a variety of marshmallow tactical shooters (a.k.a. marshmallow guns) and accessories, This vendor is located in the Entenmann’s Strawberry Tent.

COAST TO COAST BEARDS

This vendor believes in making high quality, all-natural beard care products at a budget-friendly costs. Coast 2 Coast Beards will be offering a wide variety of beard care products and accessories, including scented shave merchandise from all 50 states, Coast 2 Coast Beards is located in the Parke Exhibit Building.

DANCING PUPPETS

This vendor’s offerings are sure to put a smile on your face. Dancing Puppets specializes in marionette toys and gifts and is located in the Carriage House.

ENCHANTING CRYSTALS

Showcasing a generous selection of crystals, minerals, gems and more, Enchanting Crystals is located in the TECO Expo Hall.

EZ COWHIDE

Specializing in Brazilian cowhide rugs, EZ Cowhide is located in the TECO Expo Hall.

HATCHER HOLLOW

Hatcher Hollow carries a wide assortment of solar-powered yard art and is located in the Carriage House.

HOMESTEAD KLEINOTAS

Specializing in handmade cutting boards, charcuterie boards and so much more, Homestead Kleinotas is located in the TECO Expo Hall.

INFINITE LAMPS

Showcasing a variety of styles and colors of snap lamps, Infinie Lamps is located in the Parke Exhibit Building.

JLVISION

JLVision sells handmade functional ceramics, stoneware and clay artware and is located in the TECO Expo Hall.

KIT KAT CATNIP

Featuring a wide variety of catnip infused mats, blankets, pillows, cat toys and accessories, Kit Kat Catnip is located in the Stadium Exhibit Hall.

MOMS AND POPS MAPLE SYRUP

They’re well known for their homemade honey, but now offering homemade maple syrup as well! Offering candies, creams and sauces made from their family’s farm, Moms and Pops Maple Syrup is located in the Parke Exhibit Building.

MODERN FORESTRY SOY CANDLES

Specializing in soy candles, Modern Forestry Soy Candles is located in the Parke Exhibit Building.

PHOTOBRICKS

Featuring a hearty selection of colorful and intricate color-bynumber Lego artwork, Photobricks is located in the TECO Expo Hall.

PAT’S CROSS STITCH

This vendor sell exquisite pillows, towels, and dolls stitched with handmade appliqués and is located in the Parke Exhibit Building.

PLATINUM EXPRESSIONS

Platinum Expressions specializes in photographic reprints and is located in the Stadium Exhibit Hall.

NET HOUSE

Selling a variety of hanging hammock chairs, Net House is located in the Arthur Boring Building near the Southside of the festival grounds.

RIBBON FAIR

Need a way to cool off under Florida’s hot sun? Ribbon Fair has you covered. The vendor will be selling a variety of cooling neck fans and is located in the Stadium Exhibit Hall.

RDNKN (REDNECKIN’)

Selling a large assortment of wide brim fishing has, tumblers and coolers, RDNKN is located in the Parke Exhibit Building.

SHARKTEETH MEGA STORE

Why spend time combing Florida’s beaches when you can score a shark’s tooth at the Florida Strawberry Festival. The vendor sells a large variety of shark teeth and fossil-related products Sharkteeth Mega Store is located in the Advantage Restoration North Exhibit Tent.

TIFFANY’S TOTAL NAILS

Ready to serve you and specializing in all your nail care needs, Tiffany’s Total Nails is located in the Parke Exhibit Building.

THAT’S KOOL INC.

Selling an assortment of extremely affordable jewelry, That’s Kool Inc. is located in the Advantage Restoration North Exhibit Tent.

WINE ME?

Hand-painted wine glasses for all occasions, Wine Me? is located in the Parke Exhibit Building.

YEHL VENTURES

Carrying a wide variety of Crocs and Jibitz, Yehl Ventures is located in the Entenmann’s Strawberry Tent.

Here is the full list of new vendors that will be in attendance at this year’s Florida Strawberry Festival.

Plant City Main Street is a nationally accredited Main Street program that works toward historic preservation and revitalization of our downtown core by facilitating change and growth in four distinct areas: Organization, Promotion, Design, and Economic Vitality. Part of the Main Street philosophy is that downtown belongs to the entire community. Everyone has a stake and a role to play in the revitalization of their downtown. Visit our website to learn how you can be part of the Main Street movement.

THE ‘BERRY’ BEST STRAWBERRY RECIPES

STRAWBERRY RHUBARB PIE

Ingredients

• 1 cup white sugar

• ½ cup all-purpose flou

• 1 pound rhubarb, cut into 1/4 inch slices

• 2 pints strawberries, hulled and quartered

• 1 recipe pastry for a 9 inch double crust pie

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 1 large egg yolk

• 2 tablespoons white sugar

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).

2. In a large bowl, mix flour and suar. Add strawberries and chopped rhubarb. Toss with sugar and flour and let tand for 30 minutes.

3. Pour filling ino prepared pie crust. Dot top with butter, and cover with top crust. Seal edges of top and bottom crust with water.

4. Apply yolk to top of pie, using a pastry brush. Sprinkle with sugar. Cut small holes in top to let steam escape.

FLORIDA STRAWBERRY SPINACH SALAD

Ingredients:

• 6 cups (32 ounces) strawberries

• 2 ounces balsamic vinegar

• 6 ounces fresh baby spinach

• 4 ounces goat cheese crumbles

• 1 cup walnuts or pecans (optional)

• 1 pint fresh blackberries (optional)

• ½ pint fresh blueberries (optional)

• 8 ounces Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing

Bring strawberries to room temperature. Wash, drain and remove caps. Reserve eight whole strawberries. Slice remaining strawberries in half. Marinate sliced strawberries in vinegar fie minutes. While marinating, divide spinach into eight equal portions (about 1 cup each) and place on individual salad plates. Drain strawberries well.

Divide sliced strawberries equally and arrange on each plate. Sprinkle goat cheese crumbles and nuts (if using) evenly over spinach and sliced strawberries. Cut reserved whole strawberries into thin slices. Fan a strawberry on top of each salad. If using, place blackberries and blueberries randomly on each plate. Drizzle with vinaigrette. Makes 8 side salads.

Note: Add sliced grilled chicken breasts (about 1 ½ pounds) for a main course.

