2021 Florida Strawberry Festival Guide by Plant City Observer

PLANT CITY OBSERVER | MARCH 4, 2021 | 2021 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER | MARCH 4, 2021 | 2021 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE

PlantCityObserver.com

INSIDE

PLANT CITY

Observer

Shorty Cakes Introduction 5 Festival Schedule

Discount Days

Paul Davis

Ag Show Schedule

Map

Publisher / Karen Berry KBerry@PlantCityObserver.com Managing Editor / Sarah Holt SHolt@PlantCityObserver.com

14-15

New Entertainment Queen’s Exhibit

Corvette Raffle

Train Museum

See More of Plant City

19 20-21

Strawberry Recipes Parking

Entertainment to Watch

26-27

COVID-19 safety

Associate Editor / Sports Editor / Justin Kline JKline@PlantCityObserver.com Staff Writer / Breanne Williams BWilliams@PlantCityObserver.com

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Advertising Graphic Designer / Juan Alvarez Circulation/ Office Manager / Linda Lancaster LLancaster@PlantCityObserver.com

28-32

TO ADVERTISE Call (813) 704-6850

Queen and Court Q&A 28-32 Shortcake Spots

2020 Queen’s Farewell

Around the Grounds

Advertising / Richard Brame Richard@PlantCityObserver.com

SEND US YOUR NEWS

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Food Quiz and Facts

2020 Photos

We want to hear from you. Let us know about your events, celebrations and achievements.

To contact us, send your information via: Email: Sarah Holt, SHolt@PlantCityObserver. com.

Past Photos 42-43 HIstoric Photos Meet Dub McGinnes

Mail: The Plant City Observer, 1507 S. Alexander St., Suite 103, Plant City, FL 33563

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is locally owned by Ed Verner, Karen Berry, Nate Kilton and Felix Haynes The Plant City Observer is published by Plant City Media LLC.

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER | MARCH 4, 2021 | 2021 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE

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Meet

ShortyCakes Favorite festival day: Opening day is great! Gotta love a new beginning. I’m also partial to the last day of the festival, but only because getting there means nobody ate me. Favorite festival food: Is it a bad look if I nominate myself? Favorite festival photo op: Nothing beats that view of the festival from the top of the ferris wheel. I’m just glad I’m barely tall enough to ride. Favorite festival exhibit: I always enjoy the art shows. By the way, if anyone needs a model for next year, I’m your cakedude. Draw me like one of your French girls. Favorite festival moment: Skillet rocked my face off last year and made me want to learn guitar. Maybe one day I’ll be as good as my grandpa — he once opened for Chuck Berry. Favorite on-grounds entertainment: You can’t go wrong with the magic shows. They need to let me volunteer, though. As long as their disappearing act doesn’t involve a fork or a spoon, I think I can handle it. Shorty Cakes blurbs and bio by Justin Kline.

Attention, all passengers: this is your conductor speaking. Steven Ebenezer Shortcake, at your service! You probably know me better by my nickname, “Shorty Cakes,” if you’ve been reading the Plant City Observer’s Florida Strawberry Festival previews over the last few years. How could you forget this pretty face, anyway? My life is pretty easy. I spend most of the year on vacation in a top-secret location, far away from anyone or anything with an appetite for strawberry shortcake, and then I come back to Plant City for the Florida Strawberry Festival. Even for someone like me who has to try really hard to not get eaten, there’s no better time of year than this! I do more cardio running

for my life to get away from birds in these 11 days than most people do in a whole year. As always, I’ll be your host with the most as you flip through the pages of this year’s Florida Strawberry Festival preview. Are you looking for the coolest live shows and free concerts? Do you want to see a big parade? Is your stomach begging you to find something to eat right now? The Observer staff has everything in here that you need to know to have a good time on the grounds, and I’ve got the color commentary to make you smile. What’s better than this? I hope you’re “all aboard” now, ‘cause this train’s about to go full steam ahead!

PLANT CITY OBSERVER | MARCH 4, 2021 | 2021 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER | MARCH 4, 2021 | 2021 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE

FESTIVAL EVENTS SCHEDULE Don’t worry, I won’t judge you if you do the strawberry shortcake eating contest. I’ll just stay far away

File photo

Rides on the midway run from noon to 11 p.m.

THURSDAY, MARCH 4TH HUMANA SENIOR CITIZENS DAY/O’REILLY AUTO PARTS RIDE-A-THON DAY 10:00 a.m. Gates Open. Midway opens at Noon 10:30 a.m. Florida’s Frank Sinatra, Don Juceam at Wish Farms Variety Stage 11:45 a.m.Senior Citizens Drawing at Wish Farms Variety Stage (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 2:30 p.m. Fanta Strawberry Soda Throwdown at Scott’s World of Magic Show Stage 6:00 p.m. Electric Woodshed at Entenmann’s Showcase Tent 6:00 p.m. What Remains at Wish Farms Variety Stage 7:00 p.m. Mosaic Youth Swine Show at Patterson Co. Livestock Arena

FRIDAY, MARCH 5TH CASPERS COMPANY MCDONALD’S FOOD AND FUN FRIDAY 10:00 a.m. Gates Open.Midway opens at Noon 12:00 p.m. Amish Donut Eating Contest at Stingray Chevrolet Entertainment Tent 1:00 p.m. Dairy Contestant Judging at Patterson Co. Livestock Arena 2:30 p.m. Fanta Strawberry Soda Throwdown at Scott’s World of Magic Show Stage 6:00 p.m. Pastor “Pee Wee” Callins at Entenmann’s Showcase Tent 6:00 p.m. SouthBound at Wish Farms Variety Stage 7:00 p.m. Mosaic Youth Swine Sale at Patterson Co. Livestock Arena

SATURDAY, MARCH 6TH 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 Stem-

ming Contest at Stingray Chevrolet Entertainment Tent 2:30 p.m. Fanta Strawberry Soda Throwdown at Scott’s World of Magic Show Stage 6:00 p.m. Florida Strawberry Festival Talent Show at Entenmann’s Showcase Tent 6:00 p.m. Sick Hot at Wish Farms Variety Stage

SUNDAY, MARCH 7TH COCA-COLA FAMILY DAY 9:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m....Registration for Baby Contest. Admin. Office (Hillsborough County Babies Only) 10:00 a.m. Gates Open. Midway opens at 10:00 a.m. 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Baby Contest at Entenmann’s 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 2:30 p.m. Fanta Strawberry Soda Throwdown at Scott’s World of Magic Show Stage 6:00 p.m. The Detectives at Entenmann’s Showcase Tent 6:00 p.m. “Ace” Jackson & The Jump Kings at Wish Farms Variety Stage

MONDAY, MARCH 8TH ACE HARDWARE GRAND PARADE DAY/TECO RIDE-A-THON DAY 10:00 a.m. Gates Open. Midway opens at 10:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m. Grand Parade Begins in Downtown Plant City 2:00 p.m. Grand Parade Passes by the Festival at Reynolds St. 2:30 p.m. Fanta Strawberry Soda Throwdwn at Scott’s World of Magic Show Stage 3:00 p.m. Lamb Jumping Contest at Patterson Co. Livestock Arena 5:00 p.m. Strawberry Spaghetti Eating Contest at Stingray Chevrolet Entertainment Tent 6:00 p.m. Bound No More at Entenmann’s Showcase Tent 6:00 p.m. Valley’s End at Wish Farms

11:45 a.m. Senior Citizens Drawing.. Wish Farms Variety Stage (One drawing only – MUST BE PRESENT TO WIN) 2:00 p.m. Strawberry Shortcake Eating Contest at Stingray Entertainment Tent 2:30 p.m. Fanta Strawberry Soda Throwdown at Scott’s World of Magic Show Stage 6:00 p.m. Electric Woodshed at Entenmann’s Showcase Tent 6:00 p.m. Bits of Grass at Wish Farms Variety Stage 7:00 p.m. Mosaic Youth Steer Showmanship at Patterson Co. Livestock Arena

FRIDAY, MARCH 12TH

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

TUESDAY, MARCH 9TH FLORIDA PEANUT FEDERATION TWOSDAY/TECO RIDE-A-THON DAY 10:00 a.m. Gates Open. Midway opens at Noon Noon & 2:00 p.m. Peachey’s Youth Pretzel Making Clinic at Kiddie Korral 2:00 p.m. Adult Strawberry Stemming Contest at Stingray Chevrolet Entertainment Tent 2:30 p.m. Fanta Strawberry Soda Throwdown at Scott’s World of Magic Show Stage 3:00 p.m. Lamb Showmanship at Patterson Co. Livestock Arena 5:00 p.m. Lamb Show at Patterson Co. Livestock Arena 6:00 p.m. Joe’s Garage Band at Entenmann’s Showcase Tent 6:00 p.m. HeanonMusic at Wish Farms Variety Stage

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10TH GROW FINANCIAL FCU AMERICAN HEROES DAY/ TECO 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 2:30 p.m. Fanta Strawberry Soda Throwdown at Scott’s World of Magic Show Stage 5:45 p.m. Honor American Heroes at Wish Farms Variety Stage 6:00 p.m. First Baptist Church Plant City Worship Team at Entenmann’s Showcase Tent 6:00 p.m. Mosaic Youth Steer Show at Patterson Co. Livestock Arena 6:00 p.m. oxford noland at Wish Farms Variety Stage

THURSDAY, MARCH 11TH HUMANA SENIOR CITIZENS DAY/O’REILLY AUTO PARTS RIDE-A-THON DAY 10:00 a.m. Gates Open. Midway opens at Noon 10:30 a.m. Jimmy Mazz at Wish Farms Variety Stage

TAMPA BAY TIMES DAY ON THE MIDWAY/ MOONLIGHT MAGIC NIGHT 10:00 a.m. Gates Open. Midway opens at Noon 2:30 p.m. Fanta Strawberry Soda Throwdown at Scott’s World of Magic Show Stage 3:00 p.m. Strawberry Mashed Potato Pie Eating Contest at Stingray Chevrolet Entertainment Tent 6:00 p.m. Beef Breed Showmanship at Patterson Co. Livestock Arena 6:00 p.m. Pastor “Pee Wee” Callins at Entenmann’s Showcase Tent 6:00 p.m. The Descendants at Wish Farms Variety Stage 10:00 p.m. - 2:00 a.m..Moonlight Magic on the Midway

SATURDAY, MARCH 13TH FARM WORKER APPRECIATION DAY/CIRCLE K SUPER SATURDAY WRISTBAND DAY 10:00 a.m. Gates Open. Midway opens at 10:00 a.m. 10:15 a.m. Baby Parade at the GT Grandstands 2:30 p.m. Fanta Strawberry Soda Throwdown at Scott’s World of Magic Show Stage 6:00 p.m. Florida Strawberry Festival Talent Show at Entenmann’s Showcase Tent 6:00 p.m. Unpainted Souls at Wish Farms Variety Stage 7:00 p.m. Mosaic Youth Steer Sale at Patterson Co. Livestock Arena

SUNDAY, MARCH 14TH COCA-COLA FAMILY DAY 10:00 a.m. Gates Open. Midway opens at 10 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 2:00 p.m. Pulaski Vacation Getaway at TECO Expo Hall 2:30 p.m. Fanta Strawberry Soda Throwdown at Scott’s World of Magic Show Stage 5:00 p.m. Stingray Chevrolet Corvette Drawing at East Ind. 6:00 p.m. The Detectives at Entenmann’s Showcase Tent 6:00 p.m. HOLA Plant City! at Wish Farms Variety Stage

ON GROUNDS Paul Bunyan LumberJack Show: Daily at 1:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m. & 5:00 p.m. Sponsored By: Husqvarna Runa Pacha “Indian World”: Daily at 11 a.m., noon, 2 p.m., 4 p.m., 6 p.m. & 8 p.m. in the Verizon Wireless Gazebo Circus Incredible: Daily at 12:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m. & 5:30 p.m. Sponsored By: Visions of Outdoor Living Robinson’s Racing Pigs: Daily at 11:00 a.m., noon, 2:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m. & 8:00 p.m. Sponsored By: Netterfield’s Concessions Dakin Dairy Farmers Milking Parlor: Noon, 2:00 p.m., & 4:00 p.m. Sponsored By: Bay2Bay Outdoor Services Meet the Festival’s Official Mascots, “Mr. and Miss Berry”: Daily in the Orthotic Works Gazebo from 11:00-11:30 a.m., 3:30-4:00 p.m., & 5:30-6:00 p.m. Johnny D & Sheriff Max Magnum: Daily at noon, 1:00 p.m., 3:00 pm., 4:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m. Sponsored By: All American Gutter Protection & TrueStim Scott’s World of Magic: Daily at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m. & 6:30 p.m. Sponsored By: Windshield Specialists

***COVID- 19 DISCLAIMER*** The Florida Strawberry Festival will be adhering to ALL guidelines and recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control, (CDC) as well as, local, county, and state mandates for the 2021 event.

FESTIVAL SERVICES Badcock Home Furniture &more Mother & Baby Suite: TECO Expo Hall Images Everywhere! Festival Photos Available at Gates 1, 5, 13, 14, 16 Lost & Found Caboose: East end of the Roy & Helen Parke Building. Sponsored by: WonderPax Carolina ATMs are located near Woodrow Wilson Street, the TECO Expo Hall, the Arthur Boring Building and other locations throughout the Festival. Information Booths: Sponsored by: Uncommon USA Potillo’s Restrooms: Complimentary attendant services available. 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

PLANT CITY OBSERVER | MARCH 4, 2021 | 2021 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE

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GUIDE TO DISCOUNTS AT THE FESTIVAL The Florida Strawberry Festival is offering unique discounts every day for you to get great deals at the 11-day event.

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Whether you want to get discounted tickets, free goodies or save a few bucks on Midway wrist bands, there’s a deal waiting for you at the Florida Strawberry Festival. Dubbed “Discount Days,” the festival has been offering unique deals to attendees for years to help them pair their day of fun and relaxation with some great deals. Each day has a variety of discounts available. Some you can simply walk up and take advantage of, while others require a bit of planning. Scan the list, pick which day works best for you and your family and enjoy the savings.

SATURDAY, MARCH 6 MIDFLORIDA CREDIT UNION FREE KIDS DAY Hey kids, it’s your day! Kids through high school age are admitted FREE! Just stop by any Festival ticket booth and receive a complimentary voucher on this special day.

O’REILLY AUTO PARTS RIDE-ATHON DAY, NOON-11:00 P.M. A wrist band purchased at the Midway for $20 will entitle the wearer to ride most mechanical rides for one low price. Present voucher from participating O’Reilly Auto Parts stores at any Midway ticket booth to receive $3 off $20 wristband and ride all day for only $17. Click here for a list of participating stores. Vouchers will be available at these locations from February 4 – March 11. Enjoy one free Polar Pop from Circle K with any wristband purchase! Polar Pop vouchers available at all Midway booths.

