Florida Strawberry Fetival - 2018

2018

Florida

Festival March1-11

Plant City

Special Advertising Section of the

THE FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL CONJURES UP ALL KINDS OF IMAGES AND SOUNDS.

ERNEST HOOPER ehooper@tampabay.com

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Imagine, however, if all the activities titillating your senses paused for 20 seconds. What if the roving red-vested volunteers stopped disseminating information, the midway rides slowed to a stop, the racing pigs stopped racing and the guy screaming, “Let me guess your weight” fell silent? What if the folks devouring strawberry shortcake quieted their ooos and ahhs of delight -- just for a moment at 7 p.m. on March 10?

Can you believe it?

Okay, it’s probably too much to ask a festival that annually draws more than 500,000 people to corral the masses for a silent moment of full of faith and hope and prayer. But for nearly two years, the Tampa-based Soul Circus Cowboys and lead singer Billy McKnight have asked their fans to do just that.

It’s a super sensory smörgåsbord of marvelous music, bright lights, aromatic thrills, big cheers, piercing screams, and delectable tastes.

In the wake of the 2016 Pulse Night Club shooting, McKnight, a Brandon native, posted a request on Facebook called “Pause for Peace,” and asked everyone to pause or pray for 20 seconds every day at 7 p.m.

Definitely tastes.

The gesture has ballooned into a following with thousands taking the

| Thursday, March 1, 2018 | Tampa Bay Times

moment to come together and reflect on the world we live in today. The Soul Circus Cowboys elevated the request with the 2017 premier of an inspiring video of the song Believe It.

With a versatile mix of rock, country and soul, they move crowds wherever they go. While moving the world might be a more difficult task, there are signs of growing success.

It begins with McKnight lighting a single candle and then the lights spread to others. The lyrics ask us to imagine an idealistic world.

Top40-Charts.com, an international site based in London, recently praised the song and its inspiring message, stating that “(It) allows the artists to subtly re-acquaint the viewers with the moral compass which we all seek to keep alive.”

I dream of a place where Grace erases hate And Love takes its place Can you believe it? Can you believe it?

My mind’s climb to the top of the stairs Somebody’s there who cares and swears If you can dream it, you can believe it.

The movement and the song continue to grow in popularity even though its form a band more likely to show up on a stage in Apollo Beach than in Nashville.

Still, I’m firmly convinced it’s a mistake to sleep on the Soul Circus Cowboys, which includes lead guitarist Rick Morgan, bassist Mike McMahon and drummer Jason Alfano.

McKnight said Heartland Network, Sidewalks Network out in California have picked up the video and he’s received verbal confirmation that GAC cable network will soon air it nationally.

Can you believe it?

So maybe the vision of the entire Strawberry Festival quieting to a hush is more than we can ask, but at 7 p.m. on March 10, inside the festival’s Publix Showcase Tent, I’m sure everyone there can pause, pray and dream of a better world.

I can believe it.

That’s all I’m saying.

Check out these Florida Strawberry Festival FAQs to help you experience the best of the fest.

Now in its 83rd year, the Florida Strawberry Festival has grown to become one of the most celebrated annual festivals in the state, drawing a half-million visitors to its more than 80 rides and games on the Belle City Midway, kiddie rides, free entertainment, eating contests, youth livestock shows and baking and crafts competitions. To help you navigate the dizzying number of events and attractions during this 11-day celebration of East Hillsborough County’s strawberry harvest, here’s your festival 411.

1. Are special discount or group rates available?

There is no group rate, but FlStrawberryFestival.com/information/admission/ provides a list of Publix Super Market locations selling discounted gate tickets until March 11. Discounted prices are $8 for adults (13 and older), $5 for kids 6 to 12 and free for the 5 and under set. Check the website’s Special Days & Discounts page to find specifics about special deals for seniors, military service people and kids as well as other perks.