5. Bake at 400 degrees F (200 degrees C), for 35 to 40 minutes, or until bubbly and brown. Cool on rack.

STRAWBERRY BANANA ACAI BOWLS

Ingredients

• 1 cup of Florida Strawberries

• 1 frozen banana (freeze for at least 2 hours before blending)

• 1 pack acai puree

• ⅔ cup coconut water (you can add more if it is too thick!)

• 1 teaspoon honey

• Additional sliced Florida Strawberries and fresh banana for toppings

• Have fun with additional toppings!

Instructions

1. Break up the acai puree and add to blender

2. Add all additional ingredients and blend until smooth. You may add additional coconut water if it’s too thick!

3. You can serve immediately, or add to individual plastic bowls and freeze for future use

If the Florida Strawberry Festival doesn’t fill your appetite for strawberries, here are some fun recipes for you to try at home.

STRAWBERRY AVOCADO PINWHEELS

Ingredients

• 1 large spinach wrap

• 2 ounces goat cheese

• Juice from ¼ lemon

• ½ avocado, sliced

• ¼ cup red onion, sliced thin

• 8 medium Florida strawberries, sliced thin

• 1 cup fresh baby spinach leaves

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. First, make the lemon goat cheese. Whip the goat cheese together with the lemon juice. Add salt and pepper to taste.

2. Next, lay the spinach wrap on a clean surface. Layer the ingredients in strips along the surface of the wrap. Recommended: spread the lemon goat cheese on one end of the wrap, then below it layer the avocado, red onion, strawberries, and spinach.

3. Starting at the side with the spinach and ending with the side with the goat cheese, tightly roll up the wrap.

4. Use a sharp knife to cut the ends off the wap (discard – or eat them as a snack sample!), then slice into 1-2 inch pinwheels. If desired, secure the end of the wraps with a toothpick.

5. Serve, and enjoy!

STRAWBERRY MANGO SALSA WITH WHOLE WHEAT TORTILLAS

Ingredients:

• For salsa:

• 1 cup chopped strawberries

• 1 cup chopped mango

• ½ cup diced red onions

• ½ – 1 tablespoon jalapenos (I used the kind from the jar)

• 2-3 tablespoon chopped cilantro

• 1 teaspoon sugar

• Juice of 1 lime

For Chips:

• Whole wheat tortillas

• 1 tablespoon melted butter

• ½ cup sugar

• 1 tablespoon cinnamon

Method:

1. In medium size bowl, mix together strawberries, mango, and onion.

2. Stir in 1 teaspoon of sugar and let sit for 5-10 minutes.

3. Mix ½ – 1 tablespoon of jalapenos (to taste).

4. Mix in lime juice and cilantro (to taste).

5. While the salsa is marinating in the sugar, you can get your fist batch of cinnamon chips in the oven.

6. Preheat oven to 350° F and line baking sheet with parchment paper.

7. Using a knife or pizza cutter, cut each tortillas into 8 pieces.

8. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter.

9. Mix together sugar and cinnamon. This will make more than you need. I recommend putting the mixture in a shaker so that it is easier to put on your chips and so that you can save the leftover.

10. Brush each tortilla piece with butter and then top with cinnamon sugar mixture.

11. Bake for 10-12 minutes.

For more of Strawberry Sue’s signature recipes and more from other Florida chefs and home cooks, visit floridatrawberry.org/recipes.

4. Top with additional Florida Strawberries and fresh bananas as well as your favorite toppings!

2023 Florida Strawberry Festival Queen KENNEDIE CLINTON

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

When 2023 Florida Strawberry Festival Queen’s Pageant contestant Kennedie Clinton randomly drew Contestant #1 from a basket of contestant numbers, she never realized it would portend an outcome that she had dreamt about since she was a child. Clinton, a junior at Durant High School, earned the #1 spot and was named the 2023 Florida Strawberry Festival Queen.

“The second they called my name my legs just gave out beneath me,” said Clinton. “I couldn’t believe they called my name.” Her heart was filled with gratitude for everyone that helped make her dream come true.

“As we were standing there, the top five, I was just praying to God because I could see the crown on any one of their heads,” said Clinton.

She is thankful for the friendships made with all of the contestants. “There were 19 other girls in the pageant that did an incredible job and every single girl radiated kindness,” she said. “I can’t wait to spend the next year with the First Maid and Court members, we’re already thinking alike and finishing each other’s sentences.”

Clinton, the daughter of Michael and Michelle Engle, is no stranger to pageants. She was the 2022 Florida Strawberry Festival Junior Royalty Queen, a semifinalist at Miss Florida Teen USA 2021 and 2022 and Face of the Year at the 2022 National Princess America Pageant.

This beauty has brains too. Clinton, a member of the National Honor Society, earned high marks on the 2022 PSAT, making her eligible for the 2024 National Merit Scholarship Program. She

is also a member of the National English Honor Society and National Art Honor Society.

She’s served the community in many ways, including assisting at Last Friday and other events with

Plant City Main Street, The Plant City Chamber of Commerce and Plant City Aspire Women’s Club and multiple volunteer art projects with the National Art Honor Society.

Q: What’s your favorite part of Florida Strawberry Festival? For me, it’s the concerts not only because they’re a blast, but because I have special memories from them. When I was three or four years old, I went to my fist Florida Strawberry Festival concert and saw Kelly Pickler. As a young girl I looked up to her, seeing her live was such a special experience. I even have a Little Mermaid stuffed animal she signed for me during the concert. I’m really looking forward to experiencing a few of those concerts in a completely different way. It’s going to be such a full-circle moment, growing up and seeing the queen and her court there and now to be in their shoes.

Q: What’s your favorite Florida Strawberry Festival food? For me it’s fried Oreos. They always hit the spot.

Q: Do you have a hope for the Florida Strawberry Festival? I’m really hoping we have nice weather for the Festival.

Q: Who’s your role model and why?

Taylor Swift is my role model because she’s always stayed true to herself throughout all of the criticisms she’s dealt with and never changed for anyone.

Q: Is there anyone you’d like to thank for helping you reach your goal?

I relied on a plethora of people. It really does take a village. Other than my family and close friends I worked with former court member Emma Miller, Mr. Wesley Joyner at The Bank of Tampa, former Miss Teen USA Breanna Myles and Carlos Morales. So many people helped build up my confidene in public speaking. Tommy Hubble helped me learn about agriculture because I went that extra mile to show I want to be involved in all aspects of the community. It was a great opportunity to learn more about it and all the work that farmers put into the Florida Strawberry Festival. I learned that strawberries need to kept in rolling containers at 32 degrees.