FRIDAY, MARCH 5 CASPER COMPANY MCDONALD’SFOOD AND FUN FRIDAY, MIDWAY OPENS AT NOON-11 P.M. Present any non-perishable item and receive a McDonald’s coupon for a FREE small strawberry shake with the purchase of any large sandwich and a medium fry at any participating McDonald’s locations. Upon exit, guests will also receive a McDonald’s coupon for a FREE 4 pc. chicken McNugget with the purchase of any size drink and fry. Additionally, guests will also receive a voucher for $5 off the $30 wristband and ride all day for $25. Enjoy one free Polar Pop from Circle K with any wristband purchase! Polar Pop vouchers available at all Midway booths.

TUESDAY, MARCH 9 FLORIDA PEANUT FEDERATION TWOSDAY | FREE KIDS DAY, NOON-11:00 P.M. ALL kids up to age 17 are admitted FREE with a paid Adult. Ride any single ride for only $2! TECO RIDE-A-THON DAY, NOON-11:00 P.M. Ride most mechanical rides all day with a $20 wristband purchased at the Midway. Enjoy one free Polar Pop from Circle K with any wristband purchase! Polar Pop vouchers available at all Midway booths.

THURSDAY, MARCH 4 HUMANA SENIOR CITIZENS DAY Patrons age 60 and up get $2 off the gate admission of $10 all day. *A prize will be given away at 11:45 a.m. each Senior Citizens Day following the 10:30 a.m. show on the Wish Farms Variety Stage to the lucky senior citizen whose ticket is drawn from the barrel. Tickets for the drawing will be available to seniors in the stadium. You must be present at the Senior Citizens Program to win.

Enjoy one free Polar Pop from Circle K with any wristband purchase! Polar Pop vouchers available at all Midway booths.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10

CIRCLE K SUPER SATURDAY WRISTBAND DAY, 10:00 A.M.-11:00 P.M. A wrist band purchased at the Midway for $30 will entitle the wearer to ride most mechanical rides for this one low price. Enjoy one free Polar Pop from Circle K with any wristband purchase! Polar Pop vouchers available at all Midway booths.

SUNDAY, MARCH 7 COCA-COLA FAMILY DAY, 10:00 A.M.-11:00 P.M. Present any empty CocaCola brand can or plastic bottle product at the entry gate to receive a voucher for $5 off the $25 wristband, and ride all day for only $20. Can or bottle is not valid for gate admission. Only one can per person.*Courtesy of Florida Strawberry Festival, Belle City Amusements Midway and Coca-Cola.* Enjoy one free Polar Pop from Circle K with any wristband purchase! Polar Pop vouchers available at all Midway booths.

MONDAY, MARCH 8 ACE HARDWARE GRAND PARADE DAY Begins at 1:00 p.m. and passes by Festival grounds at approximately 2:00 p.m. The parade starts downtown at Evers and Renfro streets and heads north through downtown Plant City and then west towards the Festival grounds on Reynolds Street. Marching bands, churches, FFA chapters, businesses, dance groups and more! TECO RIDE-A-THON DAY, 10:00 A.M.-11:00 P.M. A wrist band purchased at the Midway for $20 will entitle the wearer to ride most mechanical rides for this one low price.

GROW FINANCIAL FEDERAL CREDIT UNION AMERICAN HEROES DAY All active, reserve and retired military and military veterans along with Law Enforcement and First Responders (EMS & Fire Fighters & Healthcare Professionals) will be admitted free all day with a valid ID. TECO RIDE-A-THON DAY, NOON-11:00 P.M. A wrist band purchased at the Midway for $20 will entitle the wearer to ride most mechanical rides for this one low price. Enjoy one free Polar Pop from Circle K with any wristband purchase! Polar Pop vouchers available at all Midway booths.

THURSDAY, MARCH 11 HUMANA SENIOR CITIZENS DAY Patrons 60 years of age or older get $2 off the gate admission of $10 all day. *A prize will

be given away at 11:45 a.m. each Senior Citizens Day following the 10:30 a.m. show on the Wish Farms Variety Stage to the lucky senior citizen whose ticket is drawn from the barrel. Tickets for the drawing will be available to seniors in the stadium. Must be present to win.

band, 10:00 p.m. until 2:00 a.m. All patrons entering the grounds are subject to search. Enjoy one free Polar Pop from Circle K with any wristband purchase! Polar Pop vouchers available at all Midway booths.

SATURDAY, MARCH 13

O’REILLY AUTO PARTS RIDE-ATHON DAY, NOON-11:00 P.M. A wrist band purchased at the Midway for $20 will entitle the wearer to ride most mechanical rides for one low price. Present voucher from participating O’Reilly Auto Parts stores at any Midway ticket booth to receive $3 off $20 wristband and ride all day for only $17. Click here for a list of participating stores. Vouchers will be available at these locations from February 1 – March 11. Enjoy one free Polar Pop from Circle K with any wristband purchase! Polar Pop vouchers available at all Midway booths.

FARM WORKER APPRECIATION DAY, SPONSORED BY ASTIN FARMS Farmworkers receive free admission with a voucher from Astin Farms.

FRIDAY, MARCH 12

SUNDAY, MARCH 14

TAMPA BAY TIMES DAY ON THE MIDWAY, NOON-10:00 P.M. Present a coupon from the Tampa Bay Times to receive $5 off the $20 Fun Pack Ride Coupon Book. (NO WRISTBANDS AVAILABLE UNTIL 10PM). Coupon with be available in The Tampa Bay Times and on www. tampabay.com on Sunday, March 7 and Friday, March 12. Coupon must be printed in hardcopy. Electronic Version of Coupon will not be accepted. This coupon is only redeemable on Friday, March 12.

COCA-COLA FAMILY DAY, 10:00 A.M.-11:00 P.M. Present any empty CocaCola brand can or plastic bottle product at entry gate to receive a voucher for $5 off the $25 wristband, and ride all day for only $20. Can or bottle is not valid for gate admission. Only one can per person. *Courtesy of Florida Strawberry Festival, Belle City Amusements Midway and Coca-Cola.* Enjoy one free Polar Pop from Circle K with any wristband purchase! Polar Pop vouchers available at all Midway booths.

MOONLIGHT MAGIC NIGHT, 10:00 P.M.-2:00 A.M. Ride most mechanical rides for one special price of $25 per person. All patrons entering the Midway for this event will be required to purchase a $25 wrist-

CIRCLE K SUPER SATURDAY WRISTBAND DAY, 10:00 A.M.-11:00 P.M. A wristband purchased at the Midway for $30 will entitle the wearer to ride most mechanical rides for this one low price. Enjoy one free Polar Pop from Circle K with any wristband purchase! Polar Pop vouchers available at all Midway booths.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER | MARCH 4, 2021 | 2021 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE

PlantCityObserver.com

WELCOME to the 86th annual Florida Strawberry Festival

To say this year has been one for the records is without a doubt an understatement. We’ve laughed, we’ve cried, we’ve worn masks and lots of pajamas, alone time has abounded and we’ve logged more FaceTime hours than ever. Our homes are organized and yet our minds seem scattered. We’ve experienced each end of the spectrum and every point in between. It has been and continues to be a difficult season for many. We mourn with those who have lost loved ones and pray for those who are still struggling. We were so blessed to make it through our 2020 festival. Our plan for 2021 will be, as always, what is best for our visitors. Safety will remain the top priority in everything we do. But we have also stood firm in our belief that our guests need some sense of normalcy and joy. While the 2021 festival won’t look exactly like it has in years prior, it will remain the festival we know and love in so many ways. We hope many of our loyal guests will continue to join us, but we trust everyone to do what you believe is best for your family. I’m sure you’ve noticed at this point that the most prominent decision we had to make for the 2021 event was to forgo having headline entertainers that would require visitors to sit shoulder-to-shoulder in our grandstand area for an extended period of time. However, we have booked more on-grounds entertainment than ever with seating that will be appropriately distanced. We can’t wait to soon see our visitors enjoying exciting rides, competitive events, on-grounds entertainment, agricultural exhibits and just about every kind of food you can imagine – including every strawberry concoction possible. The one thing you can be assured will never change is the southern hospitality you have come to expect from our workers, vendors and volunteers. In preparing for an event in these unprecedented times, we have formed great partnerships with our local and state health officials, receiving regular updates on the everchanging recommendations from local, state and national health professionals. We will continue to maintain contact with them during the 11 days of the 2021 festival to ensure our guidelines and protocols are in line with the latest recommendations. We’ve also formed a dedicated team (including a local medical doctor and a risk management professional) to help us make decisions and plan responses. This team will be utilized during the festival to continuously monitor our protocols and make changes as they see appropriate. We strongly recommend that each guest wear a face mask throughout the duration of their visit. Per county mandate, masks will be required in enclosed facilities unless a county-designated exemption is met. We have installed 130 hand sanitizing stations, installed more advanced air filtration systems, conducted intensive building sanitation (and will continue to do so throughout the festival), and spent a total of $600,000 in added safety measures for you. Your support is vital to these efforts. Your personal responsibility is what is allowing us to have this celebration that is important to our community and beloved by our loyal patrons. Please do your part in ensuring the safety of yourself and others by following our safety policies. Be advised that because we are following guidelines and mandates from the county, state and CDC, policies can be updated at any time. We truly value your support and participation in this year’s festival. Our agriculture industry, our city, our vendors, and our youth livestock exhibitors are counting on us all. I can’t wait to see y’all soon!

Paul Davis President, Florida Strawberry Festival®

PLANT CITY OBSERVER | MARCH 4, 2021 | 2021 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER | MARCH 4, 2021 | 2021 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE

AG SHOW SCHEDULE

File photo

THURSDAY, MARCH 4

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10

Mosaic Youth Swine Show 7 p.m.

Mosaic Youth Steer Show 6 p.m.

FRIDAY, MARCH 5

THURSDAY, MARCH 11

Mosaic Youth Swine Sale 7 p.m.

Mosaic Youth Steer Showmanship 7 p.m.

SATURDAY, MARCH 6

FRIDAY, MARCH 12

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

Beef Breed Showmanship 6 p.m. SATURDAY, MARCH 13

SUNDAY, MARCH 7 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 8

Mosaic Youth Steer Sale 7 p.m. SUNDAY, MARCH 14 Beef Breed Show 11 a.m. Mosaic Poultry Show on display daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Lamb Jumping Contest 3 p.m. Lamb Costume Contest 7 p.m. TUESDAY, MARCH 9 Lamb Showmanship 3 p.m. Lamb Show 5 p.m.

File photos

I have to watch the shows from afar — as soon as the animals smell me, all bets are off.

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER | MARCH 4, 2021 | 2021 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER | MARCH 4, 2021 | 2021 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE

FESTIVAL MAP MAP KEY

U.S. 92/Baker Street

Swindle Family Pavillion

2: Grimes Family Ag. Center 3: Astin Farms Pavillion 4: Belle City Amusements Midway

TICKET GATE AND RE-ENTRY

5: West Grandstand Crafts 6: North Exhibit Tent 7:

Wish Farms Soundstage

8: Arthur Boring Building

Risk Street

9: Parke Building 10: Entertainment Tent 11: Lost and Found Caboose 12: Expo Hall 13: Main Gate 14: Strawberry Tent 15: Carriage House

PARKING Parking is available on Florida Strawberry Festival property in the Blue, Gray and Red Parking Lots.

16: Hull Armory Building 17: Showcase Tent 18: Admin House 19: Neighborhood Village

Gate 14

Oak Avenue

Gate 16

Gate 1

Gate 5

Gate 13 Gate 10

Reynolds Street

Remember: No matter where you park your car, take note of your spot with photos and notes to help you find it later and reduce your chances of getting lost. Plant City Police Department will not easily be able to help you find your car if you’ve lost track of where you parked it. If it was stolen, that’s a different story.

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER | MARCH 4, 2021 | 2021 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER | MARCH 4, 2021 | 2021 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE

NEW ENTERTAINMENT HEADED TO THE FESTIVAL Though the headline entertainment may not be happening this year there are plenty of amazing bands set to rock attendees’ socks off at the annual Florida Strawberry Festival.

Band photos courtesy of the Florida Strawberry Festival

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

The 2021 annual Florida Strawberry Festival will be a festivity unlike any other. One of the biggest changes this year, due to the ongoing pandemic, is the cancelling of headline entertainment. Florida Strawberry Festival President Paul Davis said there was simply “no way” the festival could safely social distance the stadium while still ensuring everyone was able to attend that would want too. However, that doesn’t mean there won’t be music. The festival is offering more on the grounds entertainment and free shows than ever before. Bands are coming to keep the music and the festivities at the festival going and many already have a large following in the community. “This year is like no other,” Florida Strawberry Festival President Paul Davis said in a news release. “The amount of new food items, free entertainment, and attractions for the 2021 event are overwhelming! We are so blessed to be able to host such an event for our vendors and exhibitors. Year after year, they work to create something truly magical to give our guests, and this year will not disappoint.” The following is a list of new free entertainers that are headed to the festival. If their names sound familiar, it’s because they’ve all played in Plant City before. In fact, the Krazy Kup soundstage was the initial introduction for all but one of the bands to the community. Now they’ve got a loyal following and are ready to once again bring some high quality entertainment to town. “AC E ” JAC K SO N A N D T H E JUMP KINGS Since 2010, Ace Jackson and the Jump Kings have entertained crowds with a high-quality blend of American songbook classics from the 1940s rhythm, roots, jump blues and swing, along with sing along 1970s radio classics still in rotation today. Plenty of entertainment for all ages! Ace Jackson and the Jump Kings will perform on the Wish Farms Variety Stage at 6 p.m. Sunday, March 7. BITS OF GRASS Their drive and timing are like a well-oiled machine, and the blend of their voices will bring you to tears as they deliver the message of life in a song! Bits of Grass skillfully transcends the soulful sounds of bluegrass with every performance to make you feel part of every song! Bits of Grass will perform on the Wish Farms Variety Stage at 6 p.m. Thursday, March 11. BORN LONESOME Born Lonesome is an emerging prominent acoustic bluegrass ensemble hailing from