2. Can I find detailed directions to the festival on the website?

Yes! Visit FlStrawberryFestival.com/information/directions for details. Note that there are two possible festival routes if you’re traveling westbound on I-4: Buchman Highway/Alexander Street (exit 21), or Park Rd. (exit 22) to southbound on Highway 92 (Baker Street). Both will get you to Alexander Street, which splits with Paul Buchman Highway north of the city. Continue South on Alexander and look for Reynolds Street as you enter town. Go right on Reynolds to find parking options just south of the Festival Grounds.

3. Where do I park?

Color-coded for your convenience, the Strawberry Fest has Blue, Gray and Red parking areas on Ritter Street, which is reachable from both Highway 92 and Highway 574. CocaCola offers a convenient tram from all lots to Gate 14, or catch the Sprint tram from any lot to Gate 10. Additional parking is available at independent lots at the Bryan Elementary School track and Tomlin Middle School.

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4. Is parking free?

10. Are there maps and schedules on the website?

5. How much is admission at the gate? y g under get in free with a paying adult.

y

y

6. How do I get concert tickets?

Call 813-754-1996 to order tickets, or purchase in person at the Amscot Main Ticket Office at 2209 West Oak Ave. in Plant City. During the festival, you can get tickets the day or the show at the ticket office east of the Wish Farms Soundstage. A general gate admission to the festival is required to attend all festival concerts as well. Kids older than 3 years old will need tickets as well, but kids 2 and under are free as long as they sit on your lap.

7. Does festival staff arrange meet-and-greets with the musicians?

No, each artist’s fan club coordinates meet-and-greets with the artists, so inquire with them to find out if they’re happening.

8. Are pets allowed?

Other than animals performing in a show or contest, only service or guide dogs are allowed. However, certified trainers (with ID) can take companion animals onto festival grounds.

9. Is this an alcohol-free event?

Yes. Also note that bottles, cans, coolers and picnic baskets aren’t permitted on festival grounds.

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11. Can I buy Midway tickets with a credit card, and do the food and craft vendors accept cards?

You can purchase gate and Midway tickets with credit cards, and many vendors accept them as well, but it’s a good idea to have some cash on hand, too.

12. Most importantly, where can I buy strawberries and strawberry shortcake?

Take home flats of ripe, delicious berries from Parkesdale Farms, which will be set up on the south side of Parke Exhibit Building and just inside Gate 16 or from Wish Farms at the northeast corner of Parke Exhibit Building outside Gate 1.

Enjoy heavenly strawbe -- Pioneer Village, make of St. Clement Catholic C (next to the Parkesdale Assembly of God inside Strawberry Tent.

about this year’s Florida Strawberry Festival country concert lineup.

It’s not the music, per se — once again, the fest has cobbled together a strong lineup of country, rock, p and R&B talent, from A-list headliners to the stars o yesteryear and tomorrow.

No, the big change is the venue. Extensive renovations have transformed the Wish Farms Soundstage into a proper soundstage, with permanent amphitheater-style seating instead of metal bleachers. There’s new lighting, improved acoustics and improved ADA access.

The downside is that the Festival’s first-come, first-served free tickets to concerts are a thing of the past, a necessary cost of upgrading a decades-old venue. But given the quality of this year’s lineup, you won’t hear too many fans complaining.

Here’s a look at the lineup by day.

MARCH 1 7:30 p.m. Gary Allan: When original opening-night headliners DNCE dropped out, the Strawberry Fest turned to Allan, the singer-songwriter behind Nothing On But the Radio and Every Storm (Runs Out of Rain).

Nice backup plan. ($30)

The Oak Ridge Boys: pp y ($ ) 10:30 a.m. Jimmy Sturr and His Orchestra: Back once again to open up the main stage, Sturr has won 18 Grammys, and it’s a safe bet he would’ve won more had they not discontinued the Best Polka Album in 2009. Free with festival admission.