I feel so grateful for the farmers in our community who make sure we have food on our table every day.

Q: What are you most looking forward to about your year on the Court?

We’ve already hit the ground running. There’s so much to look forward to; the media party, the 11 days of the festival. I just think the main thing is the people we get to meet at the events during the next year, people we may have passed on the street that now we’ll get to know personally. I’m so grateful for this opportunity.

Q: Is there a concert you’re looking forward to attending at the Florida Strawberry Festival?

I am most definiely looking forward to seeing Train! When I was in 7th or 8th grade, I had an obsession with their album “California 37” and pretty much only listened to them for a good three or four months. I was so excited when I heard they were coming to the Strawberry Festival. Seeing Train is one of the things I am most excited about for the festival.

Q: What’s your favorite memory you’ve made so far as Florida Strawberry Festival Queen?

My favorite memory from this year so far was Night to Shine, a prom-like event for people with special needs. It was such a unique event and incredible to participate in. It was full of so much fun and dancing for me and the girls and the guests. Seeing their faces light up when they walked down the red carpet was such an amazing moment! It makes me look forward to ‘Special Smiles’ which is going to be on the morning of Friday, March 3rd. I really hope to see the same smiles on all the attendees’ faces as well!

2023 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL FIRST MAID JAIDA PAIGE DAVIS

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

2023 Florida Strawberry Festival

First Maid Jaida Paige Davis, daughter of Nate and Natasha Davis, is a junior at Plant City High School and dual-enrolled at Hillsborough Community College. She is currently ranked ninth in her class with a district GPA of 5.33. She is captain of the varsity girls’ basketball team, and also plays on the varsity girls’ tennis team. She is a member of the American Sign Language Honor Society and chaplain of the National Honor Society. Her extensive list of volunteer experience includes planning and organizing 2022 Bright Night and more than 100 community service hours at the Florida Strawberry Festival.

The Queen’s Pageant was only her second time participating in a pageant and was an experience she will never forget. She was able to reconnect with contestant Addison Raburn, a former elementary school classmate, and looks forward to spending time with her and other Court members this year.

When she returned to school Monday morning, she received a heartwarming welcome from classmates and teachers. “There were so many people that congratulated me,” she said. The night before the pageant, she prayed to the Lord that if it was His will to allow her to be in the Court. She also refleced on the lessons learned throughout the pageant. “This process has made me a better young woman,” she said.

Q: What was going through your mind when your name was called as Top 5?

When I heard my number called, I was in shock. Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve attended the Florida Strawberry Festival and admired the Queen and her court. I recognize that now other little girls will be looking up to me and I have to maintain my high standards. The way I act in front of my community is the same way I act around my family and friends.

Q: What is one memory you will take away from the pageant?

My parents were so invested and supportive of me throughout the pageant. After I finished anwering my question, I wish I could have taken a mental picture because I could see the proud look on my parents’ faces. I definiely couldn’t have done it without their support. It was also incredible hearing all the cheers from the audience.

Q: What are you most looking forward to about your year on the Court?

I am super exited for the festival this year, not only seeing it from a different perspective

but to do it with these girls by my side. I’m excited to not just say thank you to the many volunteers who help make the festival a success but to show them as well. I also look forward to meeting those little girls and hopefully be a role model to them.

Q: What’s your favorite part of the Florida Strawberry Festival?

I’ve been coming to the Florida Strawberry Festival for as long as I can remember and it feels like home. When you walk into the festival you’re greeted by someone you know. There’s always someone with a smile on their face. You can see smiles on little kids’ faces. I’ve never been to another festival that can compare to ours. This past year I was able to volunteer all 11 days of the festival and that was such a blessing. I was able to see a different aspect of the festival because I really truly saw how much work goes into this festival. There’s so many people that love this festival so much that they pour their heart and soul into this place.

Q: What’s your favorite food at the Florida Strawberry Festival?

I’ve never tasted anything like the cinnamon rolls but you have to get them with cream cheese icing spread all over them. The middle part is handsdown the best part. Get one while it’s hot and warm and buy another one to eat the next morning after heating it up in the microwave.

Q: Is there a concert you’re looking forward to attending at the Florida Strawberry Festival?

I’m a huge music fan! At all times I’ve got to be listening to some type of music, but when I saw the lineup for the 2023 Florida Strawberry Festival, I was so excited for Chris Young and For King and Country. In 2019 I saw For King and Country at the Florida Strawberry Festival for the fist time, and it was one of the best concerts I had ever attended. Their incredible entertainment sparked a new love in

me for Christian music and I can’t wait to worship with all our guests in my hometown! As far as Chris Young, I am a huge country music girl! Chris Young has so many amazing songs that are loved by many, one of my personal favorites is the song “Famous Friends” who was also sung with Kane Brown. My favorite lyric in the song is “I’ve got some famous friends you’ve probably never heard of… You might not know ‘em here in this big city we’re in but when I go back home I’ve got some famous friends”. This song is such an incredible interpretation of Plant City itself.

Q: What’s your favorite memory of the Florida Strawberry Festival from your youth?

Growing up at the festival, I have had so many incredible memories and experiences that I will cherish forever, however there is one memory in particular that stands out. This was in 2010 when I was four years old. I was with my Mimi and Poppie as they were helping volunteer backstage. Suddenly Darius Rucker steps off f his bus and walks up to me and asked if I’d like to go get a snack. Four-year-old Jaida was so excited and completely starstruck. My Mimi and Poppie without hesitation allowed me to spend the next hour with none other than Darius Rucker. Before I knew it, he had me on his shoulders and we were running out of the gate to go get a cinnamon roll, and finish it at the picnic table backstage, before he went on to perform that night! This is such a special memory that I will never forget! Not only is this so near and dear to my heart because I was able to get a snack with one of the most talented entertainers, but looking back it showed me how little interactions with people can be so impactful and meaningful. To Darius Rucker he was just asking a little girl to go get a snack, but to me he left a lasting impression on me that I will remember forever.