Central Florida, and founded in 2019. Sharing the big stage with groups like Lonesome River Band, Russell Moore, Rhonda Vincent and more, Born Lonesome continues to transcend traditional bluegrass with their distinctive sound. Born Lonesome will perform in the Entenmann’s Showcase Tent daily at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. with no 11 a.m. show on March 7. BOUND NO MORE A local Christian band that loves Jesus and loves music! Using their musical abilities to share the love of Christ and to glorify God, Bound No More encourages others to sing His praises. If you’re looking for songs of worship, join Bound No More in the Entenmann’s Showcase Tent at 6 p.m. Monday, March 8. ELECTRIC WOODSHED Former Battle of the Bands finalists and Tampa Bay area-based band performing an eclectic mix of live music, Electric Woodshed brings down the house with their 80s inspired sound. No matter what, you will always hear some great music in the woodshed! Come see Electric Woodshed performing in the Entenmann’s Showcase Tent at 6 p.m. Thursday, March 4 and Thursday, March 11. FLORIDA’S FRANK SINATRA, DON JUCEAM Don Juceam is known as “Florida’s Frank Sinatra,” and, along with his world renowned “Le Orchestra Fantastique,” he performs all over Florida. Originally from a small town on the Hudson River named New York City, he has made the music of Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack more than just a hobby. “Florida’s Frank Sinatra,” Don Juceam, will be performing on the Wish Farms Variety Stage at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, March 4. FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL TALENT SHOW If you have a talent, we want to see it! The winner will receive a $500 cash prize and a 12-month performance contract from Dark Horse Music Store. Head to the Festival’s website to get all the information you need to sign up. The stage is waiting for you! The Florida Strawberry Festival Talent Show will take place at 6 p.m. both Saturdays, March 6 and March 13, in the Entenmann’s Showcase Tent. HEANONMUSIC Heanon Tate is an internationally recognized recording artist, songwriter and producer. He is the founding father of HeanonMusic, a collective group of artists, worship leaders, musicians and producers that

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transcend music across cultural, generational and denominational boundaries to speak life into everyday realities. HeanonMusic will perform on the Wish Farms Variety Stage at 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 9. JIMMY MAZZ With more than 40 years of entertainment experience, Jimmy Mazz truly understands how to entertain an audience. Laughter takes a musical journey through Jimmy’s favorite songs by a wide variety of performers from the classics to today’s contemporary artists hot off the Las Vegas Strip! You can catch Jimmy Mazz on the Wish Farms Variety Stage at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, March 11. JOE’S GARAGE BAND Veteran musicians who blend covers of classic rock, blues, country and a smattering of original tunes make up the sounds of Joe’s Garage Band. Come see them take the stage in the Entenmann’s Showcase Tent at 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 9. MIKE WALKER Country singer Mike Walker will take you through the decades with his musical impressions of some of country music’s greatest icons. Tune in daily to see Mike Walker on the Wish Farms Variety Stage at 12:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. with no 4:30 p.m. show on March 14. OXFORD NOLAND oxford noland is the indie rock brainchild of cousins Shua Harrell and Aaron Buckingham. Their musical connection was influenced early on through weekend gatherings at the farm listening to their family swap classic folk and

gospel tunes. Catch oxford noland at 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 10 on the Wish Farms Variety Stage. SICK HOT Sick Hot is a young vintage rock band from Tampa that started in 2016. The band consists of Chris Erickson on bass, Cory Bernardi on drums, Brandon Chacon on rhythm guitar and Nik Wilson on vocals and lead guitar. Sick Hot plays original music with a handful of covers from classic bands like Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin, T. Rex, James Gang and more! Sick Hot will play on the Wish Farms Variety Stage at 6 p.m. Saturday, March 6. SOUTHBOUND SouthBound is a classic southern rock band from Central Florida. With a mix of country and blues, SouthBound’s sound is authentic and soulful. You can catch SouthBound on the Wish Farms Variety Stage at 6 p.m. Friday, March 5. THE DESCENDANTS The Heart of “The Descendants” is to create and share songs of genuine worship. They reach others through worship with the love and unfailing promises of Jesus Christ and powerful music that gives honor and glory to Him because of what He did for us on the cross so selflessly. We hope to see you soon and join together singing humble songs to our King! See The Descendants on the Wish Farms Variety Stage at 6 p.m. Friday, March 12. THE DETECTIVES The Detectives is a local reggae band from Lakeland with ska and blues undertones influenced by life, love, and friendship. The Detectives are looking for you!

You’ll find them in the Entenmann’s Showcase Tent at 6 p.m. Sunday, March 7 and Sunday, March 14. UNPAINTED SOULS Unpainted Souls is a band that strives for authenticity. Their music seeks to communicate the beauty and sorrows of a forward-journeyed life. Don’t miss Unpainted Souls on the Wish Farms Variety Stage at 6 p.m. Saturday, March 13. VALLEY’S END Valley’s End is a singer/songwriter band who, through storytelling, music and ministry, want to help people live in a place of intimacy with God, their Father, and embrace their identity in Jesus. Valley’s End will perform on the Wish Farms Variety Stage at 6 p.m. Monday, March 8. WHAT REMAINS Regardless of the size of the crowd or venue, What Remains plays emotional, powerful, spirit- filled music fueled by a love of God and each other. Having formed three years ago, What Remains continues to perform shows in and around the Tampa Bay area. What Remains will lead worship on the Wish Farms Variety Stage at 6 p.m. Thursday, March 4.

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NEXT STOP, STRAWBERRY QUEEN’S EXHIBIT

Those who step into Neighborhood Village during the Florida Strawberry Festival are invited to “hop on board” and travel through the history of the Strawberry Queens.

I once tried to get Marsha and Dodie to put some of my best jokes in the Queen’s Exhibit. I’ve made plenty of Queens and court members laugh. Instead they tried to put me in the glass case for the baking contest.

TAYLOR JENKINS WRITER

s you step through the doors of Neighborhood Village at the Florida Strawberry Festival, you’re instantly greeted by a flowing gown encased in glass, illuminated by the soft glow of a spotlight. The evening gown not only welcomes you to the number of exhibits housed by Neighborhood Village, but stands front and center for the annual Strawberry Queen’s exhibit. The exhibit, put together each year by sisters Marsha Passmore and Dodie White, features one-of-a-kind photos and memorabilia that shine a light on each and every Strawberry Queen in the pageant’s history, dating back to 1930. This year’s queen is McKenna Jordan, 17, a senior at Plant City High School. Jordan won this crown at this year’s pageant, a feat she attributes to her dedication toward remaining her authentic self. The 2021 Strawberry Queen had never walked a runway prior to January’s extravaganza as it was the first pageant she’s participated in. But despite participation in pageants being new for Jordan, this year is far from her first experience with the Strawberry Queen’s Pageant. The pageant holds a special place in Jordan’s heart. She has countless memories of sneaking into the Palace as a child with her aunt, Sandee Sytsma, to get a backstage glimpse at the pageant and its participants. In addition to being named Plant City’s Citizen of the Year in 2021, Sytsma worked for 13 years as the Strawberry Court coordinator before serving as the associate director and later director of the Strawberry Festival. Passmore described Jordan as a kind, independent thinker and noted how those qualities were abundantly evident on stage during the pageant. “I think she’s going to be a strong-willed woman in a good way,” Passmore said. “That’s how women make a statement and I don’t even know what her ambition is in life but I think that she’ll go far in life because of that.” Jordan hopes to attend the University of Central Florida following her time at Plant City High School and plans to study nursing after her own personal experiences with the profession. “I had back surgery and I don’t remember a whole lot from that week, but I remember the way my

nurses treated me,” Jordan recently told the Plant City Observer. “That’s what’s important. I don’t remember the pain I was in, but I remember the way they made me feel. I want to be a Pediatric ER nurse to help other kids the way they helped me.” Along with Jordan being crowned the 2021 Strawberry Queen, Avery Surrency was chosen as first maid beside court members KellieAnne Kirkland, Brynne Murphy and Kate Turner. “There are so many stories that you can hear right in this room regarding the queen, the pageants over the years and how it has really, in many ways, brought the community together as a whole,” Passmore said. “And it’s just fabulous that a scholarship pageant can do that because there’s one queen but there’s five [court members] – and in the old days there was seven, I think there were some years where there was nine girls – so that made an impression on all of their lives and all of those families still come and want to see that.” For that reason, Passmore and White love to make sure that all of the queen’s court are given their much-deserved attention within the exhibit as well. “When we’re collecting pictures for the west wall, and we try to switch out some every year and get new ones, we try hard to use the ones with the court members too,” White said. “Not just the queen but the queen and court so you’re not just highlighting one person because all five of the girls go and do everything that the queen does. . . We want to highlight them as well because they spend their time and their effort and they represent Plant City and the Strawberry Festival the same way.” On the opposite side of Jordan’s display is the exhibit’s featured queen, Catherine Fletcher. Each year the exhibit honors one past queen with a display in her honor. It’s a glimpse into the past that also reflects the character of each woman that wore the crown. Fletcher – later Catherine Fletcher Clark after marrying – remained heavily involved in Plant City and the Strawberry Festival long after being crowned Strawberry Queen in 1940. “She was the kindest, most gentle soul and absolutely loved everybody,” Passmore said. “She was just the most gracious lady. She was one of those people that you wanted to be like because she

only saw the good in everybody so she was really loved.” Fletcher created and chaired the first annual Strawberry Festival fashion show luncheon and later served as president of the Woman’s Club, the Junior Woman’s Club and the Arts Council. She was also a past member of the Krewe of Venus and a charter member of the Centre Club in Tampa. “She loved to talk and she’d make you feel welcome,” White said. “It didn’t matter if she knew you or didn’t know you, if you walked in the room you knew that she wanted you to be there.” And along the west wall of the exhibit you can take in even more pictures from queens and courts of the past, decorated in line with the festival’s 2021 theme of “All Aboard.” Plant City’s roots have long lied alongside the railroad. The addition of the tracks, thanks to Henry B. Plant, connected Plant City to massive markets throughout the state, allowing strawberries to be sold at a quantity previously only dreamed of. Ichepucksassa was renamed Plant City and incorporated in 1885 in honor of Plant. “All Aboard” is a perfect theme for Passmore and White, who first started their contributions to the Strawberry Festival over 40 years as long-standing tram captains before transitioning to the festival’s ambassador program, working in the Business and Professional Women’s Club booth and eventually spending the last seven years working with and organizing the Strawberry Queen’s exhibit. They’ve worked in Neighborhood Village for approximately 30 years. Passmore is also vice president of the Robert W. Willaford Railroad Museum Society, Inc. “The theme of All Aboard really signifies what Plant City is all about with Henry B. Plant brining the railroad to Plant City,” Passmore said. “That’s the name of the town and so we are very excited about it, especially with our Robert W. Willaford Train Museum here in Plant City.” To assist with the display, Passmore and White received donations from the Willaford Railroad Museum, the East Hillsborough Historical Society and the Plant City Photo Archives & History Center. You can experience the StrawBreanne Williams berry Queen’s exhibit for yourself anytime during the Strawberry Dodie White and Marsha Passmore curate the Queen’s Exhibit in the Festival at Neighborhood Village. Neighborhood Village.

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GOT THE NEED FOR SPEED? THIS RAFFLE’S FOR YOU JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

The Florida Strawberry Festival’s annual Chevrolet Corvette raffle, a partnership with Stingray Chevrolet, is now live. For $5 per ticket, you can get a chance to win a brand new 2021 Chevrolet C8 Corvette 1LT with a 6.2 V* engine pushing 490 horsepower, a “torch red” paint job, eight-speed dual clutch transmission, a 10-speaker Bose Premium audio system, Bluetooth technology, anti-lock brakes and much more. You can buy tickets online at stingraychevrolet.com/chevroletcharity-raffle until 3 p.m. March 12, in-person at Stingray Chevrolet through 6 p.m. March 12 or at any time on the grounds of the Florida Strawberry Festival up until 4:30 p.m. March 14. The raffle winner will be announced at 5 p.m. March 14 on the grounds. The winner does not have to be present at that day and time to be able to claim their prize. Contestants are limited to 50 tickets each and keep in mind that you don’t have to take that Corvette:

winners have instead opted for other Chevrolet cars or SUVs in the past. All proceeds from the raffle, a staple of the festival for the last 11 years, will benefit Unity in the Community. If you’re not familiar with Unity, it’s a locally-based group run entirely by volunteers who come together to help all corners of the Plant City community. Unity raises money for food banks, charities, scholarships, youth and family organizations and much more all year round, but the annual Stingray raffle is its biggest fundraiser. Last year’s raffle raised more than $220,000 to bring the 11-year total up to $1,536,000. All of that money has been poured back into the Plant City community, too — Stingray Chevrolet doesn’t take even a penny from the raffle ticket sales, opting instead to see the money go to those in town who need it most.

I’ve never wanted to win the raffle as much as I do this year! I also agreed to do this year’s festival guide in exchange for tickets. Fingers

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER | MARCH 4, 2021 | 2021 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE

LOVE THE 2021 FESTIVAL THEME? TAKE A TRIP DOWNTOWN

Train enthusiasts are in the right place: the Robert W. Willaford Railroad Museum and Train Viewing Platform is one of the coolest places in Plant City.

JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

The Florida Strawberry Festival’s “All Aboard!” theme for 2021 is a fitting choice for Plant City. Plant City is probably best known for its delicious strawberries, but right behind that is its connection to the railroad industry. It’s equally as important to the city’s history and development as the berries are. Fortunately for anyone who loves trains, enjoys history or just wants something fun and inexpensive to do while they’re in town, downtown Plant City has a great resource in the Robert W. Willaford Railroad Museum.

Located at 102 N. Palmer St., the museum is a labor of love full of memorabilia and even full train cars donated by local enthusiast Robert W. Willaford. Willaford spent 43 years as a locomotive engineer for CSX and became well-known in town over the years for the vast collection of items he’s collected from all over the United States since 1964. The City of Plant City began converting the old Union Station Depot downtown in 2013 for the purpose of creating the museum, which Willaford filled up with 28 items including a 1963 International Car Company wide-vision caboose and a 1942 Whitcomb 15-ton shunting locomotive. The city and Greater Plant City

Chamber of Commerce teamed up to bring a train viewing platform and tower next to the museum soon afterward. The platform is a hotspot for train enthusiasts from Plant City and far beyond. You can almost always find someone there on the weekends, either filming the trains as they pass by or waving to the conductors and passengers. If you’re really into trains, you may want to know that this is the only place in the southeast where you can see a double diamond crossing (two sets of tracks crossing at an intersection). You can get a great education at the museum when it’s open, but here’s a bit of background from the museum’s website:

“The Plant City Union Depot was built in 1909. The depot played an important role in the early development of Plant City, whose main industries of farming, lumber and phosphate mining depended heavily on the railroad. The station once served both the Atlantic Coast Line RR & Seaboard Air Line RR. Mail also arrived in Plant City via this depot, and the Western Union telegraph service was based there. Plant City Union Depot continued to operate until 1971. The Plant City Union Depot was added to the National Register of Historic Buildings in 1974.” The museum is open to the public from 12 to 4 p.m. Thursday through Saturday at no cost. Masks and social distancing are

required. The viewing platform is open to the public seven days a week. You can also watch live train cams at the museum website, willafordrailroadmuseum.com. Visit the website, call 813-719-6989 or look for the museum’s information booth on the festival grounds for more information.