MARCH 2 7:30 p.m. Justin Moore with Dylan Scott: Two young studs headline Night 2, as More brings songs from his tough yet tuneful 2016 album Kinda Don’t Care, and Scott brings his huge hit My Girl. ($35) 3:30 p.m. Jerry Lee Lewis: After last year’s deaths of Chuck Berry and Fats Domino, the legendary Killer is one of the few remaining rock progenitors touring today. He’s sure to stir up a whole lotta shakin’. ($30) MARCH 3 7:30 p.m. Big and Rich featuring Cowboy Troy: Yeah, they’re coming’ to Plant City. Filling in for late dropouts the Band Perry is the outlandish duo who gave the world Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy) and their hip-hop sidekick. ($30) 3:30 p.m. Cam: Anticipation is high for the follow-up to Cam’s stellar 2015 album Untamed, especially given the rollicking energy of her new single Diane. ($20)

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MARCH 4 7:30 p.m. Reba McEntire: An icon of both Nashville and Hollywood, McEntire returns to headline the Strawberry Festival for the third time since 2012. The last two have been sellouts. ($50) 3:30 p.m. Lee Greenwood: If you, too, are proud to be an American, you’ll proudly stand up next to him and defend her still today. ($20) MARCH 5 7:30 p.m. Josh Turner: Heavily influenced by Randy Travis, the smooth baritone will get the crowd swaying to hits like Your Man, Long Back Train and Hometown Girl. ($25) 3:30 p.m. Jimmy Fortune: The former lead tenor in the Statler Brothers wrote and sang the No. 1 hits Elizabeth, My Only Love and Too Much On My Heart, and has stayed true to his gospel roots since. ($20) MARCH 6 7:30 p.m. Casting Crowns: The Christian rock superstars headline a day of worship music at the fairgrounds. No doubt they owe a debt of influence to the band that’ll open up the stage in the afternoon. ($30) 3:30 p.m. Gaither Vocal Band: That would be Bill Gaither’s legendary Southern gospel vocal group, who have won a couple of Grammys and a boatload of Dove Awards. ($25) MARCH 7 7:30 p.m. Trace Adkins: The hit-making country toughnik turned actor will dish out rip-roaring singles like Ladies Love Country Boys, I Left Something Turned On at Home and Honky Tonk Badonkadonk. ($25) 3:30 p.m. Engelbert Humperdinck: The English singer was a bona fide pop idol in Europe from the ’60s through the ’80s, but he also hit it big in the U.S. with his Top 10 single After the Lovin’. ($30) MARCH 8 7:30 p.m. Vanilla Ice, Salt-N-Pepa, Tone Loc: Mixing things up a bit, the I Love the ’90s Tour brings a veritable MTV Party to Go mix-tape to life with the artists behind Ice Ice Baby, Shoop and Funky Cold Medina. ($35)

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3:30 p.m. Drifters, Platters and Cornell Gunter’s Coasters: Flash back a few decades from the ’90s, and you’d get this trio of soul legends, who are responsible for hits like The Great Pretender, Searchin’ and Under the Boardwalk. ($20) 10:30 a.m. The Lettermen: Founding member Tony Butala leads the 2018 version of the legendary soft-rock pop trio. Free with festival admission.

MARCH 9 7:30 p.m. Earth, Wind and Fire: Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000, the group still brings fiery funk to life on Shining Star, Let’s Groove and September. ($40) 3:30 p.m. Charley Pride: The trailblazing singer was the first African American country superstar, winning the Country Music Association’s 1971 Entertainer of the Year trophy. He arrives in Plant City about a week shy of his 84th birthday. ($20) MARCH 10 7:30 p.m. Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds and Anthony Hamilton: A pair of oh-so-smooth soul men will raise the temperature in Plant City with sizzling renditions of When Can I See You Again and Charlene. ($35) 3:30 p.m. Sawyer Brown: They ain’t first class, but they ain’t white trash. And plenty of people will be singing along when they launch into Some Girls Do on the main stage. ($20) MARCH 11 7:30 p.m. Brad Paisley: The Nashville A-lister is one of the Strawberry Festival’s biggest gets in recent years, considering he seems to have established a near-permanent late-summer residency at the MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre. If you’ve long wanted to see him somewhere else, here’s your change. ($50) 3:30 p.m. Chase Bryant: Take It On Back and Little Bit of You were both big hits for this 24-year-old Texas gunslinger, who’s toured with Tim McGraw and Brantley Gilbert. ($20)