ADDISON REID RABURN

2023 Florida Strawberry Festival Court member Addison Reid Raburn, daughter of Ed and Christie Raburn, is a senior at Strawberry Crest High School and dual-enrolled at Hillsborough Community College. She is currently ranked second in her graduating class. A student athlete, Raburn is a member of the varsity golf, volleyball and cross-country teams. She is a member of Future Farmers of America, National Honor Society, Student Government Association, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Principal’s Leadership Team. She is a mentor at Lincoln Elementary, volunteers at the United Food Bank of Plant City and helps make book house libraries for local elementary schools.

Last year, she was a a top ten finalit in the Queen’s Pageant. When she heard her name called in the Top 5, she was elated and excited to make a positive impact on the community. “This year I got to serve as president of my National Honor Society chapter and got hands-on experience serving my community,” said Raburn. “I can’t wait to incorporate my ideas in the Florida Strawberry Festival this year.”

Q: Who is a part of your support system?

future. I can still hear her voice in my head reminding me to hold my shoulders back.

Q: What was going through your mind when your name was called as a Court Member?

I’m not a crier but I was really trying to hold back the tears. I was thinking ‘don’t cry’ but I was just so excited. I also felt an overwhelming amount of gratitude and thankfulness.

Q: What are you most looking forward to about your year on the Court?

I’m really exciting for the festival and experiencing it in this way as a Court member. It’s going to be so fun and so different, getting up close for the concerts and wearing all of our matching outfis. We’re going to get to bond over those 11 days and see everything that goes into the festival, I’m really looking forward to thanking the 2,000 volunteers that make the festival happen. we have a community that really cares about the success of our festival and I can’t wait to thank them and show my gratitude for everything they do for us.

the support the community gives them is amazing.

Q: What’s your favorite food at the Florida Strawberry Festival food?

I love the Fiske French fries and depending on how I’m feeling I eat them with vinegar or without vinegar.

Q: Is there a concert you’re looking forward to attending at the Florida Strawberry Festival?

I am very excited for all the concerts at the festival. But if I had to pick one that I just can’t wait for it would have to be The Oak Ridge Boys. I have very fond memories of my grandpa always singing along loud and proud to the hit song “Elvira”. I’ve never seen the Oak Ridge Boys in concert before but I know that they will put on a great show and I can’t wait.

Q: What’s your favorite memory of the Florida Strawberry Festival from your youth?

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My mom and dad were both athletes growing up but they were so supportive of my decision to enter the pageant. I’m so glad I did because being with the other girls is so much fun. I’m also thankful for my coach Katie Butson, who didn’t just help prepare me for this pageant but for life and the

Q: What’s your favorite part of the Florida Strawberry Festival? My favorite part of the festival is the livestock show. I love going back and being in the barn. My favorite part is the night of the sale because we see all the community support pour in that night. The agriculture kids, they’re the future. It’s really neat to watch the next generation come up and seeing

My favorite festival memory would have to be riding rides on the Midway every year with my friends Alyssa, Kenley and Tanner. We have the best time riding as many rides as we possibly can and eating more food than you can imagine. We make sure to get lots of pictures so that we will always remember all the fun we have. Not only is this my favorite memory of the festival but it is also my favorite festival tradition that I hope we continue for many more years to come.

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

2023 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL COURT MEMBER FE JACQUELYN RAMIREZ

2023 Florida Strawberry Festival Court member Fe Jacquelyn Ramirez, daughter of Celia and Antonio Ramirez, is a junior at Plant City High School and dual-enrolled at Hillsborough Community College. She is a varsity cheerleader, plays flue in the school band, a member of the Plant City Running Club and a member Future Health Professionals (she aspires to a career as an orthopedic surgeon). She volunteers at the Plant City United Food Bank, Plant City Main Street, Top Buttons and Plant City Junior Women’s Club.

Ramirez dreamed of being on the Queen’s Court since she was a young girl. She is a veteran of the pageant scene, having competed in the Florida Strawberry Festival Junior Royalty Pageant. Although she’s too young to remember, she also competed in the baby contest. This was her fist appearance in the Queen’s Pageant. “A court member is more than just a crown and a sash,” she said. “It’s having a servant’s heart and I hope to leave a legacy on this community and the Florida Strawberry Festival.”

Q: Who helped you achieve the goal of making it on the court?

My mom has always set an amazing example of how to work hard, be kind and that my dreams are achievable no matter what obstacle I may face. I also have to thank my coach Brittany Carson, who not only prepared me for the pageant but for life. I’m thankful she mentored and guided me

through this process.

Q: What are you most looking forward to about your year on the Court?

I am most excited for the Florida Strawberry Festival. I was born and raised in Plant City and I’d attend the festival every year. Now that I’m on the court, I’m an ambassador for the festival and plan to make my family proud as I give back to the community. I’m also excited to be able to leave a legacy.

Q: What’s your favorite part of the Florida Strawberry Festival? There’s no better festival than ours. What I love most about the festival is our community. They come together every single year to celebrate the strawberry harvest.

Q: What’s your favorite strawberry food?

Without a doubt, my favorite food is the strawberry shortcake I get from the St. Clement’s strawberry shortcake stand. I love the biscuits (because cake gets too soggy), strawberries with ice cream on top. The festival is sometimes hot and it cools you down.

Q: Is there a concert you’re looking forward to attending at the Florida Strawberry Festival?

I’m definiely looking forward to seeing Josh Turner! The very fist time I heard one of his songs, it truly sparked my love for country music. I cannot wait to see him

sing my favorite song by him, “Hometown” because like the song says, I truly am a homegrown hometown girl! I’m so excited to see Josh Turner as one of my very fist concerts ever!

Q: What’s your favorite memory of the Florida Strawberry Festival from your youth?

Every year growing up, me, my brother, and three cousins would all get together and attend the Festival. It was me, my brother David, and my cousins Jojo, Evan and Eddie, some may even know us as the Fab Five! Us all being different ages and in different grades, this was one of the few days where we would all get to spend the entire day together. It was always so much fun riding all the rides together and just being able to truly bond. Being the only girl in the group, I sometimes had to convince the others to ride a scary ride with me! Now looking back, I’m so thankful to have spent my youth at the Festival with my family, not only just enjoying the best rides and food, but the special family atmosphere that the Festival and Plant City provides.