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NEW IN TOWN? Don’t come to Plant City often? Don’t worry — there are plenty of things for you to see and do when you’re not at the festival.

If it weren’t for the Florida Strawberry Festival, some of you may not set foot in Plant City. Many people don’t even know exactly where it is on a map. That’s OK! You’re here now and you’re set to enjoy our town’s crown jewel of an event. Just know that the festival isn’t the only thing Plant City has to offer. Whether you want to go sightseeing in nature, shopping, dining or somewhere fun for the whole family, Plant City has something for you. The Observer staff lives, works and plays here and can help any of you readers from out of town find something to do when you’re not enjoying the festival. BREANNE WILLIAMS

One of the best parks in Florida lies right here in Plant City. If you’re wiling to go for a short drive make sure to spend a few hours with your loved ones at Edward Medard Park and Reservoir, 6140 Turkey Creek Road. Once a phosphate mine, Medard is full of hidden alcoves, serene lakes and even a swath of trees that appear to be straight out of a fantasy novel. People come from all over just to walk among the hills filled with trees that are famous for their projecting roots. The roots weave in and out, crossing with one another and forming a complex form of living art that you won’t soon forget. The park itself is approximately 1,300 acres and it has miles of walking trails, a camps site and a 700-acre reservoir that is regularly stocked with many different fish including bass and catfish. The entry fee is $2 per vehicle with a $5 fee for the boat launch. For more information, call 813-757-3802. The annual J. Seward Johnson sculptures are brought to town each year by the Arts Council of Plant City in partnership with the City of Plant City, Unity in the Community Inc. and the Plant City Photo Archives & History Center. They are still on display throughout the downtown core and you can go snap some unique photos if you’re willing to go on a short walk. The statues are at the following locations: “No Hands” at Bruton Memorial Library, ”Allow Me” at City Hall (South Entrance), ”Nice to See You” at The Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce, ”Big Sister” at McCall Park (by Inspire! Quilting & Sewing), ”Cat Nap” at Plant City Photo Archives & History Center, ”Forever Marilyn” at McCall Park (by Whistle Stop Gourmet Coffee & Eatery), ”Wine, Food and Thou” at Collins Street and Reynolds Street, ”Sidewalk Concert” at Palmer Street and Reynolds Street (by the corner store), ”Embracing Peace” at The Robert W. Willaford Railroad Museum and “No Way” at Village Green Park. While you’re downtown, don’t pass up the opportunity to pick up some unique goodies to take home. Your first stop should be Roots Cellars, 303 S. Collins St. This one-of-a-kind establishment offers high-quality retail wine, beers and “doodads.” But without question, its greatest asset comes in its staff and their dedication toward making sure everyone who walks through its doors finds the perfect wine for their palate. After all, it’s not every day you can say a sommelier helped you pick out the wine you are serving at dinner. The Florida heat is no joke, so make sure you stay hydrated throughout your shopping spree by popping into Krazy Kup for a refreshing iced coffee or tea. Its oat milk lattes are out of this world and the baristas are brimming with creative drink concoctions if you want to try something new. Across the street is Tub Treats, a specialty bath accessory store that will have you filling your bathroom with handmade bath bombs, soaps and candles before you know what came over you. The items are absolutely gorgeous and smell like heaven. There are prepackaged gift baskets available as well that are sure to be a big hit at the next party you attend. One door down is The Kandy Shoppe, a candy store that will singlehandedly woo anyone off their strict diets. Whether you want a box of assorted truffles, a bag of dark chocolate-coated espresso beans or even sour worms, this store has something

straight out of a Wonka fever dream. If you aren’t strawberried out yet, there is one more stop you have to make before you leave town. Head to the new Fancy Farms Market, 5204 Drane Field Road, to get one more taste of traditional Plant City treats. The market is the latest chapter in the long history of Fancy Farms, a strawberry farm that has deep roots in the community. Fancy Farms, which was founded by Carl and Dee Dee Grooms, embodies everything Plant City holds dear. The Grooms are renowned for their strong character, devotion toward their family, love of their community and heart for the strawberry industry. When you pull up to the market you’ll more than likely meet a Grooms — more often than not it will be Kristi, Carl and Dee Dee’s daughter — and you can take away a piece of the family legacy. Strawberries are available for purchase as are a variety of other produce items. You can also purchase strawberry desserts that will make your mouth water for days as you reminisce on the memory of that first bite. Milkshakes, shortcakes, strawberry bread and strawberry cookies are all coming out of the kitchen and are made from Dee Dee’s personal recipes. As you enjoy your shake and cookies you can sit in the shade with your family and gaze out on a strawberry field. JUSTIN KLINE

If you take I-4 eastbound to get here and westbound to go back home, let’s get the obvious thing out of the way. There’s no way you can’t see the giant dinosaurs on the north side of the interstate. That’s Dinosaur World, if you didn’t already know, and it’s a great place to take the kids. You can see huge, realistic statues of dinos and other prehistoric critters, learn a lot and take home some swag from the gift shop. What’s not to like about Jurassic Park, but safe for humans? It’s at 5145 Harvey Tew Road, right off of the interstate, and you can get more info at dinosaurworld.com/ florida or by calling 813-717-9865. If walking around Plant City’s little slice of ancient history works up an appetite, Keel Farms is right up the road. It’s a good place to grab a bite to eat, drink locally made cider, beer and fruit wine, catch live music and relax in a huge outdoor patio. Visit them at 5202 Thonotosassa Road. If you’re staying in one of our hotels for some time and want to eat out without going to a big chain restaurant, we’ve got you covered. This is the home of the original Fred’s Market and Johnson Barbecue restaurants and both are extremely popular. Fred’s breakfast, in particular, is revered here for good reason. You also can’t go wrong starting your morning downtown with a big, hearty breakfast at Brick House or gourmet coffee, freshly made pastries and lighter eats at Krazy Kup. You can’t go wrong staying downtown for lunch. On the block of Collins and East Reynolds streets you can get healthy wraps, sandwiches, soups, salads and more at The Corner Store, and after you’re done eating you can shop in its market. Tacos Piki is a fine place to spend Taco Tuesday, but any day is good for their tacos. Norma’s also knows how to put together a tasty taco, but the thing you really have to try there is the Cuban Style Bowl (and don’t be shy with the green sauce). Just keep in mind that many of downtown Plant City’s restaurants and other small businesses are closed on Mondays. If you’re not eating dinner at the festival, there are a few local places that have never steered me wrong. If you love Mexican food as much as I do, check out Mi Casa on Thonotosassa Road just before the interstate on-ramp. At the other end of that plaza is 1916 Irish Pub, which has my favorite burger in town. And if you drive a little further south of the festival grounds on Alexander Street, you’ll eventually wind up at Wasabi. We have three Japanese food options in town but this is the only one where you can sit down and get the traditional tableside hibachi experience — and it’s very good.

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER | MARCH 4, 2021 | 2021 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE

THE ‘BERRY’ BEST STRAWBERRY RECIPES

If the Florida Strawberry Festival leaves you craving more strawberries, try these recipes at home.

Let’s face it: there’s no better time and place to get the best strawberries than Plant City during festival season. You can’t go wrong when you get yourself a flat to take home and snack on. But why settle for simply eating delicious Plant City strawberries one by one when you can take it to the next level? Nobody knows strawberries like Sue Harrell of the Florida Strawberry Growers

Association. “Strawberry Sue” is bestknown as the face and voice of the FSGA, and she’s also an expert at cooking up delectable baked goods and sweet treats. Some of her best strawberry recipes are available online for anyone to whip up in their own home. Try these, for starters.

FLORIDA STRAWBERRY MILKSHAKE • 1 lb strawberries • 2 tablespoons sugar • 1 pint vanilla ice cream • 1/2 cup milk

STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE ICED LATTE • 4 fresh Florida strawberries • 2 tbsp sugar • Ice • 3/4 cup of milk • 2 shots of espresso Begin by rinsing and hulling your fresh Florida strawberries then dice into small pieces. Toss the strawberries in sugar and let them macerate for 5-10 minutes or longer. You’ll know they are ready when you have a syrupy sauce and all the sugar is dissolved. Add the strawberries, syrup and all, into a medium sized cup. Fill with ice and then top with milk leaving room for the espresso shots. If you want a richer treat feel free to substitute some of the milk for half & half or cream! Finally, top the drink off with two shots of fresh espresso, give it a stir and enjoy!

Rinse the fresh strawberries in fresh water. Then remove tops and quarter the berries. Place the quartered berries in a bowl and sprinkle with sugar. Toss the strawberries a bit and let sit in the refrigerator or freezer to macerate 30 minutes to an hour. Once the berries are soft with a syrup forming in the bottom of the bowl, remove the berries from the refrigerator. If you’re using frozen berries, sprinkle the berries with sugar and let them sit at room temperature until they are soft but still very cold. Put strawberries and then ice cream in a blender and pulse. Start adding milk, using more if you want a thinner milkshake and less if you want a richer, thicker shake. You can also add a tiny amount (1/8 tsp) xanthan gum to the milkshake while blending to thicken things up. Pour milkshake into a chilled glass and garnish with a fresh sliced strawberry. If you want to mix this up a bit, try adding malt or chocolate to your milkshake or substituting honey for sugar!

FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FOOL • 1 pint strawberries • 1/4 cup sugar • 1 cup heavy cream • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Rinse the fresh strawberries, then remove tops and slice the berries into 1/4 inch slices. Sprinkle with half of the sugar and stir to macerate around 10-15 minutes. Place half the macerated strawberries and all the juice in a blender, and purée. Pour purée back in bowl with chopped strawberries. In a chilled bowl, whip the cream with the remaining sugar and vanilla until cream is stiff and holds peaks. Use a spatula to fold strawberries into the cream and place in the refrigerator until ready to serve, up to two hours. Garnish with fresh sliced strawberries. You can also crush graham crackers to add a little sweet crunch!

FLORIDA STRAWBERRY-YOGURT FREEZER POPS • 1 pound Florida strawberries, hulled and chopped • 1/4 cup sugar • 1 lemon, juiced • 2 cups low-fat vanilla yogurt • 10 freezer pop molds and sticks

FLORIDA STRAWBERRY MIDNIGHT SHORTCAKE • 1 lb Florida strawberries • 2 tablespoons sugar • 4 jumbo chocolate cupcakes • Whipped cream Rinse the fresh strawberries, then remove tops and slice the berries. Place the sliced berries in a bowl and sprinkle with sugar. Slice jumbo chocolate cupcakes in half and stack sweetened strawberries. Next put a dollop of whipped cream on top of the strawberries and finish off by placing the chocolate cupcake top on the shortcake. Garnish with more strawberries, serve and enjoy! Makes 4 servings.

In blender or food processor add half of the strawberries, sugar and lemon juice. Purée ingredients until sugar is dissolved. Pour mixture into a small pitcher or container and add the rest of the chopped strawberries. Fill each freezer pop mold by alternating layers of strawberry mixture and yogurt. Insert handle or stick into each freezer pop and freeze at least 5 hours. To serve, run warm water over outside of molds until pops come out easily. If you don’t have freezer pop molds, use small paper cups. Cover tops of cups with plastic wrap and poke the sticks through the plastic to keep them standing upright while in the freezer.

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER | MARCH 4, 2021 | 2021 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE

FRENCH CREPES WITH CREAM FILLING AND STRAWBERRY TOPPING CREAM FILLING

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened • 6 tablespoons cottage cheese • 1/4 cup sugar • 1 tsp vanilla

STRAWBERRY TOPPING

• 1 pint sliced fresh Florida strawberries • 1 tbsp sugar

CREPE BATTER

• 1 cup all-purpose flour • 1 teaspoon white sugar • 1/4 teaspoon salt • 3 eggs • 2 cups milk • 2 tablespoons butter, melted

FILLING:

Place cream cheese, cottage cheese, sugar and vanilla in mixer. Blend until smooth. Let filling rest in the refrigerator while you prepare crepes.

TOPPING:

Rinse, hull and slice fresh Florida strawberries. Toss with sugar and let chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

CREPES:

Sift together flour, sugar and salt and set aside. In a large bowl, whisk eggs and milk together. Once well mixed, slowly add in flour mixture just until smooth. Over whisking can cause the crepes to get too rubbery.

Next incorporate melted butter into the batter. A crepe maker or pan is useful but any flat bottomed frying pan will work here. Lightly oil the cooking surface and heat over medium. Pout two tablespoons of crepe batter into the pan, rotating the pan to evenly distribute. If using a crepe maker, use an offset spatula. When edges are beginning to brown (approximately 30 seconds), turn crepe and cook for 10 more seconds. Remove from pan and cool. Once cool you can stack your crepes and store in a Ziplock bag. Placing a layer of parchment paper or wax paper between each crepe will prevent them from sticking to each other. Spoon into the center of the crepe some of the filling and roll or fold crepe. Top with macerated strawberries and serve. Feel free to add other fresh fruit and a sprig of mint as garnish.

THREE WAYS YOU CAN FURTHER JAZZ THIS RECIPE UP:

•Substitute 2 tbsp of Cointreau for sugar to macerate the strawberries. •Add Nutella hazelnut spread to the crepe after folding for a luxuriously chocolate-sweet treat. •Stuff the crepes with the filling and fresh strawberries and drizzle with strawberry syrup.

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

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER | MARCH 4, 2021 | 2021 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE

BELIEVE IT OR NOT, PARKING’S NOT THE HARD PART

If you’ve never been to the Florida Strawberry Festival and are wondering how you’re ever going to find parking with hundreds of thousands of people showing up throughout the 11 days, don’t worry — there are legit parking opportunities everywhere you look.

JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

A list of things that make the Florida Strawberry Festival unique compared to other large festivals would be rather long, but one thing you’d find near the top is the level of involvement the Plant City community at large has with making it happen every year. In addition to the festival staff, there’s a network of more than 2,000 volunteers waiting in the wings every year to spend their time helping out on the grounds. Sometimes that’s the vacation time they requested from their jobs. And in addition to the volunteers who make things happen on the

grounds, there are also the residents and businesses of Plant City that use their space off the grounds to help people like you get there. Do not be alarmed at the idea of parking at some business’s lot or in someone’s yard (if they’ve clearly marked it as festival parking, that is). Not only is it legitimate, it’s also encouraged by the festival itself. It’s a decades-long practice that gets you the parking space you need and gets the people managing the parking areas a nice chunk of change. That helps a lot of residents come tax season, and you’ll also occasionally see parking money get pumped back into the community for charity work and other acts of service. If you do choose to park in one of the festival’s many lots and don’t feel

up for a long walk, know that the tram service will still be up and running this year. The festival has installed plexiglass dividers between each seat to keep passengers — as well as the tram volunteers — safe. The plexiglass is just the first of many alterations the festival has in place, but is a strong reminder that this truly has been a year unlike any other. No matter where you park, make a note of the exact location and make sure you take the proper precautions to safeguard any valuables and other belongings you may have in your vehicle. Lock your doors, roll up the windows, hide your stuff and enjoy the peace of mind. Please don’t end up on our weekly list of police reports.