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FRIDAY, MARCH 2

THURSDAY, MARCH 1

Florida Blue Senior Citizens Day/O’Reilly Auto Parts Ride-A-Thon Day Patrons 60 years of age and older get $2 off the gate admission of $10 all day. O’Reilly Auto Parts Ride-A-Thon from noon-11:00 p.m. A wristband purchased at the Midway for $20 will entitle the wearer to ride most mechanical rides for this one low price. Present voucher from participating O’Reilly Auto Parts stores at Midway ticket booth to receive $3 off $20 wristband and ride all day for only $17.

10:00 a.m. • Gates Open; Midway opens at noon 10:30 a.m.-noon • Jimmy Sturr & His Orchestra, Wish Farms Soundstage 11:45 a.m. • Senior Citizens Drawing, Wish Farms Soundstage (One drawing only — must be present to win) 2:30 p.m. • Fanta Strawberry Soda Throw Down, Scott’s World of Magic Stage 3:30 p.m. • The Oak Ridge Boys, Wish Farms Soundstage 6:00 p.m. • Bob Green, Publix Showcase Tent 7:00 p.m. • Mosaic Youth Swine Show, Patterson Co. Livestock Arena 7:30 p.m. • Gary Allan, Wish Farms Soundstage

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Publix Food and Fun Friday Present any Publix brand nonperishable item at entry gate and receive $5 off the $30 wristband and ride most mechanical rides for only $25.

10:00 a.m. • Gates Open; Midway opens at noon 1:00 p.m. • Dairy Contestant Judging, Patterson Co. Livestock Arena 2:00 p.m. • Amish Donut Eating Contest Presented by Peachey’s, Stingray Chevrolet Entertainment Tent 2:30 p.m. • Fanta Strawberry Soda Throw Down, Scott’s World of Magic Stage 3:30 p.m. • Jerry Lee Lewis, Wish Farms Soundstage 6:00 p.m. • Eli Mosley, Publix Showcase Tent 7:00 p.m. • Mosaic Youth Swine Sale, Patterson Co. Livestock Arena 7:30 p.m. • Justin Moore with Dylan Scott, Wish Farms Soundstage

SATURDAY, MARCH 3

Free Kids Day/Youth Parade Day/Super Saturday Wristband Day Free Kids Day: Kids through high school age admitted free. Super Saturday Wristband Day from 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. Free Kids Day sponsored by MIDFLORIDA Credit Union.

Dairy Shows sponsored by Grove Equipment Service. Youth Strawberry Stemming Contest sponsored by Mavric’s Chocolate Barn. Strawberry Youth Parade sponsored by Suncoast Credit Union.

10:00 a.m. • Gates Open; Midway opens at 10:00 a.m.

11:00 a.m. • 45th Annual Strawberry Youth Parade, State Farmer’s Market 11:00 a.m. • Dairy Show Showmanship, Patterson Co. Livestock Arena 1:00 p.m. • Dairy Show, Patterson Co. Livestock Arena 2:00 p.m. • Youth Strawberry Stemming Contest, Stingray Chevrolet Entertainment Tent

2:30 p.m. • Fanta Strawberry Soda Throw Down, Scott ’s World of Magic Stage 3:30 p.m. • Cam, Wish Farms Soundstage 6:00 p.m. • First Baptist Church of Plant City Modern Worship Team, Publix Showcase Tent 7:30 p.m. • Gospel Night featuring Pastor Calvin “Pee Wee” Callins, Publix Showcase Tent 7:30 p.m. • Big & Rich featuring Cowboy Troy, Wish Farms Soundstage

SUNDAY, MARCH 4

Coca-Cola Family Day Present any empty Coca-Cola brand can or plastic bottle product at entry gate to receive a voucher for $5 off the $25 wristband and ride most mechanical rides from 10:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m. for only $20. Can or bottle is not valid for gate admission. Baby Contest sponsored by South Florida Baptist Hospital.

