Even though the Florida Strawberry Festival (FSF) has been welcoming visitors through its gates to enjoy berries, berries and more berries since 1930 (then known as the Plant City Strawberry Festival), Mr. And Miss Berry, the official mascots of the 11-day event, didn’t make their first appearance until Feb. 10, 1993. That is, Mr. Berry […]
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Sweeten Up Life With Homemade Strawberry Jam
As folks revel in the sweet peak of strawberry season, and you’ve had your fill of eating them right out of the container or field, it’s time to figure out what to do with all those ripe, gorgeous red berries so you can enjoy their flavor months after the season is over. Freezing strawberries isn’t […]
Continue ReadingKnow Before You Go
Planning ahead will make your visit to the 2025 Florida Strawberry Festival even more fruitful. Please take a few minutes to look over these answers to your questions. How much is admission? Regular admission at the gate is $15 for ages 13 and up, $5 for children ages 6 to 12 and always FREE for […]
Continue ReadingSARA EVANS IS COMING TO PLANT CITY
Sara Evans will perform at the Florida Strawberry Festival on March 4 at 3:30 p.m. The capabilities of the new, larger, upgraded Wish Farms Soundstage allows the Festival to bring in top-tier talent like Evans. “I am so excited to play the Florida Strawberry Festival!” Evans commented. “We’ll be playing some of your favorite hits, […]
Continue ReadingNew Midway Rides Sure to Thrill
For thrill seekers of all ages, there’s something about experiencing the physical sensation of terror while knowing you’re safe on some level that is absolutely satisfying. While the Florida Strawberry Festival has contracted with a different midway company this year, that doesn’t mean that those seeking that rush won’t find it on one (or more) […]
Continue ReadingWORLD’S LARGEST SHORTCAKE
In August 1998, Watsonville, California made the largest strawberry shortcake on record with a 175-foot by four-foot version created during the city’s Strawberry Dessert Festival. The bakers made 260 sheet cakes, used 2,400 pounds of berries, and scooped on 600 pounds of whipped topping. According to the account in the book, “Remembering Plant City: Tales […]
Continue ReadingVOLUNTEERS CONTRIBUTE TIME AND SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY
“My road to volunteering began in 2021 with the GFWC Junior Women’s Club of Plant City,” Amanda Lagunes said. “My friends and fellow club members invited me to volunteer with them at the Strawberry Festival’s Information Booth, where we had the opportunity to connect with visitors, showcase our town, and share what makes Plant City […]
Continue ReadingBattle of Berries/Where to Get Your Strawberry Shortcake
Whether a lifelong berry lover or a first-time visitor, the Florida Strawberry Festival has something to satisfy every craving. Festival goers can delight in a wide variety of mouth-watering strawberry-inspired treats, from refreshing strawberry milkshakes that are thick and creamy to strawberry pizza, a buttery shortbread crust, cream cheese spread topped with fresh strawberries and […]
Continue ReadingFlorida Strawberry Festival New Foods Tempt Festival Goers
As the Florida Strawberry Festival opens Feb. 27, it’s time for hungry (and adventurous) Plant Citians to dive into the array of new food offerings at this year’s festival. While you may be eagerly awaiting your chance to get in line for the festival’s staple dishes (Amish donuts, Fiske fries, Smitty’s corndogs or strawberry shortcake), […]
Continue ReadingThe Florida Strawberry Festival’s Historical Queens
The Florida Strawberry Festival has always supported a Queen’s Exhibit that honors the current queen and her court. For many years, the exhibit was housed in the center of the Parke Building. In 2015, the exhibit was moved into the newly constructed Neighborhood Village, where photos of all former queens and courts were displayed in […]
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