GETTING THERE If you have plenty of time to kill on a day when you’re going to the festival, feel free to take Interstate 4 to Plant City. You’ll need plenty of time to get there. If not, the best way to get to the festival is to think like a local. You don’t even have to know all of the back roads to save time. If you’re traveling north to get here, consider taking Highway 60. You can either take that up to FL-39 north and turn onto either Alexander Street or US-92, or take it up to Turkey Creek Road and hang a left at US-92. If you’re traveling south to get here, you’re better off taking US-92 all the way to the festival. If you’re coming from Tampa, your best bet may be to take FL-574. That road will take you right to the south side of the festival.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER | MARCH 4, 2021 | 2021 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE

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THINGS TO WATCH The Plant City Observer staff has a few recommendations for anyone curious about this year’s entertainment lineup.

Courtesy of the Florida Strawberry Festival

Vintage-inspired rockers Sick Hot are one of the many new groups providing free entertainment at the Florida Strawberry Festival this year.

This year’s Florida Strawberry Festival may not have all of the big-name headline entertainment of years past, but that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck if you want to see a good show. BREANNE WILLIAMS Yes, the headline entertainment was canceled this year out of an abundance of caution. However, the Florida Strawberry Festival upped the ante making sure there is plenty of entertainment throughout the grounds to keep folks smiling and making memories with their families. The festival requires social distancing at events, so make sure you get to a show early if you want to attend. The majority of the bands coming to the stage have already developed a loyal following in the community thanks to their appearances at Krazy Kup, a coffee house in downtown that prides itself on bringing high-quality entertainment to the community year-round in its music loft. Circus Incredible, which runs daily at 12:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. and is sponsored by Visions of Outdoor Living is an on the grounds show that is sure to offer a daring adventure. The group is made up of second, seventh and eighth-generation circus performers and features a member of the famous Wallenda family of performers. You’re guaranteed to see some jawdropping acts, mesmerizing routines and thrilling feats of strength. One of the most anticipated events this year is the Florida Strawberry Festival Talent Show. The first round was on Feb. 28 at the Industry in Plant City. The second round is at 6 p.m. March 6 at the festival and the third round will be March 13 at the festival. The competition will be a great way to check out the local talent and perhaps discover your new favorite star. HOLA Plant City! Is a classic show that has long packed the house at the festival. It will close out the festival at 6 p.m. March 14 and is always a performance I will go out of my way to watch. It’s fun, it’s filled with fantastic music and the energy is going to send this festival out with a bang.

JUSTIN KLINE Gospel Night with Pastor Calvin “Pee Wee” Callins is always an uplifting experience where the passion radiating from the stage is unmistakable. Callins is a local pastor (at Greater New Hope Anointed Ministries) and a longtime recording artist whose music you can find on major streaming services now. In fact, he just released a new single called “Till the World” last week. Check it out on your preferred streaming service and then go see the live show for yourself. If gospel’s your jam, you won’t be disappointed. That’s been a staple of the festival’s entertainment lineup for a while now and many old favorites are back at it again for 2021. But the festival also booked a lot of new shows for this year. I can’t vouch for every new band or artist, as this will be the first time I’ve seen or listened to many of them, but there are a couple I can speak on. Sick Hot should be a good time for all you classic rock fans out there. They’ve got the vintage bluesy ‘70s sound down pat for their original tunes and also do covers very well. I’m not missing that show if I can help it. You’ll have a lot of chances to see Born Lonesome play in the Entenmann’s Showcase Tent. If you like bluegrass, you should take one. It’s an acoustic group with a heavy country blues influence that’s been around for just about two years now and plays shows in Plant City fairly often. When you want nothing but good vibes, you can’t beat ska and reggae. The Detectives, who hail from nearby Lakeland, are bringing their blend of live, love and friendship to Plant City twice for the festival. They very well could be two of the most fun shows to attend of this year’s lineup.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER | MARCH 4, 2021 | 2021 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER | MARCH 4, 2021 | 2021 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER | MARCH 4, 2021 | 2021 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE

FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL

UNDERGOES MAJOR PREP TO KEEP ATTENDEES SAFE The festival has spent more than $600,000 on alterations and additions to make the annual festival as safe as possible. BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

he Florida Strawberry Festival is here and while the homage to strawberries and the hometown feel is sure to remain, a few changes lie ahead for those who wish to attend. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has had staff at the festival on the edge of their seats for months. The decision to host the annual festival was one staff did not take lightly. President Paul Davis said they created a committee solely dedicated toward monitoring the virus, staying up-to-date on the latest expert medical statements and evaluating the best steps forward for the festival. Davis said they realized that it would be best to cancel the headline entertainment. Thousands flock to the stadium for each show as the concerts are as legendary as the festival itself, which means thousands sit shoulder-to-shoulder in the grandstands and on the floor. “We just felt there was no way for people to sit together in that arena and be safe,” Davis said. “It wasn’t about the money, we didn’t even try to negotiate prices, we just honestly felt there was no place safely we could do it. We did a lot of looking out there and decided if we decided to do our senior shows, let's say the Oak Ridge Boys

shows. They bring around 3,000 people if we are socially distancing seats. My seniors would have to go all the way to the top of the bleachers and there’s no way our friends could do that.” So, the shows were canceled. Davis decided to set up a smaller stage in front and then add two 30x30-foot tents with picnic tables that are socially distanced. If someone wants to come see one of the bands that have been booked to fill the festival with free entertainment, they’re welcome to as long as there is a free table. Crew members will sanitize each table as soon as a family leaves. Masks are required at the festival as well. Those who don’t have one will be provided one at the gate. There will be signs up all over the festival reminding people to wear their masks. All volunteers, vendors and staff are required to wear masks as well. The rides will be socially distanced and there will be a few less than prior years as well. The lines will be socially distanced and monitored so they aren’t out into the walkways. The Midway has long been a hangout spot for youth and families, but Davis said this is not the year to linger in large groups. Staff will be monitoring the area and groups will be asked to keep mov-

ing if they are seen standing around in the walkways. The festival has also purchased more than 130 hand sanitizing stations. When paired with the hand washing stations already in place, it ensures you’ll be in eyesight of a station to sanitize and clean off after touching things anywhere you turn. There is a staff member walking around all day to check to make sure the stations are filled and the batteries are charged. Each has an individual number posted on it as well as a visible phone number to call if someone attempts to use it and finds it’s empty. If they call and report the number, a staff member will immediately come out and refill it. The Florida Strawberry Festival is taking steps that go above and beyond to ensure all attendees are safe. Each building was recently sanitized by ECO SHIELD. The company fumigates the buildings to kill microbial diseases. The festival plans on having the company refumigate throughout the entire festival. Massive in-depth cleanings will be done every day and night at the festival. The agriculture barn, for example, will have a crew come in each night with a truck to clean each thing by hand and then the

entire building will be fogged. The festival has put together a COVID Compliance Team as well that will walk around the festival making sure things remain CDCcompliant. If there are areas that need to be tweaked, they’ll immediately notify staff. If someone is walking around and not complying with the rules, they intervene. “We have a medical doc, a risk manager from a corporate company, an assistant manager of the festival, a representative of the Midway, a representative from the ag facility, someone from every area that will help us keep everyone in line,” Davis said. “And if they see something we need to change, we are going to change it. We take this seriously and we recognize that we have to have a fluid plan that can adapt as the festival is happening and we see new needs.” Davis said they fully expect there to be a reduced attendance this year due to the ongoing pandemic. With the vaccines not yet widely distributed people are still playing it safe. However, there will be counters at the gates and the festival is prepared to limit those who are allowed in to keep the festival grounds safe for everyone if attendance swells.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER | MARCH 4, 2021 | 2021 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE

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The festival grounds cover approximately 114 acres with many more acres set aside as parking lots. It’s easy to spread out, even if thousands are inside, and by limiting the number of “congregation appeals” like the headline entertainment it helps ensure people will keep moving around the property. “We are doing our best to keep everyone safe,” Davis said “We think we have a good plan. We’ve really spent a lot of time on thinking of as many things as we can. For example, (at the time of this interview) all of our sinks in the restrooms and the urinals and toilets are being changed to no-touch valves. It's a major undertaking. All of the main buildings putting air conditioned scrubbers in the air so that nothing but clean air is being circulated. Like the ag area. All of the air is being blown out and coming back in through 110 filters.” The bathroom overhaul will have been completed well before the first day of the festival. Davis said there was no way people were going to go into the bathrooms, use them, flush one of the 400 toilets on the property and give the attendees time to sanitize everything quickly enough between each use. Then you have to add in the fact there are people who don’t sanitize when they’re done. The best thing he felt the festival could do was to have no-touch appliances. There will also be attendants in there wiping down the entire facility all day long. According to Davis, the festival is spending approximately $600,000 on changes to make the festival as safe as possible. Every single person volunteering or working at the festival will be doing their part to make sure the experience is as safe as possible. The festival’s ride operator has a policy written for all of his vendors. The festival is focusing largely on messaging. Davis said they are really putting the message out. He noticed that at the Super Bowl and at UF

games, someone was walking around with a sign that says “please wear a mask” and he believes the friendly reminder seemed to work better than someone walking up and being the “mask police.” So the staff leaned into the mindset and will have messaging up all over the festival to remind attendees of the rules. There will also be frequent announcements to remind attendees of the new rules. Another noticeable change will be the number of ambassadors on the property. Davis said it will be “reduced substantially” this year. A lot of volunteers are senior citizens and will still stay away from the crowds. Those who do come to volunteer will have multiple assets in place to ensure they are safe. Davis purchased foggers for the information booths and will have them sprayed every day. There are shields built in to a lot of the desks throughout the festival where guests can walk up and ask for help or for information. The tents that house much of the entertainment on the property will not act as a “lounge” for attendees this year either. If you want to come to a show, you should come early because the only way you can stay is if you get one of the socially distanced seats. There will not be standing room and the tent will close once the seats are full. Once the show is over, everyone will be escorted out of the tent and it will be shut down to be cleaned and sanitized. There will also be isolation tents in the park so if someone comes in and then begins to develop symptoms, EMS will have a safe and secure area to administer aid. Air purifying systems were purchased for each station. Davis said he’s aware people will not agree with some of their choices no matter what the festival has chosen to do. He simply said, “You can’t please everyone” and added that not having the festival at all would have massively impacted the future

of those in this community. Last year, he said, the ag shows — steer, swine and plant sales — raised approximately $1.37 million. That was spread among approximately 300 children. He said they have youth come back every year and tell them they wouldn’t have been able to afford to go to college without that money. He also added that the Florida Strawberry Festival is an agriculture fair at its very core. It was created to celebrate the strawberry harvest and so if they were going to have a 2021 festival, it needed to happen while the harvest was still going on. Davis said their plan to keep everyone safe is detailed and fluid. He hopes everyone does their part in making sure that when they come they are being as safe and respectful of others as possible. But he said he firmly believes that while this year will be unlike any other attendees will still have a wonderful experience at the communitycentric festival. “You’re either all in or you’re not, and that’s how we felt,” Davis said. “We are doing a lot of things we hope will make a big difference. We can’t make everyone happy, but we have to be able to go to sleep at night knowing that we did everything we could to keep people safe. This is going to be a great festival. We just ask that you work with us to make sure this is safe and enjoyable for all of our guests.”

I joke a lot, but COVID-19 is no joke. Please mask up, sanitize when you have to and stay safe out there.

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER | MARCH 4, 2021 | 2021 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE

I think I could be a star on TikTok. I’ve got the personality, the looks and the cake. Gordon Ramsay couldn’t roast me! anyone who hasn’t attended the parade before to make it a priority with their loved ones. That family atmosphere wove through the entire pageant. The

Meet Strawberry Queen

MCKENNA JORDAN

Jordan’s grace on the stage, confident nature and love for her community led to her receiving the crown in January. BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

cKenna Jordan, 17, was one of 29 girls who graced the stage at the Florida Strawberry Festival grounds this year hoping to be lucky enough to claim the coveted crown. Top 10 was called and she joined the other girls on the stage. Then top five was announced, and soon her name echoed around the building as the 2020 Strawberry Queen Meghan White placed the crown on Jordan’s head. It was a night she’ll remember for the rest of her life and she said she’s ready to work hard representing the festival in what is sure to be a year unlike any other. Last year, the Florida Strawberry Festival was one of the last in the country to be held before the rapid arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic brought activities to an immediate close. When the 2021 festival opens its gates, it will be one of the first in the nation to do so. In order to keep all attendees safe, the festival has already announced big changes to the upcoming event including canceling all headline concerts, adding sanitation stations and more. “I’d say that I’m most looking forward to serving as the Strawberry Queen through such a hard time as this pandemic,” Jordan said. “It’s a big responsibility, but I do think it will be such an honor to represent the festival during this time. I hope that we can help have that positive outlook for the festival and just bring some joy to people’s lives, because so many people have been without that for a long time now.”

The pageant also reflected the new reality the world is still living in. Tickets were cut off well before the room reached capacity — though approximately 600 people still attended — and the Lions Club of Plant City offered a new way to view the event: a Zoom viewing. Hundreds bought the virtual ticket and watchers tuned in from their homes, restaurants and even their cars. In a way, the virtual ticket opened the door for even more people to watch the massive event, which typically is the talk of the town for months to come. So many people logged on at the start of the pageant that the site crashed. Luckily it was quickly fixed and everyone was eventually able to tune in. Jordan, whose bold character and confidence were praised by her fellow court members, said she and the rest of the court members know they’re going to have an experience unlike any court before them. But she said they’re ready to do their part to make sure every person who walks onto the festival grounds feels the same hometown, welcoming atmosphere that has always been present. The new Queen was born and raised in Plant City and is a part of the Parke family, a foundation of the community, a legendary strawberry growing family and the creators of the Parkesdale Farm Market. She remembers her aunt Sandee Sytsma sneaking her into the palace as a child to meet the Queen and Court and said she always knew she wanted to make those memories with a group of friends of her own.