Youth Plant Show & Sale sponsored by Choo Choo Lawn Equipment.

9:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m. • Registration for Baby Contest, (Hillsborough county babies only), Admin. Office 10:00 a.m. • Gates Open; Midway opens at 10:00 a.m.

10:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. • Baby Contest: Decorated Diaper Contest; Baby Features Contest; Diaper Derby, Publix Showcase Tent 11:00 a.m. • Dairy Showmanship (Adults), Patterson Co. Livestock Arena 11:30 a.m. • Dairy Pee Wee Showmanship, Patterson Co. Livestock Arena 12:30 p.m. • Dairy Costume Ball, Patterson Co. Livestock Arena 2:00 p.m. • Youth Plant Sale, Patterson Co. Livestock Arena 2:30 p.m. • Fanta Strawberry Soda Throw Down, Scott’s World of Magic Stage 3:30 p.m. • Lee Greenwood, Wish Farms Soundstage 6:00 p.m. • Randy McNeeley Band, Publix Showcase Tent 7:30 p.m. • Reba McEntire, Wish Farms Soundstage

MONDAY, MARCH 5

Grand Parade Day/Ride-A-Thon Day Ride-A- Thon from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m. A wristband purchased at the Midway for $20 will entitle the wearer to ride most mechanical rides for this one low price. Grand Parade Day sponsored by SunPass. Parade Luncheon sponsored by Tampa Electric Company. Strawberry Spaghetti Eating Contest sponsored

by Spaghetti Eddie’s. Lamb Shows sponsored by Traeger Grills.

10:00 a.m. • Gates Open; Midway opens at 10:00 a.m.

10:30 a.m. • Invitational Parade Luncheon 1:00 p.m. • Grand Parade Begins, Downtown Plant City 2:00 p.m. • Grand Parade Passes by the Festival, Reynolds St. 2:30 p.m. • Fanta Strawberry Soda Throw Down, Scott’s World of Magic Stage 3:00 p.m. • Lamb Jumping Contest, Patterson Co. Livestock Arena 3:30 p.m. • Jimmy Fortune, Wish Farms Soundstage 5:00 p.m. • Strawberry Spaghetti Eating Contest, Stingray Chevrolet Entertainment Tent 6:00 p.m. • NRG, Publix Showcase Tent 7:00 p.m. • Lamb Costume Contest, Patterson Co. Livestock Arena 7:30 p.m. • Josh Turner, Wish Farms Soundstage

TUESDAY, MARCH 6

Truwhip TWOSDAY/Ride-A-Thon Day truwhip TWOSDAY and Ride-A-Thon from noon-11:00 p.m.

It’s your choice! Ride any single ride for only $2 or ride most mechanical rides all day with a $20 wristband purchased at the Midway. Adult Strawberry Stemming Contest sponsored by Chocolate Strawberry Express.

10:00 a.m. • Gates Open; Midway opens at noon 2:00 p.m. • Adult Strawberry Stemming Contest, Stingray Chevrolet Entertainment Tent

2:30 p.m. • Fanta Strawberry Soda Throw Down, Scott’s World of Magic Stage 3:30 p.m. • Gaither Vocal Band, Wish Farms Soundstage 5:00 p.m. • Lamb Showmanship & Show, Patterson Co. Livestock Arena 6:00 p.m. • 33 Years, Publix Showcase Tent 7:30 p.m. • Casting Crowns, Wish Farms Soundstage

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 7

American Heroes Day/Ride-A-Thon Day Ride-A-Thon: A wristband purchased at the Midway for $20 will entitle the wearer to ride most mechanical rides for this one low price. American Heroes Day: All active, reserve, retired military veterans, law enforcement and first responders are admitted free with valid ID. American Heroes Day sponsored by Grow Financial Federal Credit Union and FOX 13 Care*Force.