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL COURT MEMBER

KALEIGH SALMON

2023 Florida Strawberry Festival Court member Kaleigh Salmon, daughter of Fred and Donna Salmon, is a junior at Plant City High School and dual-enrolled at Hillsborough Community College. She is currently ranked in the top two-percent of her class with a 5.2 GPA. She is a member of National Future Farmers of America Organization, Interact Cub, Youth Alive, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Student Government Association. She enjoys competitive horseback riding, raising her market steer, spending time with family and fishing with her dad Salmon said being named to the Queen’s Court is a blessing and dream come true and hopes that during the next year she can convey her love of agriculture with others. “I’m very involved in FFA and want to be a voice for the farmers that call Plant City home,” she said. “Agriculture is what makes this community live and breathe so I want to be a voice for that.”

Q: Who has supported you during your time as a contestant?

My family’s love and support has been so heartwarming to see. I also recognized how much my dad was invested in supporting me in the pageant. He brought me food, had to get my hair extensions when I forgot them, I’m just so thankful for his support.

Q: What are your thoughts about being named to the Queen’s Court?

ONLINE

Growing up I’ve looked up to the queens and their courts and it’s inspiring for me to continue that legacy. I just want to say there were 24 strong and capable young women and I’m thankful that the

judges picked us to come together and represent the Florida Strawberry Festival. I feel like we mesh so perfectly but I want to give a shout out to the 19 girls that weren’t selected because they are beautiful and capable young women too.

Q: What are you most looking forward to about your year on the Court?

Like I said in my onstage interview question, I want everyone who walks through the gates of the Florida Strawberry Festival to be seen and heard. I’m relationship-driven. We come together as a community at the festival. Investing in our community is so important and I hope we can build relationships with people that will last a lifetime. I also look forward to being a role model to little girls in the community. We also have so many ‘strawberry sisters’ in the community supporting us.

Q: What’s your favorite part of the Florida Strawberry Festival?

For me, my favorite part of the Florida Strawberry Festival is the way the community supports youth in agriculture with the livestock sales and shows. Everything about our community is rooted in agriculture and seeing the community come together for that is so special. This is my fist year growing plants for the Plant Show.

Q: What’s your favorite festival food?

My favorite food at the festival would have to be the Amish donuts. I wait all year for them and I make sure to get two of them; one to eat at the festival and the other to heat up in the microwave the next morning to eat for breakfast. I also love choco-

late covered strawberries This year’s court is going to be the ones that LOVE festival food!

Q: Is there a concert you’re looking forward to attending at the Florida Strawberry Festival?

I am looking forward to Chris Young the most this year! I’ve grown up listening to country music for as long as I can remember. One of my favorite memories with my sister is singing in the car to Chris Young’s songs “I’m Coming Over” and “Famous Friends”.

Q: What’s your favorite memory of the Florida Strawberry Festival from your youth?

I have two distinct favorite memories of the festival. The fist one is going to the steer show with my dad! I can vividly remember the lasting impression that seeing so many people in our community show up and come together to support our youth in agriculture had on me. It truly sparked my love for agriculture to become a part of that community, which I believe is such a testament to our community as a whole to inspire the next generation of agriculturalists. My other favorite memory I have is growing up coming to the festival and seeing the Queen and her court. It is something I waited for all year, just to be able to take a picture with them. Even at such a young age, I can remember the kindness they showed me that made such a lasting impact. And now that I am in their shoes, I want to show that same love to the little girls of our community who will be the future Strawberry Queens and Courts!

See more photos of the Florida Strawberry Festival Queen’s Scholarship Pageant at PlantCityObserver.com

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

KENLEY CONNELL SAYS FAREWELL

Kenley Connell reigned as the Florida Strawberry Festival Queen in 2022.

Growing up in Plant City has taught me several things - friends become family, memories are so valuable, and supporting American agriculture is a vital key to our community. The Florida Strawberry Festival incorporates each of those aspects in such a beautiful way. Being crowned the 2022 Florida Strawberry Festival Queen has shown me the importance of those aspects of Plant City.

My fist ‘thank you’ goes to the Plant City Lions Club. The court and I cannot thank you enough for your generosity in our scholarships and for putting on the most respected, organized and fair pageant. To Ms. Gail and Mr. George, we cannot thank you two enough for the love and kindness you both show. If it wasn’t for you, this pageant would not be as amazing.

To the Florida Strawberry Festival: Mr. Paul, Thank you for loving all 5 of us like your own, your kind heart, inspiring words, and hugs are my favorite. It is because of people like you that all 5 of us had a blast all year long. To Uncle Timmy, thank you for making all of us feel so protected and safe throughout the entire year, we know you have our backs for life. To the Directors and their spouses, thank you for treating us like family and supporting us throughout the entire year.

To the local strawberry farmers, you guys are the reason this is all possible. Thank you for always growing the best fruit and making this festival all possible, because it is truly a celebration of the harvest of the berry.

To our strawberry moms, there aren’t the right words to explain the amount of gratitude and love I have for you two. To Mrs. Lori, your gentle spirit, kind heart and patience are

so admirable. Thank you for always convincing Mrs. Donna to let us wear what we want. You have taught us more about being polite, kind, and strong young women than anyone I know. To the true queen, Mrs. Donna, thank you for loving us fie girls with all the love in your heart, you are the perfect example of how a true Christian woman should act. You have always been the biggest advocate for me and the girls, even if you are tough on us. I hope to be half the woman you both are one day.

To my girls, my four older sisters, my “blended” family, and the young women who I am so proud to call my friends. You four mean more to me than you will ever know, a year full of memories means a lifetime as friends.

My Madi Mae- my favorite red head, thank you for being the best right-hand man, and for always hyping me up before introducing an act. Your love for Jesus and people shines everywhere you go. Thank you for teaching me all the ins and outs of festival history and loving me like your baby sister. I will always be your Baby K.

Queen B- the most successful, hardworking, and intelligent young woman. I have never in my life met someone who can take a math test, have volleyball practice and an event, and still have on the perfect shade of red lipstick. If it wasn’t for you being the most supportive friend, this year wouldn’t have been possible.

My Chlo- the sunshine on a rainy day, the perfect example of a true friend and the girl who I can always call and ask for advice. I will never forget witnessing you burn a whole chunk of your hair off; you didn’t laugh then but oh boy can we laugh

about it now. Thank you for teaching me the perfect way to pose, love and find the ood in others.

Tamia- the dancing queen, the makeup perfector, and the funniest person I have ever encountered. You made every single moment a blast and I couldn’t thank you enough for teaching me how to do my eyebrows, properly style my outfis and love people beyond just good enough.

You four are my sisters for life, I mean it. I love you guys more.