“I hope to share that mindset of always being kind and be empathetic toward others while I’m Queen,” Jordan said. “You have no idea what others are going through and it’s really important to treat everyone with as much kindness and respect and love that you can.” Every member of the court this year echoed that vow and said they hope they are able to bring a warm and welcoming presence with them everywhere they go. Part of her success, she believes, came from a simple piece of advice her father taught her growing up. She said he is her biggest role model and he taught her that any job you do is worth doing to the best of your ability. “He taught me that no matter what, the most important thing is to be myself,” Jordan said. “That’s what I would tell anyone who wants to go out for the pageant in the future. Don’t try to be someone you’re not. My evening gown was very simple and a lot of my family members weren’t sure if the judges would like it, but that wasn’t why I was doing the pageant. I was going to be who I wanted to be and if the judges didn’t like that, that was OK. But it turns out they want to see your genuine self. So don’t overthink it. Be yourself.” Her favorite thing to do is attend the Grand Parade every year with her family. She said they set up a big tent, sit by the side of the route and have a great day. Kids run around playing and having a great time and the family catches up and spends time enjoying the fun experience together. She heavily encourages

What made you want to go out for the pageant? My great-grandparents are Roy and Helen Parke, so when my dad and stepmom got married I was married into the family. Parkesdale is a huge part of who I am now and the festival is a huge part of them. Growing up, it was me always being at the festival and my Aunt Sandee (Sytsma) was always sneaking me into the Palace and seeing girls and seeing (the Queen and Court’s) stations. I always thought that was absolutely amazing and I would love to be a part of this experience and to get to be a part of what they do for others in the community.

court said everyone who went out for the pageant clicked from day one and supported and cheered each other on. The new court hopes to bring that element of camaraderie with them wherever they go. “The festival, it isn’t like anything else,” Jordan said. “It’s the pride of this community and people feel like they have a sense of ownership to it. They have memories there, they are making new memories there. This is a small town and this is ours and we all feel responsible to make sure that it is a wonderful experience for every person that attends.”

tive outlook for the festival and just bring some joy to people’s lives, because so many people have been without that for a long time now. We’ve been locked up for a year. What shows/movies/books/ video games did you binge to get through it? I’ve watched all of “You” in 24 hours. That was addicting. I also rewatched “The Vampire Diaries.” That has been a lot of fun. Do all of you use TikTok? If so what niche side are you on? BookTok? FoodieTok? AltTok/ EliteTok? ArtTok?

What was your family’s reaction when your name was called?

CatTok. My For You Page is just cat videos everywhere.

My dad immediately ran toward the stage and gave me a fist-bump. He did that for me in Calendar Girl last year. He was in tears. My whole family was in tears. My aunt and uncle were at O’Brien’s and someone there was watching it on their phone and started yelling out that I had been crowned. So the whole restaurant freaked out and the band stopped what they were doing and then played a song for all of us. I thought it was really cool.

What’s next for you?

If you could pick one word to sum up your personality, what would it be?

Which famous person in history would you want to spend the day with?

I’m going to say my word is “bold.” I am not afraid to say what I’m thinking or feeling and I’m not afraid to stick up for other people. When I set my mind to something, I do it.

Shawn Mendes. I had scoliosis surgery and right after the surgery, I went to his concert and he grabbed my hand. He came to Tampa and came with Camilla to Oxford Exchange. We all joked that we had just missed them.

What are you most excited for at the festival? I’d say I’m most looking forward to serving as the Strawberry Queen through such a hard time as this pandemic. It’s a big responsibility, but I do think it will be such an honor to represent the festival during this time. I hope that we can help have that posi-

My school is undecided, but right now I hope to attend UCF to study nursing. I had back surgery and I don’t remember a whole lot from that week, but I remember the way my nurses treated me. That’s what’s important. I don’t remember the pain I was in, but I remember the way they made me feel. I want to be a Pediatric ER nurse to help other kids they way they helped me.

What fictional character do you most relate to? Alex from “Wizards of Waverly Place.” She’s bold and sarcastic and not afraid to say what she’s thinking. And she really values her friends and family and looks out for them.

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER | MARCH 4, 2021 | 2021 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE

MEET FIRST MAID

AVERY SURRENCY

Avery Surrency is the First Maid in the 2021 Strawberry Queen’s Court.

What made you want to go out for the pageant?

and start the day with that mindset. I believe that as long as I have that good outlook, I can make the most of each day.

Do all of you use TikTok? If so what niche side are you on? BookTok? FoodieTok? AltTok/ EliteTok? ArtTok?

What are you most excited for at the festival?

DIY TikTok. I think the videos are so entertaining when they’re like, “Do you have a hole in your shirt? No fear, you can fix it in five minutes with these common household items.” That’s fascinating to me. I watch them all the time.

What I’m most excited for is being able to highlight things at the festival that people either underestimate or forget that we have. I know one of my favorite things is the Queen’s Hall of Fame and I’ve been showing livestock for years. Everyone knows we have the food and games and everything, but hopefully we can highlight some of the other things so that people can find something new to love at the festival.

For me, I think it was the fact that I grew up around the festival and have been going to the pageant every single year, really every single year since I was 5 years old. And seeing the Queen’s exhibit, the Hall of Fame they have at the festival every year and hoping that I could one day be a part of that. It’s a tradition the festival appreciates so much and I think everyone who goes there feels that. I’ve always wanted to be Strawberry Queen or a member of her court and to be a part of that tradition, so I think that’s what made me decide to go out.

We’ve been locked up for a year. What shows/movies/books/ video games did you binge to get through it?

What was your family’s reaction when your name was called?

Bachelor Nation. All of it. I rushed home from an event (Monday) night and dad was FaceTiming me and pointing his phone at the TV so I wouldn’t miss what was happening. Then I got home and we watched it together. I’ve seen really everything related to that. Oh, and I’ve been watching all of the Harry Potter movies.

I think my family was just very shocked and very ecstatic when my name was called out. Going into the pageant, I was just wanting to do my best and honestly I never dreamed I would make it this far. It was such an honor. I had a lot of family and friends there. They were so loud and screaming, it’s all I could hear once my name was called. If you could pick one word to sum up your personality, what would it be? My word would definitely be “positive” because my life motto is basically “If you can’t have a positive outlook, you never know whats going to come out of your day.” I always try to remind myself with a prayer each morning

What’s next for you? Hopefully I will attend USF. And a big thing for me is to continue to cheer in college and then get a degree in journalism and news broadcasting. Which famous person in history would you want to spend the day with? Mine would have to be Reba. I’m the biggest Reba fan and I’ve been to so many of her concerts. I grew up listening to her music and watching her show. My whole family loves her. We have had so many car karaoke sessions to her albums. What fictional character do you most relate to? Ron Weasley. He’s really quirky and he has a lot of similar qualities to me. For example, I’m spontaneous at times and will do things because it feels like the right thing to do, but I won’t think about all of the consequences. He and I just share a lot of day-to-day actions.

I auditioned for Bachelor Nation once. They told me I was sweet, but too File photos

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER | MARCH 4, 2021 | 2021 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE

MEET STRAWBERRY QUEEN COURT MEMBER

BRYNNE MURPHY Brynne Murphy is a member of the 2021 Strawberry Queen's Court.

What made you want to go out for the pageant?

What are you most excited for at the festival?

When I first moved here, I started going to the festival when I was really little and always saw the Queen and Court. They were always so kind and seemed to have so much fun. Then, once I got older, I realized how much experience they were able to gain through this role. I really wanted to be a part of that.

I’m really excited about seeing the Milton E. Hull Building. I’ve done the photography contest in the past and I love going back every year. I think it’s incredible how they take the theme each year and turn it into wonderful pieces of art. Especially the children’s category. Those are always my favorite.

What was your family’s reaction when your name was called?

We’ve been locked up for a year. What shows/movies/books/ video games did you binge to get through it?

My sister actually had to watch the pageant online and she videoed her reaction as well as her whole soccer team, who watched it with her. A few of them had never seen a pageant before, and so when I was called they were all screaming at the TV like they were cheering on a soccer game. It was amazing. If you could pick one word to sum up your personality, what would it be? I think my word would be “optimistic.” I feel like I’ve had to face a lot of adversity in my life and I’ve learned to help me keep going, I have to always look forward to something. I am notorious for saying, “Who’s excited?” or “What are you most excited for?” whenever I’m with people doing something. I think it’s fun to be excited about things and I love that one person can kind of help cheer up an entire group.

File photos

I think I finished “Outer Banks” in, like, three days. Oh, and I’ve rewatched “Gossip Girl.” Do all of you use TikTok? If so what niche side are you on? BookTok? FoodieTok? AltTok/ EliteTok? ArtTok? Random TikTok. My feed is full of the most random videos ever. What’s next for you? I want to become an orthodontist. I really like how my dentist and orthodontist interacted with me. A lot of kids get really scared when they go and if their orthodontist is caring and makes an effort for them to feel safe it can really change their entire experience. I want to be that person for other kids.

Which famous person in history would you want to spend the day with? I’m debating between two. Princess Diana, I think her sense of style is so amazing and she seems like she would have been an incredible woman to talk to. But also Charlotte Rosenberg, the first Strawberry Festival Queen. I would love to talk about how different it was back then compared to now and just talk about what Plant City was like then. I think it would be fascinating. What fictional character do you most relate to? Alexis from “Schitt’s Creek.” I can be very oblivious at times. I was born with blonde hair and although I don’t have it now, I feel like I still do.

We should all walk through life in really nice shoes. These are just the only ones I can find in my

PLANT CITY OBSERVER | MARCH 4, 2021 | 2021 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE

PlantCityObserver.com What made you want to go out for the pageant? Just growing up here and always going to the festival. Even though I didn’t know the Strawberry Queen personally, as a guest I always felt that they cared about me in some shape and form. And watching the girls make friendships every year together, I wanted to be a part of that. I’ve heard different girls experiences with the pageant and it was always so positive. I wanted to represent our community and help make sure that everyone that goes to the festival felt just as welcomed and loved as I did. What was your family’s reaction when your name was called? I’m pretty sure I felt the ground shaking. My family has always been super close. My cousin Maddie was First Maid two years ago so watching her go through everything, it kind of built of the excitement for when I was in it. But also, this was my first pageant. I’ve never been on stage or done anything like this before so me making it into top 10, I thought my mom was going to pass out. Everyone was so excited, and then for top five the ground was shaking. Everyone was so excited. I didn’t think I would make it that far because it was my very first time, but I am so incredibly blessed to have them on my side. That excitement kind of made me feel more confident in myself. If you could pick one word to sum up your personality, what would it be? “Unexpected.” I was super shy in middle school going into high school, and all of a sudden I wanted to do student government and

get more involved in my school. I went through all the motions and now I’m president of my student government. I loved it and I became so involved in school that I wanted to do Strawberry Queen and represent my community in that way as well. You never know whats going to happen with me, I get an idea and follow it through. So yeah, I’d definitely say, “unexpected.”

Do all of you use TikTok? If so what niche side are you on? Booktok? Foodietok? AltTok/ EliteTok? ArtTok?

What are you most excited for at the festival?

I want to study sports marketing, hopefully at Florida State, but that’s undecided. Then one day I will hopefully work for the Bucs. I love the idea of growing your fanbase and it would mean so much to me to be able to help someone make memories with a team just like I have growing up.

I’m probably most excited about meeting so many new people. I’m an outgoing person and I’m really looking forward to getting to know people not just in this community, but state and nationwide as well. From a worldwide point of view we have so many people that come through our gates during the festival and I want to make sure they feel welcome there. We’ve been locked up for a year. What shows/movies/ books/videogames did you binge to get through it? Every Tuesday during pageant rehearsals, we did a rundown of what we watched on Monday. I’m more into the safe shows like “Friends” or “Gilmore Girls.” Those are my go-tos, but lately I’ve also gotten into the Marvel movies. I even have a list of my top five favorites now. It’s so unexpected of me to watch Marvel movies if you know what I usually watch, but I’ve enjoyed it.

MEET COURT MEMBER

KATE TURNER

I’m not sure what the word for it is so I’m going to call it MomTok. My For You page is just a lot of home improvement and cooking videos. What’s next for you?

Which famous person in history would you want to spend the day with? I love Dolly Parton because of her service side along with her career. She is so successful, but she spends the majority of her time giving back to others. She gives books to children so they can learn to read and have a book of their own. Every time you turn on the news you hear that she’s donating to something new. For my Sweet 16 all I wanted was to go to Dollywood in Pigeon Forge and so that’s what we did. What fictional character do you most relate to? Lorelai Gilmore. Part of it is the caffeine addiction. She’s also very hardworking and knows her responsibilities, but at the same time is always ready to have a night out with her friends. File photos

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER | MARCH 4, 2021 | 2021 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE

MEET COURT MEMBER

KELLIEANNE KIRKLAND

What made you want to go out for the pageant?

What are you most excited for at the festival?

Back in 2015, the queen at the time was Samantha Sun. I performed at Empty Bowls and I was sick at the time so my vocals were not up to par. I was just critiquing the way I sounded and upset with the fact that I knew I could do better and Samantha came up to me and said how amazing I was and encouraged me to never stop singing. Just the way she engaged with me, I’ve never forgotten it. She brought me so much joy and made me feel so great about myself. That memory really made me want to do the pageant, I want to use my time on the court to make other people feel the way I did.

Definitely the food. I am so excited for the food: the Amish doughnut, the chocolate-covered bacon. My dad and I always used to go get an Amish doughnut. And I found out Avery’s never had one, so that is one of my main goals while we are there. After all, festival calories don’t count.

What was your family’s reaction when your name was called? My brother, his girlfriend was a really big part of helping me prepare and get ready for this, my brother had to hold her and my mom down when my number was called. They were screaming and clapping and crying. They were all so excited. If you could pick one word to sum up your personality, what would it be? I feel like the best word is “confident.” That’s a big part of who I am. Growing up, I had to learn who I really was and how to determine my skills as a person. My mom aways taught me the importance of being who I am and not who other people want me to be. I told the judges I want to teach young girls to love who they are like my mom taught me.

We’ve been locked up for a year. What shows/movies/books/ videogames did you binge to get through it? Cobra Kai” and “The Umbrella Academy.” I’m very into the “Stranger Things” vibe so I’ve been watching a lot of those types of shows. Oh and I love “Star Wars.” I’ve been watching those a lot as well. Do all of you use TikTok? If so what niche side are you on? Booktok? Foodietok? AltTok/EliteTok? ArtTok? Dog and Food TikTok and Christian TikTok.

Which famous person in history would you want to spend the day with? Dolly Parton. She is my role model. I am obsessed with Dolly Parton. She was such an influence on my singing. I have so many memories of growing up and listening to her music with my family and friends. What fictional character do you most relate to? Hannah Montana. I’m a singer and the personalities just match.

Have you met my cousin at Peachey’s on an Amish doughnut run? You couldn’t forget her if you tried — she’s a real “Sweetheart.”

What’s next for you? I plan to go to a four-year university. I want to study broadcast and communications to be an ESPN reporter.