10:00 a.m. • Gates Open; Midway opens at noon 1:00 p.m. • Super Dog Mega Corn Dog Eating Contest, Stingray Chevrolet Entertainment Tent 2:30 p.m. • Fanta Strawberry Soda Throw Down, Scott’s World of Magic Stage 3:30 p.m. • Engelbert Humperdinck, Wish Farms Soundstage 6:00 p.m. • Mosaic Youth Steer Show, Patterson Co. Livestock Arena 6:00 p.m. • Single Malt Brothers Band, Publix Showcase Tent 7:15 p.m. • Honor American Heroes, Wish Farms Soundstage 7:30 p.m. • Trace Adkins, Wish Farms Soundstage

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THURSDAY, MARCH 8

Florida Blue Senior Citizens Day/O’Reilly Auto Parts Ride-A-Thon Day Patrons 60 years of age and older get $2 off the gate admission of $10. O’Reilly Auto Parts Ride-A-Thon from noon-11:00 p.m. A wristband purchased at the Midway for $20 will entitle the wearer to ride most mechanical rides for this one low price. Present voucher from participating O’Reilly Auto Parts stores at Midway ticket booth to receive $3 off $20 wristband and ride all day for only $17.

10:00 a.m. • Gates Open; Midway opens at noon.

10:30 a.m.–noon • The Lettermen, Wish Farms Soundstage 11:45 a.m. • Senior Citizens Drawing, Wish Farms Soundstage (One drawing only — must be present to win)

2:00 p.m. • Strawberry Shortcake Eating Contest, Stingray Chevrolet Entertainment Tent 2:30 p.m. • Fanta Strawberry Soda Throw Down, Scott’s World of Magic Stage 3:30 p.m. • Drifters, Platters & Cornell Gunter’s Coasters, Wish Farms Soundstage 6:00 p.m. • Steve Minotti, Publix Showcase Tent 7:00 p.m. • Mosaic Youth Steer Showmanship, Patterson Co. Livestock Arena 7:30 p.m. • I Love the 90’s Tour featuring Vanilla Ice, Salt-N-Pepa and Tone Lōc, Wish Farms Soundstage

FRIDAY, MARCH 9

Tampa Bay Times Day on the Midway/Moonlight Magic Night Tampa Bay Times Day on the Midway from noon-10:00 p.m.

Receive $5 discount with a coupon from the Tampa Bay Times for the $20 Fun Pack Ride Coupon Book. Moonlight Magic: Ride most mechanical rides for one special price of $25 per person. All patrons entering the Midway will be required to purchase a $25 wristband, 10:00 p.m.-2:00 a.m. All patrons are subject to search.

Strawberry Mashed Potato Pie Eating Contest sponsored s

by Pickle Barrel Sirloin Tips.

10:00 a.m. • Gates Open; Midway opens at noon 2:30 p.m. • Fanta Strawberry Soda Throw Down, Scott ’s World of Magic Stage 3:00 p.m. • Strawberry Mashed Potato Pie Eating Contest, Stingray Chevrolet Entertainment Tent 3:30 p.m. • Charley Pride, Wish Farms Soundstage 6:00 p.m. • Beef Breed Showmanship, Patterson Co. Livestock Arena 6:00 p.m. • Tobacco Rd. Band, Publix Showcase Tent 7:30 p.m. • Earth, Wind & Fire, Wish Farms Soundstage 10:00 p.m.-2:00 a.m. • Moonlight Magic, Midway

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SATURDAY, MARCH 10

Farm Worker Appreciation Day/Super Saturday Wristband Day Farm Worker Appreciation Day sponsored by Astin Farms. Super Saturday Wristband Day from 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. Baby Parade sponsored by South Florida Baptist Hospital.