To my family and friends, without you guys this year would never have been possible. To my old man, my dad, you remind me of the song “Bible and a .44”, there is nothing you love more than your family and American agriculture. My momma, thank you for supporting me every step of the way and showing me how to be a true woman of God. Ella, Colt, and Reid, you three are my reason why, the reason I push myself to do my best and my favorite people. I love you.

As my reign comes to an end, I look back with a smile on my face and a full heart of the happiest memories. Plant City, you are my favorite place to be. Thank you for giving me the opportunity of a lifetime. The fie of us could not thank you all enough for allowing us to serve as the 2022 Florida Strawberry Festival Queen and Court. It will forever hold a special place in our hearts.

With thanks and love, Kenley Connell.

Kenley Connell

WHAT TO WALK FOR

Glancing through all of the events and shows and displays that are offered at the Florida Strawberry Festival can feel overwhelming at times. Luckily for you, the Plant City Observer’s staff is here to help.

MICHELLE CACERES:

When I visit the Florida Strawberry Festival, I make sure to wear my best walking shoes because I don’t want my feet to hurt as I walk the entire festival grounds. I don’t want to miss anything!

I usually enter through Gate #10 and go straight for the Belle City Amusements Midway to get my fill of thrill rides, the scarier the better. An all-you-can-ride armband is a must! I love the Zipper because you get secured in a free-flipping cage suspended on an axis that also spins, creating an unpredictable clockwise and counterclockwise rotation. After I get my fill of thrills, I head to the Grimes Agricultural Center and check out the livestock. The sites and smells take me back to my childhood on our family farm. My favorites are the diary cows and steer.

By now I’m hungry for some festival food. A few of my favorite stops are the St. Clement “make your own” strawberry shortcake booth, Fiske French fries and Amish doughnuts.

After refueling, it’ll be time for a ride on the new Berry Big Wheel, located near Neighborhood Village. I plan on riding it when I need to take a break (the wheel spins riders for a full ten minutes which will be plenty of time to relax and enjoy the view from a gondola 15 stories high).

After the ride, I’ll head over to Neighborhood Village to see handiwork from local artisans and craftsmen, watch some entertainment at the Stingray Chevrolet Entertainment Tent or Publix Showcase Tent (maybe Martin & Kelly or Rekindled Bits of Grass).

By this point, I’m back at the gate I came in…and probably ready to head home after a long day enjoying the sights, sounds, tastes and smells of the Festival.

TAYLOR JENKINS:

I’ve often gone on the record saying that my favorite thing about the Florida Strawberry Festival is the food… from strawberry shortcakes to smoked turkey legs to strawberry brisket tacos, the options are endless. But when you’ve finally had your fill of all the unique edible concoctions that the festival has to offer, there are plenty of events across the festival grounds to enjoy — without adding to that calorie count!

One-of-a-kind eating contests will be held throughout the festival, sure to leave you amazed by the gastronomical feats achieved by the participants. Some of the eating contests are a bit more traditional, by festival standards at least, like the Amish Donut Eating Contest on March 3 or the

Super Dog Mega Corndog Eating Contest

on March 8. Others bring a bit more absurdity to the table — no pun intended — like the Strawberry Spaghetti Eating Contest on March 6 or the Strawberry Mashed Potato Pie Eating Contest on March 10. If the engorgement of others for your entertainment isn’t quite your speed, you’re not out of luck yet. The Demonstration of Strawberry Production exhibit is held by the Florida Strawberry Growers Association and can be found just west of the Publix Showcase Tent, featuring a miniature strawberry field with farming equipment on site and knowledgable professionals that can answer all of your questions about strawberries and the massive industry that surrounds them. And if you head to Neighborhood Village you will find a room dedicated to the festival’s contest and pageant winners, with ribbons marking the top-ranked preserves, jellies, jams, cakes and other baked or preserved goods.

While in Neighborhood Village, make sure you spend some time giving the room a look around. In addition to their foodbased contest winners, there are numerous displays that highlight the winners of other contests that range from woodworking to scrapbooking and knitting. But arguably the most beautiful display in Neighborhood Village is the Strawberry Queen’s exhibit, two rows adorned with lace and red carpet that shines a light on this year’s queen, one former featured queen and every other Strawberry Queen in the pageant’s history, dating back to 1930.

For animal lovers, the Patterson Co. Livestock Arena will play host to several livestock shows throughout the entirety of the festival. For more fun, you can check out the Dairy Costume Ball on March 5 or the Lamb Costume Contest and Lamb Jumping Contest on March 6. For more serious livestock enthusiasts, the arena will hold livestock shows at different times almost every day, but my personal favorite animal event is Robinson’s Racing Pigs, offering you a chance to see the little porkers speed their way around an enclosed race track and obstacle course each day at 11 a.m., noon, 2 p.m., 4 p.m., 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.

And don’t forget to stop by Stingray Chevrolet vehicle display to purchase your raffle tickets and enter to win the brand new 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible that will be raffled off on the final day of the festival.

THINGS TO WATCH

For me, while there are many experiences to be enjoyed at the Florida Strawberry Festival, making memories with friends and family is what’s most important. After the strawberry shortcakes, corndogs and Amish donuts are eaten, the terrifying thrill rides experienced or you’ve seen your favorite musical acts perform on the Wish Farms Soundstage, the memories made at the festival will last a lifetime.

My own memories of past festivals are as varied as the reasons why we attended over the years. Almost two decades ago, my daughter battled stage fright and hot weather to perform in her pink cowgirl costume under the Stingray Chevrolet Entertainment Tent with her dance troop. More than ten years ago, my middle son was a Future Farmer’s of America (FFA) newbie and kept fie plants alive on our lanai all winter long so he could show and sell them at the festival (his fist and last foray into agricultural pursuits). Five years ago, my youngest son showed off his physical and mental prowess by hanging from a metal bar for two minutes. He won a gigantic stuffed animal which he proudly presented to his sweetie. That same day, he and I purchased ride armbands and after only enjoying (me more than him) fie rides, his motion-sickness kicked in and he called it quits, much to my disappointment. I was ready to ride until closing time.

My children are adults now and have grown and gone but that doesn’t mean there still aren’t memories to be made at the Florida Strawberry Festival. I’m sure my husband and I will attend, maybe see a concert or a livestock show, definiely eat too much food and spend much-needed time together.