ONLINE File photos

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

PLANT CITY OBSERVER | MARCH 4, 2021 | 2021 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE

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WHERE TO GET YOUR STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE FIX

If you eat strawberry shortcake every year at the festival, you may notice things look a little different this year. We’ve got a list of where to find the shortcake, as well as what new policies are in place. BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

ome old shortcake favorites are gone and some exciting new players are stepping up to the plate after the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic shook things up this year. Traditionally, St. Clement Catholic Church, the East Hillsborough Historical Society and Transforming Life Church offer slightly different strawberry shortcake experiences at different locations throughout the festival grounds. This year, St. Clement and the EHHS chose to hit pause on their productions and are temporarily passing the torch to another group. But you can’t have a strawberry festival without shortcake. And while Transforming Life Church remained, it would have been quite a load for them to singlehandedly process the demand for the sweet and refreshing treat. The festival decided that it would find some replacements. However, President Paul Davis said they would not have any make-your-own shortcake available this year on the grounds as it would be impossible to keep it sanitized and ensure that everyone followed the rules to keep people safe. So, if your mouth starts watering for a biscuit or shortcake topped with strawberries and whipped cream you can easily scratch that itch. You’ll just have to do it with a pre-made shortcake — a small price to pay to keep folks safe. After all, this is Plant City. All shortcake made here will be pretty dang good. Even if someone else is scooping out the portions.

Transforming Life Church will still be inside the Smithfield Strawberry Tent scooping out shortcakes all day long for guests. Parkesdale Express and Berry Amaz’n, LLC, will replace St. Clement Catholic Church Make-Your-Own Strawberry Shortcake and East Hillsborough Historical Society Shortcake for 2021. “We are honored to have Parkesdale Express and Berry Amaz’n serving shortcake to our guests at the upcoming festival,” Florida Strawberry Festival President Paul Davis said in a press release. “Both businesses have a well-known history of providing some of the most delicious shortcake and strawberry desserts that are sure to please.” Parkesdale Express will be easy for returning attendees to find: it will be set up in the Parke Exhibit Building right next to the Parkesdale Farms and Parkesdale Greenhouse booths. Though Parkesdale is no stranger to the festival or to selling its own strawberry shortcakes, this is the first time the market will make and sell its shortcakes at the festival. Berry Amaz’n, LLC will set up northeast of the Parke Exhibit Building near the Pioneer Village. This booth is run by Cindy Griffin, a 29-year veteran of the festival who also owns and operates Mavric’s Chocolate Barn and the Chocolate Strawberry Express on the grounds. Griffin also provides the strawberries for both of the festival’s strawberry stemming contests. Berry Amaz’n, LLC will serve traditional strawberry shortcakes and a new creation called the Strawberry Brownie Delight.

Now I know how some of you feel when you go to a family reunion one year and see a bunch of brand new faces there.

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER | MARCH 4, 2021 | 2021 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE

MEGHAN WHITE SAYS FAREWELL Meghan White reigned as the Florida Strawberry Festival Queen in 2020. The Strawberry Festival is a favorite tradition and a magical place to be. Neon lights glow from rides, hugs are exchanged endlessly, fantastic music can always be heard and sweet treats are available with every step a visitor takes. The Strawberry Queen and Court have the honor to be ambassadors for this community and the festival. It is a position that I have always respected and been inspired by. January 18, 2020, I felt an abundance of joy when I heard my name announced as the 2020 Florida Strawberry Festival Queen and Miss Congeniality. An enormous thank you must first go out to the Plant City Lions Club for sponsoring the pageant every year and investing so much passion into making this experience positive for each contestant. The court and I are extremely grateful to have received generous scholarships which allow us to continue to expand our education. We value your organization so deeply. Specifically, I would like to thank Ms. Gail and Mr. George. Ms. Gail, your enthusiastic smile will forever have the power to light up a room. Mr. George, it is your pinky promise that got me on the stage a second year. To the Florida Strawberry Festival Directors and your spouses, thank you so much for welcoming us with open arms into your family. We only ever felt love and support from you. It was a blast hanging out with you. Mr. Paul, you are the best Royal Van driver. I feel so grateful to have been able to get to know your kind-heartedness and love for the Strawberry Festival first-hand. Your highfives truly kept us going. Mr. Dub and Ms. Pec, thank you for hosting so many fun events and for cooking up superior food. To Uncle Timmy, we are so happy to have been able to get to know you. Thank you for protecting us and caring about us. You are our favorite bodyguard. To our Strawberry Moms, it is hard to express in words how great you are. You have the balance of “work hard, play hard” down to a science. You lead us with so much grace and love. Thank you for always feeding our immense appetites, especially with spaghetti. Ms. Donna, your love for the Lord is contagious and can always be seen through your actions, intentions, and heart. Ms. Lori, you always had our backs and were the first to offer a hug when needed. The two of you are an awesome pair and you are the best Strawberry Moms I could have ever imagined. To the four girls who I could not have done this journey without, I love you guys so much. I am in awe of how

close we got in such a short amount of time. I am grateful that we were all so intentional in how we got to know each other. We learned the ins and outs of each other, and it led to zero conflict. We were truly meant to be best friends and we were absolutely supposed to experience this year together. Kennedy, Lacie, Emma and Denim, each offered something so priceless to this group. We apparently were a court which ate a lot and, with four plates in front of us each hour, we loved to ponder why. Kinnerdy, you are the life of the party. Thank you for understanding my entirely weird personality and abstract sense of humor. Thank you for always being a friend to goof off with but also a shoulder to cry on. I have loved getting to know the woman that you are. Silky, our little baby. I will forever love your fashion and style sense. You are so awesome, and I am so proud of all you have accomplished. Thank you for being judgement free and a favorite friend to talk to. Mooma, you have such a strong-willed personality, it is incredible. I appreciate how honest you are. You will tell it how it is and its always with the benefit of the receiver in mind. I hope we can travel North America together soon. Levis, we have been friends for years now but with each day I gain more respect for you. I feel like I can confide in you with all things, for you will listen and support. I am thankful for the passion of law and detective skills that we possess together. I am lucky to have been able to hear all your psychological analyses and daily devotionals. I have no doubt you ladies are going great places. Thank you to my family, friends, and teachers who supported me through this journey, I am grateful for your patience with my hectic schedule and, at times, stress. I could not have done this without you. Momma, thanks for being my obnoxious number one fan and my favorite stalker. I loved having your love 24/7 at events and at home. Daddy, thank you giving me such great life and foundation to follow my dreams. You are my biggest role model and the best person to call for life advice. I love you guys so much, thanks for being the best team and the best parents. As my reign comes to an end, I can look back with satisfaction on my time as the Florida Strawberry Festival Queen. No other place is special enough to feel like home to people from across the globe. Thank you for allowing us to serve as the 2020 Florida Strawberry Festival Queen and Court. This opportunity meant the world to us. We feel forever blessed.

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER | MARCH 4, 2021 | 2021 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE

CHEST PRESSURE

CAUTION NARROWED ARTERIES AHEAD

Chest pressure, a squeezing sensation or chest pain. These feelings may be angina, a symptom of heart disease. Your heart comes with a warning system called angina, which happens when part of the heart doesn’t get enough blood and oxygen. Angina is a symptom of coronary artery disease (CAD), a type of heart disease that occurs when arteries that carry blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked. Although angina often feels like a pinching sensation in the chest, it can also be accompanied by sluggishness, fatigue and chest tightness. If you experience any of these symptoms, the heart experts at BayCare’s South Florida Baptist Hospital can quickly get to the cause and treat it with a procedure that’s right for you. Diagnosing and treating CAD is just one area of our expertise in heart care. Using state-of-the-art technology, our compassionate and multidisciplinary team of experts provides a suite of other advanced heart care services. From treatment options for rhythm disorders like AFib and heart attacks, care for advanced heart failure through our Heart Function Clinic, to helping you recover with cardiac rehab, South Florida Baptist Hospital is here when you and your heart need us. And we have enhanced safety measures to help keep you protected, so you can feel secure getting the care you need. Learn more and get a cardiology referral: SouthFloridaBaptistHeart.org

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER | MARCH 4, 2021 | 2021 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE

WHAT TO WALK FOR Don’t know what to do besides eat your weight in festival food? The Observer staffers are Florida Strawberry Festival veterans and can help. There’s so much to do at the Florida Strawberry Festival on any given day, it might be overwhelming to look at the schedule if you’re not a regular. Fortunately for you, the Plant City Observer staff knows the festival like the backs of their hands. Here’s what the staffers like to do when they step onto the festival grounds every year: BREANNE WILLIAMS

One of the main reasons guests return year after year to the Florida Strawberry Festival is because the 11-day event doesn’t feel like a traditional fair, but rather offers a glimpse into a small, hometown life many only ever dream about. Much of its charm comes from its mass of volunteers. Instead of having a limited staff walking the grounds to answer questions or direct those in need toward their next destination, the festival has ambassadors. It’s a tradition President Paul Davis has often said both baffles and impresses fair programs throughout the country. More than 2,500 people give up their time every single year to volunteer at the Florida Strawberry Festival. They want to be there and they genuinely hope that every single person that walks through the gates falls in love with Plant City by the time they leave. They open their hearts to strangers and few ever forget it. Because of those unique interactions I’ve long believed the festival is the perfect place to do one of my all-time favorite pastimes: people watch. Locals frequently share traditions with families walking the festival grounds for the first time. If you pay attention, you’ll be shocked what advice you can pick up just by making the effort to be observant. One of the best places to learn a bit of history at the festival is the Strawberry Queens’ Exhibit in Neighborhood Village. Red carpet lines the path through time as you can take a moment out of the heat to soak in some knowledge. The pictures paint a wonderful foundation for the history of the community, but if you stand still long enough you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at the lives the queens and courts have touched over the years. Folks will often walk the exhibit with friends or family and point at the photos of women they know. Soon stories are shared — some comical, some heartwarming — and memories of the year one specific queen reigned are shared over laughter and sometimes tears. You don’t even have to leave the building to the character of the community brought fully to life. Neighborhood Village proudly displays handmade submissions for a variety of competitions. The kids’ booth shows hand-painted canvases, intricately built LEGO sets and homemade jewelry. In the corner you can witness hand-knitted and crocheted masterpieces that would make even the most talented sewers go green with envy. Walk a bit further and you’ll see a display of elaborately cooked, constructed and decorated cakes. The love put into each recipe evident with every whimsical fondant flower and stroke of icing. A row of homemade sweets, jams and other delectables line the back wall. Many of the submissions could easily belong in best selling cookbook. Grandmothers point out their submissions to their grandkids and tell stories of coming here with their own parents. Children excitedly push their faces close toward the glass to see if their hard work earned them a colorful ribbon. Yes, you can hop on a thrilling ride at the festival or sit down for a relaxing show. However, if you want to capture the very soul of Plant City, make

sure you take a moment walk the rows of Neighborhood Village. However, if you’re looking for a more active escape, I feel like the answer lies on the opposite end of the festival in the ag buildings. If you can only watch one show, I highly recommend you choose to plan your trip around either the Dairy Costume Ball or the Lamb Costume Contest. On March 7, youth will dress up their best dairy cow and parade them into the Patterson Co. Livestock Arena at 12:30 p.m. In the past we’ve seen Moobacca and Han Solo, an Einstein cow, a cup of Swiss Miss hot chocolate and even a chef with “a bun in the oven.” The sheep have their moment on the runway the next day. The Lamb costume contest is also at the Patterson Co. Livestock arena and begins at 7 p.m. March 8. Youth grab their best lamb companion and commit to unique themes. Some are dressed as strawberries, others are shimmering fish that are running away from a determined fisher. The uniqueness of each entry as well as the hilarity that often ensues makes each of these a must-see. JUSTIN KLINE

When I’m not here to work, my top priority is to eat. I’m not gonna lie. And we’ve written plenty about food elsewhere in this guide, so I’ll go further down my list. I enjoy watching the animal shows here. I love the livestock costume contests as much as Breanne does, but I’m a sportswriter by trade and I like to see some action in my shows, too. Needless to say, I’m always up for the Robinson’s Racing Pigs shows. Cute critters, an athletic contest and free admission? Sign me up. The festival has booked some solid family-friendly magic acts and I always like to stop to watch when I’m walking by one of them. And after going down a YouTube rabbit hole for magic shows in the last few months (thanks, algorithm), I’m here for Scott’s World of Magic, too. When I want to beat the heat, I like to go in the armory building and check out the art contest submissions. I’ve seen some crazy talented artists’ work in there over the years. This year’s show will be a little different as a showcase for Hillsborough County Public Schools Area 6 students’ work, but I’m just as excited to see what’s on display in the building this time around. I also believe that if you want to understand why the strawberry is such a big deal here, you have to go to the Florida Strawberry Growers Association’s setup. You can’t miss it — it’s the miniature strawberry field with farming equipment on site. They can and will tell you everything you could ever want to know about strawberries and the industry. Plus, it’s got some of the best photo opportunities you’ll find anywhere on the grounds. And if you’re really tempted to push the limits of what your body can do, there are always the eating contests. I did the strawberry shortcake eating contest in 2014, my first year on the Observer staff, and it was as delicious as it was physically painful afterward.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER | MARCH 4, 2021 | 2021 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE

PlantCityObserver.com

REVISITING SOME OF OUR FAVORITE FESTIVAL FOODS The Observer staff reflects on some of their favorite festival foods and explores the new list of offerings at this year’s festival.

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

If you’re coming to the Florida Strawberry Festival, my money is on the fact that you intend to get yourself a heaping pile of strawberry shortcake while you’re here. I’m not a betting woman, but I am so confident that shortcake is fully on every attendee’s radar that I’m not going to waste my breath on pointing out some of the best locations around the grounds to get the sweet and delectable dessert. While some humans are able to carve a worthwhile existence out of a strict — and often bland — diet that keeps their arteries clear and their BMI in a healthy range, most of us tend to get genuine joy out of food. We are good most of the time, but when we stray we want it to scratch the itch we’d been ignoring. As a reporter who works in Plant City, I normally find myself at the festival all 11 days. Some days I’m popping in, snapping photos at an event or two and then ducking back to the office. On others, I’m there from open to close as I run around from shows to events to interviews on the grounds. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and all the snacks are fair game.

The truth is, I don’t love fair food. When I do eat it I have to have it in small doses. But there are without a doubt booths at the festival I return to on a near-daily basis. Hands down one of the best experiences you can have at the festival lies with a booth near the entrance to the Midway. You can smell Island Noodles well before you see them, as the savory aroma draws you in like a siren luring a sailor toward a hidden reef. Soba noodles combined with 21 vegetables, garlic, ginger and an island sauce fill massive woks. Chefs whip up fresh batches all day long. The best part? The traditional noodles have no dairy, nuts or meat products. However, if you’re looking for some protein you can add teriyaki chicken breasts, which are prepared with separate utensils than the noodles themselves. I am not exaggerating when I tell you that I was at this booth at least eight times last year. I’d get my take-away box, squirt some sriracha onto the near overflowing mound of noodles, grab a set of chopsticks and walk the Midway. It’s filling, it’s delicious and it’s better than anything I can get at a store. When this year’s festival opens its gates for the first time, I know precisely where I’m headed.