9:00 a.m. • Registration for Livestock Judging Contest, Patterson Co. Livestock Arena 10:00 a.m. • Gates Open; Midway opens at 10:00 a.m.

10:00 a.m. • Mosaic Youth Livestock Judging, Patterson Co. Livestock Arena 10:15 a.m. • Baby Parade, GT Grandstands 2:30 p.m. • Fanta Strawberry Soda Throw Down, Scott’s World of Magic Stage 3:30 p.m. • Sawyer Brown, Wish Farms Soundstage 6:00 p.m. • Soul Circus Cowboys, Publix Showcase Tent 7:00 p.m. • Mosaic Youth Steer Sale, Patterson Co. Livestock Arena 7:30 p.m. • Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds & Anthony Hamilton, Wish Farms Soundstage

SUNDAY, MARCH 11

Coca-Cola Family Day Present any empty Coca-Cola brand can or plastic bottle product at entry gate to receive a voucher for $5 off the $25 wristband and ride most mechanical rides from 10:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m. for only $20. Can or bottle is not valid for gate admission. Youth Beef Breed Show sponsored by G FIVE Feed & Outdoor. Fanta Strawberry Soda Throw Down sponsored by Taylor’s Doughboy.

10:00 a.m. • Gates Open; Midway opens at 10:00 a.m.

11:00 a.m. • Youth Beef Breed Show, Patterson Co. Livestock Arena 1:00 p.m. • Kitchen Craft Cookware Drawing, Neighborhood Village 2:00 p.m. • Pulaski Vacation Giveaway, TECO Expo Hall 2:30 p.m. • Fanta Strawberry Soda Throw Down, Scott ’s World of Magic Stage 3:30 p.m. • Chase Bryant, Wish Farms Soundstage 4:30 p.m. • HOLA Plant City!, Publix Showcase Tent 5:00 p.m. • Stingray Chevrolet Corvette Drawing, East Ind. 7:30 p.m. • Brad Paisley, Wish Farms Soundstage

Information Reserved seats for entertainment sho available at the Am located at 2209 W. additional ticket of Expo Hall is open d reserved seat ticke Reserved concert seat tickets DO NOT include gate admission. Ages 3 & up require a ticket for all shows.

Purchase reserved seat tickets on the ground or in the new GT Grandstands online at www.FlStrawberryFestival.com

or contest. Certified trainers (with ID stating same) of companion dogs/animals will be allowed. All animals in shows or contests are to be removed immediately after the close of the event.

Free seating is no longer offered at headline entertainment shows.

Sunny ell iddie orral, sponsored by Florida Dairy Farmers, opens daily at 10 a.m.

Gates open at 10:00 a.m. & close at 10:00 p.m. daily.

Midway times vary. Children 5 & under are admitted free when accompanied by a paying adult. Children 6 to 12 require a youth ticket purchase of $5. General admission is $10 for patrons 13+. Dogs and/or other animals are not allowed on the Festival grounds unless they are a service or guide dog, non-human primate or animals in a show

o illegal drugs or firearms. o alcoholic beverages, pets, selfie sticks, lasers or drones are allowed on the Festival grounds.

Because of the early printing of this events schedule, changes, errors, deletions, or omissions may occur, in which case the Florida Strawberry FestivalÂŽ reserves the right to construe its own rules and regulations and to decide all matters and differences in regard thereto.

Tampa Bay Times | Thursday, March 1, 2018 |

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LOST & FOUND CABOOSE

East end of the Roy & Helen Parke Building Sponsored by ClickHeat

CAROLINA ATMS

Located near Woodrow Wilson Street, the TECO Expo Hall, the Arthur Boring Building and other locations throughout the Festival

COCA-COLA TRAMS

Running from Red, Blue and Grey Parking Lots to Gate 14

SPRINT TRAM

IMAGES EVERYWHERE!