In a nutshell, it’s not about what’s worth seeing as much as it is grabbing your loved ones, walking through the festival gates and enjoying every single moment together. The memories you make will be priceless.

There’s so many things to love about the Florida Strawberry Festival, and while the headline entertainment and fried food are often the fist things that pop into everyone’s mind — mine included — there are a ton of other fun and unique shows and performances to see while you’re here.

Arguably my favorite event to grab a bite to eat, sit back and enjoy is the oneof-a-kind performances from Robinson’s Racing Pigs. The show will take place every day of the festival at 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m., 4 p.m., 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., so no matter when you find ourself free for a few minutes, you can find time o see the piglets fly out f the chute, around the track, through the water and across the finish line with blazing speed

If you want a good, wholesome laugh, the livestock costume contests are for you. The Dairy Costume Ball will take place on Sunday, March 5 in the Patterson Co. Livestock Arena, featuring participants of all ages putting together coordinated costumes with their bovine and proudly parading around the arena in search of the top prize. The following day, on Monday, March 6 at 7 p.m., it will be time for the Lamb Costume Contest being held in the same venue.

If the headline acts haven’t satiated your appetite for great music, then make your way over to the Publix Entertainment Tent where bands will be performing most days at 6 p.m. Whether you’re looking for Bluegrass from Rekindled Bits of Grass, the classic rock sound of Electric Woodshed or the gospel-inspired stylings of performers like Pastor “Pee Wee” Callins or Reach City Worship, make sure you check the schedule of events to see exactly who will be performing when you’re at the festival.

The Plant City Observer staff has a few recommendations for what to watch when you’re at the festival this year.

Courtesy of the Florida Strawberry Festival

Michelle Caceres:

Taylor Jenkins:

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REVISITING SOME FAVORITE FESTIVAL FOODS

the song that’s been stuck in your head since its fist radio play.

People make their way to Plant City each year for the Florida Strawberry Festival for a number of different reasons. Some come for the rides on the midway, some come for the agriculture shows, the star-studded headline entertainment lineup, some simply come for the timeless traditions shared with family and friends. But me? My number one focus when I walk through those gates is seeing all of the foods that you can only find at an vent like the Florida Strawberry Festival. Sure, it’s fun to take in the breathtaking view of Plant City from the top of a ferris wheel — especially this year with the addition of a brand new Berry Big Wheel, featuring 36 fullyenclosed gondolas and standing 15 stories high— or cheering on the little porkers at Robinson’s Racing Pigs, busting out a hearty laugh seeing the lambs all dolled for a costume contest and finising your day at a concert where the headline entertainer blares

Sure, sure. That’s cool. But have you ever eaten funnel bacon on a stick, washed down with a strawberry lemonade? You heard me right, funnel bacon on a stick. That’s bacon on a stick, dipped in funnel cake batter, fried to a golden brown and topped with powdered sugar and a maple butter glaze.

So many things make the Florida Strawberry Festival a unique and endlessly memorable experience, but the food is truly one-of-a-kind. Most of us try to regularly balance our diets to avoid excess amounts of sugar and fried goodies, but this is the festival, where the rules are made up and the calories don’t matter. Here’s a look back on some of our all-time delectable favorites.

To start, it’s hard to beat a classic smoked turkey leg. They’re big, they’re filling and ou don’t even have to stop and sit down to eat it. That smokey tang that you can almost exclusively experience at festivals and fairs will bring on all of those memories as you peel back the warm foil and

take another bite. Then comes the Fiske Fries. Sure, fries aren’t anything limited to the festival, but Fiske Fries have made their way to events around the country for over 80 years now, and for good reason. The fresh-peeled, fresh-cut and fresh-cooked fries all start with a good potato before being fried to a golden brown and seasoned to perfection. It’s true that fries aren’t typically anything special as you can find them at nearly every fast food joint in the world, but Fiske Fries are the gold(en brown) standard.

If you’re looking for a Plant City twist on an old classic, the food truck from Johnson’s Barbeque hits the spot with their Berry Brisket Tacos. A classic brisket taco, topped with strawberries and crumbled cotijia cheese that will have you counting down the days until you can have them again next year.

You surely couldn’t complete your festival food checklist without adding extra cheese, and there are few — if any — places that I like better than the Hot Wisconsin Cheese booths. And while I will spend nearly every

day at the festival as a reported with the Plant City Observer, few things test my impulse control more than not allowing myself to indulge on something fresh out of a fryer and passed through a sliding glass window for the better part of two weeks, but one thing I will not allow myself to miss is Hot Wisconsin Cheese. While most mozzarella sticks come frozen, pre-prepared and coated with a thick, doughy breading, that couldn’t be further from the truth for Hot Wisconsin Cheese. Step up, place your order and watch as they grab fresh frozen sticks of mozzarella, coat it in their batter and immediately lower it into the frier before your very eyes. The result is so much more than your run-of-the-mill cheese stick, but a steaming, stretchy bite through the light and crispy shell that makes their product so darn good. Some of Hot Wisconsin Cheese’s other favorites include Cheddar Bites, or Jalapeño Cheddar Bites if you need that extra kick.

If you’re craving something sweet, there are a limitless places to get your fix For me, I love

Peachey’s amish donuts. They’re warm, they’re light, they’re fluy and just so darn good. You know how everyone talks about the butterflis in their stomach when they see the “Hot Now” sign light up at Krispy Kreme? You’ll get that same feeling from Peachey’s, and don’t forget about their pretzels. I had one of each for the fist time this year at the Florida State Fair and my mouth is already watering at the thought of trying them again here in Plant City.

For a more traditional dish that still offers a flvorful twist, Pickle Barrel’s sirloin tips are a great all-in-one option with a bed of mashed potatoes, smothered with steak and sautéed onions, mushrooms and peppers.

And last, but certainly not least, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the strawberry shortcakes. The classic dish can be found from several different vendors all across the festival grounds, with sugary, sweet strawberries and whipped cream layered over homemade shortcake — or sometimes even biscuits.

TAYLOR JENKINS STAFF WRITER

While we’ve already gone over some of the new foods, vendors and entertainment that will be at this year’s Florida Strawberry Festival, now we take a minute to look back at some of our favorite foods from year’s past.