My friends often mock the fact that no matter what time of year they come over, whether they’re dropping by unannounced or give me several weeks’ notice, the one staple that is always in my fridge is cheese. I literally have a drawer dedicated just toward housing the variety of blocks, rolls, bags and waxed cheeses I constantly bring back from the market. It should come as no surprise, then, that Hot Wisconsin Cheese is a top contender for “best festival food of all time.” Two menu items, in my opinion, are top-tier treats. The Cheddar Nuggets are probably the go-to snack you should get if you’re pleasing a group. Hand-cut cubes of cheddar cheese that are battered and fried make these little nuggets a hit for everyone. My personal favorite, however, is the Jalapeño Cheddar. It’s short, hand-cut strips of jalapeño and habanero pepper cheese that they batter, fry and present in all its glory to my usually fartoo-enthusiastic self. It’s spicy. It’s savory. It’s heaven. Word of warning: temperature-wise these babies come out quite toasty so though your heart is going to tell you to inhale them the second they come out, try to wait at least a few seconds before consuming. Usually after I’ve burned off every taste bud in my mouth by

failing to take my own advice and ripping into the fried cheese delights, I’m desperately searching for an icy beverage. The Netterfields are legends at the Florida Strawberry Festival. Their booths are all over the grounds and they have yet to fail to impress with their mouth watering offerings. Though my friends typically go out of their way to get sausage dogs or turkey legs, my favorite item on their menu is without a doubt their strawberry lemonade. Head to the Netterfield’s Popcorn and Lemonade stand on Edwards Street and Pioneer Village. It’s sweet, but not syrupy. Refreshing lemonade with that strawberry twist that makes you really feel like you’re taking advantage of the themed event. The sizes are massive as well, so you’ll sip on the refreshing beverage for ages.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER | MARCH 4, 2021 | 2021 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE

REVISITING SOME FAVORITE FESTIVAL FOODS (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 37)

JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

“Festival calories don’t count” is something you’re guaranteed to hear someone say or read on their t-shirt during the next 11 days. As someone who started to take calorie counts seriously in in my late 20s and early 30s, I wish that was actually, scientifically, true. You’d have to walk around blindfolded with a clothespin on your nose to not find something good to eat on the festival grounds. But I’m not here to be your dietitian or personal trainer and shame you for even thinking about that corn dog. It’s on my mind, too. If you’re like me and enjoy food too much to resist all of the temptation of fried festival fare, you’ll embrace the “cheat day.” This is the best time for a “cheat day” you’re going to get all year. Make the most of it. When I’m eating enough there to (almost) regret the feeling of going way harder in my next workout, I tend to stick to my guns. I’ve got a few favorites that I don’t think you can go wrong with.

I’ve waxed poetic in the past about Pickle Barrel’s sirloin tips and I’ll do it again this time around. That’s my absolute favorite thing to eat at the festival. What’s not to like about a mix of sautéed onions, peppers and mushrooms, steak and mashed potatoes all in one bowl you can walk around with (if you’re feeling brave)? OK, you may not like doing laundry when you get home. That’s all I’ve got. It’s the perfect one-stop meal. The festival’s a great place to get an Italian or Polish sausage, too. A lot of people enjoy Spivey’s and I could also go for one from Netterfield’s right about now. Get some Fiske fries with either one and you’re in for a good time. Everybody knows you have to get strawberry shortcake when you’re at the festival. There are several new shortcake vendors on site this year and I don’t know which one I’m going to try, but I’ll enjoy the pain. When I want something sweet that lactoseintolerant folks like myself can handle with no problems, I go for an Amish doughnut. The hype is

real. Believe it all. Get a fresh one and your whole day will be better for it. Oh yeah, and that corn dog? If you don’t already know, go find Smitty’s and thank me later.

Nonsense! I still believe that festival calories don’t really count. Speaking of which, does anyone need an accountability partner for walking off all those Amish doughnuts when we’re on the grounds? I’m your cakedude.

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER | MARCH 4, 2021 | 2021 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE

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NEW FOODS APPLE PIE SWEET POTATO Two of your favorite “feel-good” food items combined into one delectable dessert. Swirled with butter and a homemade apple pie filing topped with whipped cream and sprinkled with cinnamon sugar. The Apple Pie Sweet Potato is located at Taylor’s Doughboy on the north side of the TECO Expo Hall. BAHAMA BREEZE ITALIAN ICE A mixture of strawberry, pineapple, and mango Italian ice layered with fresh-cut pineapples and strawberries. Located at Domi Italian Ice east of the North Exhibit Tent. CHOCOLATE PINEBERRY DRIZZLE The Pink-A-Boo pineberry treats are a must see and TASTE! They’re the industry’s newest twist on the traditional taste. Served on a stick and drizzled with white or milk chocolate, this sweet strawberry snack is available at the Chocolate Strawberry Express located in the Parke Exhibit Building. Limited availability. DEEP FRIED ÉCLAIR Need we say more? A mini éclair, deep fried till golden brown, dusted with powdered sugar and laced with Ghirardelli milk chocolate. Located at Carousel Concessions near the Neighborhood Village.

DEEP FRIED TRIPLE CHOCOLATE OREO Try a new twist on Deep-Fried Oreos! This delicious dessert is dipped in a “chocolate” cake batter and deep fried to perfection. Topped with sweet powdered sugar, rich chocolate sauce, and whipped cream piled high! The Deep-Fried Triple Chocolate Oreo is located at Taylor’s Doughboy on the southside of the Parke Exhibit Building. JOLLY RANCHER SLUSH Try this refreshing Jolly Rancher slush with a limitededition Florida Strawberry Festival commemorative cup and loads of sweet treats on top! Located at Apple Fries Concession on West Independent near the Arthur Boring Building. MEXICAN STREET BURGER It is a quarter-pound hamburger topped with pepper jack cheese, bacon, cilantro, onion, Mexican street corn, fried avocados and drizzled with a spicy sriracha mayonnaise. Located at Carousel Concessions near the Neighborhood Village.

PIGGY STACK It’s a meal in a bowl! A piece of sweet cornbread, piled high with pulled pork, BBQ beans, and coleslaw. YUM! Located at Piggy Palace southwest of the Arthur Boring Building.

STRAWBERRY BROWNIE SHORTCAKE A traditional shortcake with a brownie twist: moist brownie and sweet Wish Farms strawberries piled high with a scrumptious cream topping. The strawberry brownie shortcake is available at the Berry Amaz’n shortcake booth located south of the TECO Expo Hall. STRAWBERRY LEMON RICOTTA FUNNEL CAKE A traditional funnel cake mix made with lemon juice and ricotta cheese then fried till golden brown. Layered with a homemade zesty lemon glaze, topped with fresh sliced strawberries, and dusted with a sweet powdered sugar, this is a delicious and

decadent treat. Located at Best Around Concessions outside of Candyland Warehouse. STRAWBERRY PICKLE Here’s the dill: it’s a strawberry pickle! The traditional dill pickle infused with strawberry flavoring. If you’re in the market to try something new, this is it! Limited availability, so don’t miss it! Located at the Chocolate Strawberry Express in the Parke Exhibit Building. STRAWBERRY PIÑA COLADA SMOOTHIE Just the right mix of strawberries, pineapples, and coconut to make you pucker! Delish! Located at the Cinnamon Bun Saloon near the south side of the Parke Exhibit Building. STRAWBERRY RED BOTTOM PASSION ITALIAN ICE Red Bottom Passion is strawberry and mango Italian ice layered with strawberries and topped with strawberry drizzle. Located at Domi Italian Ice east of the North Exhibit Tent.

FAYE’S DOOZIE A secret family recipe from Mama Faye. This confection is double the indulgence. Two freshly baked cookies sandwiched between a cloud of cream filling. Available in chocolate chip or strawberry. Located at the Cookie Barn in the northwest corner of the Stadium Exhibit Building. WORLD-FAMOUS PARKESDALE FARMS STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE A traditional favorite that everybody loves! The world-famous dessert is made with fresh-fromthe-farm sliced strawberries, a secret family shortcake recipe, and a heaping dollop of homemade whipped cream — just like they make at the market! Parkesdale Farms Strawberry Shortcake is located at Parkesdale Express in the Parke Exhibit Building.

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER | MARCH 4, 2021 | 2021 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE

All about those

BERRIES Strawberries might be the world’s most interesting fruit. No, we’re not just saying that because we’re biased as the newspaper of the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World — there’s more to Plant City’s most popular export than meets the eye.

The only areas of the world that grow strawberries but do not have their own native species are Africa, Australia and New Zealand.

The strawberry is the only fruit in the world that has its seeds on the outside.

The strawberry ripens in the spring faster than any other fruit. Once they’re picked, though, they won’t ripen any longer.

Strawberries are perennial plants in the rose family. Though that does mean they aren’t technically berries, good luck getting anyone to believe you when you tell them.

One cup of strawberries is extremely good for you. We’re talking 160% of your daily value of vitamin C with only 50 calories. It’ll also lower cholesterol, blood sugar and blood pressure if you eat them daily.

94% of American households consume strawberries every year. (University of Illinois)

POP QUIZ 1. How many seeds are on the outside of a strawberry? A: 50 B: 100 C: 150 D: 200 2. How many varieties of strawberries are grown around the world? A: 108 B: 199 C: 247 D: 305 3. What is Florida’s most popular strawberry variety? A: Radiance B: Beauty C: Sweet Sensation D: Elyana 4. What are Florida’s strawberry season dates? A: January through April B: December through May C: November through March D: February through June

5. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, how many pounds of strawberries do Americans eat every year? A: 7.8 B: 5.6 C: 3.4 D: 1.2 6. What did ancient Romans use strawberries for? A: Medicine B: Animal feed C: Fragrance D: Currency 7. Which U.S. state produces the most strawberry crops per year? A: Florida B: California C: Delaware D: Vermont 8. How long does a strawberry plant remain productive? A: Two years B: Three years C: Four years D: Five years

ANSWERS: 1. D, 2. C, 3. A, 4. B, 5. C, 6. A, 7. B, 8. D

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SCENES FROM 2020

Last year’s festival lived up to the hype and was a fun time for everyone. Take a look at some of our favorite photos that the Observer staff snapped at the 2020 Florida Strawberry Festival.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER | MARCH 4, 2021 | 2021 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE

A FURTHER LOOK BACK

The Plant City Observer has been around for the last eight Florida Strawberry Festivals and our staffers have snapped thousands of photos over the years. We’ve picked some of the best “pics” we’ve published since 2013.

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER | MARCH 4, 2021 | 2021 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE

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.

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER | MARCH 4, 2021 | 2021 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER | MARCH 4, 2021 | 2021 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE

Meet Dub McGinnes McGinnes has been a Florida Strawberry Festival director since 1998 and is its current chairman of the board. came by, picked me up, we go out to the festival, he had reserved seats and we went down in front. I had never sat that close to a stage before. They came out and it was the best show I have ever seen. I was blown away and they ended it with Elvira. I think I lost control. To this day, it comes up in conversation with them. Who do you like to bring to the festival? My whole family is out there most every day, all day. My sister likes to visit once a year to come see a show, and there are my nieces and nephews, but my family is pretty much all ingrained. What do you enjoy most about the festival?

Photo courtesy of the Florida Strawberry Festival

JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

What’s your earliest memory of the festival? I was in the baby parade. That was back when dinosaurs were on the earth. What’s your role with the festival these days? I’m chairman and this is my second year as chairman of the board… when you’re in the chairman role, you get to see parts of the festival that you really don’t

get to see under normal circumstances. It’s really been cool to see how passionate everybody is in their own area of responsibility. Everybody has found a niche that they are passionate about. What’s your favorite memory from the festival? The one that comes to mind is the Oak Ridge Boys. It was in 1982, the year they first came. Elvira hit the charts in 1981 and they were at the festival in 1982. I was not a director at that time. I didn’t have tickets to the show. A friend of mine called and said he had two tickets to the show… he

Seeing everybody. You see your friends, but you also see people you haven’t seen since the last festival or you have people like some of my friends I went to school with who moved away. Typically this is a good time to come back to the hometown. It’s just great and it’s an atmosphere where you can enjoy being with your friends. It makes it easy with all the food, entertainment, all that’s going on. It’s a fun time to share with people. Uniquely with me, some of these acts we have most every year, it’s good to see them. They’re part of our family, too. The vendors, you get to know them. The exhibitors, it’s like an extended family. That’s what really makes it. The venue is a venue — it’s the people, atmosphere and culture that really makes a difference. And we have roughly 2,000 volunteers that take the time to work the festival. They’re passionate people. I know people who take their vacation to work at

the festival as volunteers. I enjoy being around them while they’re doing their thing. They’re the core of what we do. We couldn’t do it without them. What do people from out of town ask you most often? Besides where the restrooms are, they of course want to know where the strawberry shortcake is. They want to know where the free entertainment tents are and where the shortcake booths are. What’s your favorite thing to do at the festival every year? Being with my friends and catching up, all of that. Which show or event are you most looking forward to this year? I am really looking forward to the stadium venue. We’re not gonna have the main stage acts, but there’s gonna be a stage on the ground right up by the main stage and we’re gonna have two 40x40 tents set up with picnic tables, socially distanced seating and free entertainment going the whole time. At night, it’s gonna be really special. We’ve got some neat acts and a different type of music every night. There will be a community talent show that Dark Horse Music set up for us… it’s gonna be a big deal. It’s gonna be fun. In lieu of having that big name entertainment, I’m really interested to see how that works inside the stadium. What’s your favorite thing to eat at the festival? I’ve got to go get a chicken pita sandwich and those steak tips.

You can’t get better than that. And of course you’ve got to do the strawberry shortcake. I walk a lot and I’m covering so much ground it’s a good thing. I’d put five or six pounds on. I can’t even pass the ice cream place… it just kind of all blends together. You put me around food and around friends, I’m a happy guy. Which eating contest would you try? If I had to, it would be strawberry shortcake. Any given day, I can eat a strawberry shortcake pretty fast when I’m hungry. I wouldn’t win, but I think I’d be proud of how I’d do. If you had to convince a total stranger to go to the festival, what would you tell them? There is really something for everybody, from the entertainment to food, the vendors, the midway… no matter what, there is something at the festival you will enjoy and when you mesh all those things together, it’s special. And I think the difference is the culture of the festival. It’s a family atmosphere and we do all that we can to make it a venue that’s family-friendly. There’s no alcohol on the grounds. People are surprised when we tell them we don’t have it on the festival grounds and they begin to understand we try to make it a safe place for families to come and not worry about people getting out of control. I think we’ve been blessed because of that. I really, truly do. I think it exemplifies the culture of our town and our community.

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER | MARCH 4, 2021 | 2021 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GUIDE

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