Festival Photos Available at Gates 1, 5, 13, 14, 16 Information Booths Sponsored by Uncommon USA

POTILLOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S RESTROOMS

Complimentary attendant services available

WHEELCHAIRS, ELECTRIC SCOOTERS AND STROLLERS

Available for rent at Gates 1, 14, 16 and the Tour Bus Lot across

Runnin Blue an Parking to Gate

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ON GROUNDS EXHIBITS CHARLIE GRIMES FAMILY AGRICULTURAL CENTER

Livestock Shows, Sales & Contests

ASTIN FARMS PAVILION

Swine Exhibit: March 1 - March 3 Dairy Exhibit: March 1 - March 4 Steer Exhibit: March 7 - March 10

ROY & HELEN PARKE BUILDING Shoebox Float Display: Daily 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Sponsored by HiDow

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SWINDLE FAMILY PAVILION Mosaic Poultry & Rabbit Shows: Daily 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Beef Breed Exhibit: March 9 - March 11 Youth Plant Show Exhibit: March 1 - March 4 Lamb Show Exhibit: March 5 - March 7

PIONEER VILLAGE

Demonstration of Pioneer Skills: Daily 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Sponsored by Floridaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Best

| Thursday, March 1, 2018 | Tampa Bay Times

NEIGHBORHOOD VILLAGE Neighborhood Village: Daily 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Sponsored by Kitchen Craft

Neighborhood Village Youth: Daily 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Sponsored by Cabot Cheese Garden Club Horticulture Show: Daily 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Strawberry Queen Exhibit: Daily 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

MILTON E. HULL ARMORY BUILDING

East Hillsborough Art Guild Art Show: Daily 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sponsored by Good Health Saunas Photography Contest: Daily 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Sponsored by Spivey Concessions

STRAWBERRY PRODUCTION EXHIBIT

Demonstration of Strawberry Production: West of the Publix Showcase Tent.

Sponsored by Florida Strawberry Growers Association

Make New Friends and Keep the Old

Volunteers play a big role in keeping the Florida Strawberry Festival spirit of tradition, warmth and generosity alive.

More than 2,500 volunteers will help visitors actualize the 2018 Florida Strawberry Festival theme of “making new memories” this year. These locals who generously donate their time – and some have been doing so for decades – man the information booths and media center and also serve as ambassadors roaming the grounds and offering maps and helpful information to festival goers. You’re likely to cross paths with a volunteer even before you step on festival grounds, as another one of their jobs is helping visitors navigate the trams taking people from the parking areas to the gates of their choice.

Festival organizers recognize and appreciate their volunteers’ dedication and enthusiasm, which is so robust that they typically have no trouble finding enough people to augment the work of the 20 fulltime, year-round staff members and around 400 seasonal employees to cover every festival need.

“We love that volunteer spirit that we have here,” says Lauren McNair,

sentative for the Florida Strawberry king sure our guests are greeted and helped in a warm, friendly way.”

Many Strawberry Festival volunteers are old hands and proudly wear lapel pins to prove it. Some pins note as many as 30 years of service to the festival, McNair says, adding, “They love sporting those pins.

We even have volunteers who take vacation time from their jobs to volunteer at the festival!” ven the vets must attend mandatory training sessions a few days before the festival, McNair says, because things change every year.

The training sessions are tailored to the particular area volunteers will be working in. n addition to the satisfaction they get helping the festival’s hundreds of thousands of visitors make the most of their e periences, Strawberry Festival organizers hold a volunteer appreciation dinner every November for the previous festival’s volunteers. “ ’ts a casual dinner where we give away thousands of dollars in cash and door prizes to our beloved volunteers,” McNair says. “The volunteers look forward to it every year, as does the staff. ’ts a blast!”

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| Thursday, March 1, 2018 | Tampa Bay Times