The Royal Gallery

Florida Strawberry Festival® Queens—Past to Present

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

1948 Barbara Alley 1949 Peggy Hodges

1950 Etta Mae Helzer 1951 Edwana Snowden

1956 Virgina Berry 1957 Linda Potter

1958 Sheila West 1959 Linda Eady

1960 Betty Jean Cook 1961 Diane O’Callaghan 1962 Marlene Coon

1963 Janice Barnes

1964 Georgia Blevins 1965 Sandra Link

1952 Arvor Lois Harris

1953 Ruby Jean Barker

1954 Ruth Shuman

1955 Betty Clements

The Royal Gallery

Florida Strawberry Festival® Queens—Past to Present

1976 Martha Lastinger

1977 Karen Owens

1978 Mimi Phillips

1979 Pam Smith

1973 Phyllis Head 1974 Denise Watts 1975 Sheryl Simmons

1980 Lisa Lynn Harris

1981 Pam Farris

1982 Nancy Lyn Wright 1983 Lisa Johnson

1984 Sandra Howard

1985 Kay Denise Newsome

1986 Rebecca Lynn Lewis

1991 Stephanie Chesser 1992 Lisa Stanaland

1993 Ashley Brooke Moody

1971 Sherrie Chambers 1972 Linda Scanlon

1967 Maria Junquera 1968 Silvia Azorin

1969 Dee Zoet

1970 Krysta Nifong

1966 Cathy Mascali

1996 Amy Marie Norman 1997 Stephanie St. Martin 1998 Jessica Eran McDonald

1999 Kayla Sharee Drawdy 2000 Alison Dianne Archbell

2001 Kellie Ann Hinson 2002 Shannon Davis 2003 Erica Leann Der 2004 Katie Sharer

2005 Ashley Watkins 2006 Hannah Hodge 2007 Summer Pippin

2008 Kristen Smith 2009 Lauren Der 2010 Natalie Burgin

2011 Victoria Watkins 2012 Chelsea Bowden

2013 Kelsey Fry 2014 Jessi Rae Varnum

2015 Samantha Sun 2016 Haley Riley 2017 Drew Knotts

2018 Ally Burt

1956 Mary Jane Jackson 1956 National Strawberry Queen

2019 Kendall Gaudens 2020 Meghan White 2021 McKenna Jordan

1994 Amy Swilley 1995 Courtney Lee Clark

2022 Kenley Connell

MAKING YOUR WAY TO THE FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL, AND WHERE TO PARK ONCE YOU’VE REACHED PLANT CITY

Embarking on the journey to Plant City and through town for the Florida Strawberry Festival can be a daunting task throughout those 11 days, for both new visitors and experienced festival-goers alike. But no worries, we at the Plant City Observer got you covered.

When you sit down with your friends and family and begin planning your exciting day at the Florida Strawberry Festival, you probably think about that day’s headline entertainment or what fried food you want to eat or which animal you want to see run, jump and dress up for a costume contest. But what may get overlooked is all of the logistics that go into getting to Plant City and reaching the festival’s front gate once you actually make it into town.

Each year over 500,000 visitors flock to the winter strawberry capital of the world for Plant City’s annual 11-day festival, and a slough of cars and traffic predictable follow.

Lucky for you, the festival and the city have thousands of cheerful and willing volunteers to help festival-goers get through town and to a suitable parking place as quickly and easily as possible.

There is a number of options available for parking on the festival grounds, with Blue, Grey and Red Parking Lots located on Ritter Street and off of Highway 92 or Highway 574. If you want to park in these spots, the cost will run you $5 for cars, pickup trucks and vans under 20 feet, a pretty reasonable price for an event of this size. If you’re coming from out of town by way of your recreational vehicle, parking for vehicles between 20 and 39 feet will cost $10 and anything over 40 feet will cost $15.

GETTING THERE

If you’re coming from Tampa or somewhere else east of Plant City, Interstate 4 may be the most direct route, but it’s important to remember that I-4 will likely deal with a signifiant amount of traffic dueo everyone else that wants to come as well! Make sure to check trafficeports before you head this way, as FL-574 may be a more convenient route that would lead you directly to the south side of the festival.

Additionally, for inquiries about reserving a space in the Seminole Lake RV Lot, located immediately west of the Festival grounds, please call the Festival office at 813-752-9194 ext. 233.

If you choose one of the Festival’s many available lots, don’t fear a long walk to the front gate. T Mobile trams will be running daily from all three Red, Grey and Blue parking lots to entry gates 10 and 14.

Along with parking options at the actual Festival grounds, there are also plenty of spots that will be made available by residents or business owners around town. These options offer visitors an alternative to the bustling lots on the grounds while also giving individuals an opportunity to make some extra cash that often makes its way right back into the community through charity work and other acts of service. Not only are these parking spaces legitimate, they’re actually encouraged by the festival themselves. But before you choose to throw your car in park and head to the front gate, be sure that your spot is clearly designated as festival parking.

But no matter where you end up parking, be safe. Make a note of your exact location, roll up your windows, lock your doors and take all proper precautions to protect and valuable and other belongings that you have in your car to ensure that you don’t end up in our weekly list of police reports.

If you’re coming from the south, you could take Highway 60. Once in Plant City via Highway 60, you could either take FL-39 north to Alexander Street or US-92 or take it up to Turkey Creek Road before hanging a left at US 92.

If you’re coming from the north, your best option wold likely be to take US92 all the way to the festival grounds.

SCENES FROM 2022

A FURTHER LOOK BACK

BLAST FROM THE PAST

The Florida Strawberry Festival has a long, proud history that’s woven into Plant City’s identity. These photos, which were collected by and are courtesy of the Plant City Photo Archives and History Center, help illustrate that.

STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL POP QUIZ

1. How many calories are in a cup of strawberries?

A: 30

B: 55

C: 95

D: 150

2. What flwer family does the strawberry belong to?

A: Rose

B: Bean

C: Pepper

D: Nightshade

3. According to the USDA, how many pounds of fresh strawberries do Americans eat per year?

C: February through June

D: November through March

6. According to the university of Illinois, What percentage of American Households consume strawberries every year?

A: 66%

B: 72%

C: 87%

D: 94%

7. How many varieties of strawberries are grown around the world?

A: 108

B: 199

C: 247

D: 305

8. What is Florida’s most popular strawberry variety?

A: Radiance

B: Beauty

C: Sweet Sensation

4. How many seeds are on the outside of a strawberry?

A: 100

B: 200

C: 300

D: 400

5. What are the dates for Florida’s strawberry season?

A: December through May

B: January through April

D: Elyana