Strawberries rule in Plant City, but they really take the cake - and cobbler and more - during the annual Strawberry Festival. Sample the ripe, red berries in every form imaginable, ride the rides and catch performances by some of the top names in country music.
You'll be in good company. Presidents, governors and movie and television stars regularly visit the festival, now in its 69th year.
The fest was dubbed Florida's Berried Treasure this year and lasts 11 days. The 30th annual youth ornamental plant sale is scheduled for 2 p.m. Sunday. More than 140 Hillsborough County FFA and 4-H members will auction plants during the sale. Flowers, hanging baskets, orchids, shrubs and trees are among the offerings.
Exhibits this year include agriculture, commerce, industry, livestock and arts and crafts.
And, there are competitions, including a dairy costume ball where kids dress their cows and parade them before judges. A baby crawling race and a diaper decorating contest bring proud parents and their offspring to the festival. Livestock judging takes place almost every day and features lambs, poultry, calves, beef and dairy cows, hogs, and rabbits.
There is also a midway with a special Moonlight Magic Night tonight and March 5 with $20 wristbands offered per person for unlimited rides from 11 p.m. to 3 a.m.
A host of famous country music stars will grace the Chrysler Stage. Mel Tillis and daughter Pam Tillis will entertain Monday, Kenny Rogers performs Wednesday, and Rascal Flatts, the 2003 Country Music Awards vocal group of the year, is the headliner on March 5.
Oh, and don't forget to taste the strawberries.
FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL
WHERE: 2209 W Oak Ave., Plant City. (813) 754-1996.
WHEN: 10 a.m. to midnight daily through March 7. Midway opens at noon and exhibits close at 10:30 p.m. On Moonlight Magic Nights, rides are open until 3 a.m.
COST: $8 for adults, children under 10 admitted free with an adult.
