Last year, patrons once again experienced all the glamour that comes along with attending the Florida Strawberry Festival as they have in years past. The endless strawberry-filled foods, the competitions, animal shows, games, and rides are already a given when stepping on the premises. However, there was one fun and highly-demanded component that was missing at the 2021 festival – the headline entertainment. The COVID-19 pandemic put the music attractions on hold.
The anticipation that builds up when guests are about to see their favorite artists live and sing along to their hits, was lacking. However, at the 2022 Florida Strawberry Festival, the headline entertainment will make its return, offering performances on all 11 days of the festival. Concertgoers can once again cheer as musicians take to the stage and amplify the fairgrounds with their songs.
While there will be artists gracing the festival for the first time, there are familiar faces making their way back.
Here’s a sneak peak of returning acts that will be performing on the Wish Farms soundstage at 303 Lemon St., in Plant.
[Tickets can be purchased by calling 813-754-1996 or visiting FLStrawberryFestival.com. For additional information, call 813-752-9194.]
Jimmy Sturr and his Orchestra
Jimmy Sturr and his Orchestra is truly a multi-talented band with saxophonists, trumpeters, and clarinetists. This year, Sturr and his orchestra will be returning with their polka music. The Grammy-award-winning artist and his group will have their show on Thursday, March 3, at 10:30 a.m. It will be free after paying gate admission. The admission fee will be $10 for those age 13 and up; $5 for ages 6 to 12; children ages 5 and under have free admission. For more information, call 813-752-9194 or visit FLStrawberryFestival.com.
The Oak Ridge Boys
For over 50 years the Oak Ridge Boys have been creating gospel and country songs. The award-winning quartet has also produced over 40 albums. They will be performing on Thursday, March 3 at 3:30 p.m. Tickets are $25.
Boyz II Men
Boyz II Men is one of the most iconic R&B groups who are still entertaining fans to this day. The Grammy Award-winning group is set to perform on Friday, March 4 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $35.
Chicks with Hits feat. Terri Clark, Pam Tillis and Suzy Bogguss
The award-winning country music trio, Chicks with Hits is set to perform on Sunday, March 6 at 3:30 p.m. Tickets are $25.
Ricky Nelson Remembered w/ Matthew and Gunnar Nelson
Twins Matthew and Gunnar formed a group to commemorate their late father and rock and roll artist, Ricky Nelson. They will perform on Tuesday, March 8 at 3:30 p.m. Tickets are $20.
Lee Greenwood
Country music artist Lee Greenwood will return on Wednesday, March 9 at 3:30 p.m. Tickets are $25.
The Lettermen
The Lettermen, the trio known for romantic ballads, are making their return to the festival on Thursday, March 10 at 10:30 a.m. Tickets will be free after paying gate admission.
The Drifters, Cornell Gunter’s Coasters and the Platters
Combined, these groups have been associated with over 40 of what are considered rock and roll classic records. They will be performing on Thursday, March 10 at 3:30 p.m. Tickets are $20.
Gene Watson
The Texas native is a country music icon with a 60-year career. He will perform on Friday, March 11 at 3:30 p.m. Tickets are $20.
Bobby Bones and the Raging Idiots
This country-music duo is known for having a comedic edge to their shows. They will be performing on Saturday, March 12 at 3:30 p.m. Tickets are $35.
The Bellamy Brothers
The two-man band known as the Bellamy Brothers, transitioned from pop to country music throughout their career. They will take to the stage on Sunday, March 13 at 3:30 p.m. Tickets are $20.