Nearly 500,000 people attend the Florida Strawberry Festival each year. With so much to do and see many may feel overwhelmed on how to get the biggest bang for their buck. Luckily, the festival offers many “special days” and discount tickets.
Discount tickets are provided by participating Publix Super Market stores. The discounted tickets to the 2018 Florida Strawberry Festival are $8 for adults and $4 for children age 6 years old to 12 years old. Children five years old and under are admitted for free. Tickets can be purchased through March 11 at the customer service desk. The following ar ea list of “special days” held at the festival.
Thursday, March 1
Florida Blue Senior Citizen Day
Those 60 years old or more get $2 off the gate admission of $10 all day. A prize will also be given away at 11:45 a.m. each senior citizens day following the 10:30 a.m. show on the Wish Farm Sound Stage. One lucky senior will have their ticket drawn from a barrel. You must be present at the Senior Citizens Program to win.
O’Reilly Auto Parts Ride-A-Thon day
12 p.m. to 11 p.m. A wristband purchased at the Midway for $20 will allow the wearer to ride most of the attractions for one low price. You must show a voucher from a participating O’Reilly Auto Parts stores to any Midway ticket booth at the festival to receive $3 off $20 wristband and ride all day for only $17. Check the festival website for participation voucher locations.
Friday, March 2
Publix Food and Fun Friday
If you donate any Publix brand non-perishable item at the entry gate you will receive $5 off the $30 wristband to ride most of the rides for $25.
Saturday, March 3
Free Kids Day
The MidFlorida Credit Union sponsors a free kids day for all children through high school. Stop by any entry booth and receive a complimentary voucher.
Youth Parade Day
11 a.m. The 45th annual Strawberry Youth Parade begins at 11 a.m. and goes down Reynolds Street and the south end of the festival grounds.
Super Saturday Wristband Day
10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Wristbands purchased at the Midway for $30 will let the wearer ride most of the rides.
Sunday, March 4
Coca-Cola Family Day
10 a.m. to 11 p.m. If you present an empty Coca-Cola brand can or plastic bottle at the entry gate you will receive a voucher for $5 off any $25 wristband to ride rides. Only one can per person.
Monday, March 5
Ride-A-Thon Day
10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Wristbands will be $20 at the Midway for most of the rides.
Grand Parade Day
1 p.m. The Grand Parade will begin at 1 p.m. and will pass by the festival at 2 p.m. There will be marching bands, churches, FFA Chapters, dance groups and more.
Tuesday, March 6
TruWhip Tuesday
12 p.m. to 11 p.m. Ride any single ride for only $2.
Ride-A-Thon Day
12 p.m. to 11 p.m. Wristbands are $20 at the Midway for most of the rides.
Wednesday, March 7
American Heroes Day
All active, reserve and retired military and veterans along with law enforcement and first responders will be admitted free for the day with a valid ID.
Ride-A-Thon
12 p.m. to 11 p.m. Wristbands are $20 at the Midway for most of the rides.
Thursday, March 8
Those 60 years old or more get $2 off the gate admission of $10 all day. A prize will also be given away at 11:45 a.m. each senior citizens day following the 10:30 a.m. show on the Wish Farm Sound Stage. One lucky senior will have their ticket drawn from a barrel. You must be present at the Senior Citizens Program to win.
O’Reilly Auto Parts Ride-A-Thon day
12 p.m. to 11 p.m. A wristband purchased at the Midway for $20 will allow the wearer to ride most of the attractions for one low price. You must show a voucher from a participating O’Reilly Auto Parts stores to any Midway ticket booth at the festival to receive $3 off $20 wristband and ride all day for only $17. Check the festival website for participation voucher locations.
Friday, March 9
Tampa Bay Times on the Midway
12 p.m. to 10 p.m. If you have a coupon from the Tampa Bay Times you will receive $5 off the $20 Fun Pack Ride Coupon Book. The coupon will be found in the Tampa Bay Times and on www.tampabay.com on Sunday, March 5 and Friday, March 9. Coupon must be printed in a heard copy. No electronic coupons will be accepted.
Moonlight Magic Night
10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Wristbands for the rides will be on sale for $25 a person. Everyone who enters the event must purchase a wristband.
Saturday, March 10
Farm Worker Appreciation Day
Farmworkers will receive free admission with a voucher from Astin Farms.
Super Saturday Wristband Day
10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Wristbands will be $30 at the Midway for most rides.
Sunday, March 11
Coca-Cola Family Day
10 a.m. to 11 p.m. If you present an empty Coca-Cola brand can or plastic bottle at the entry gate you will receive a voucher for $5 off any $25 wristband to ride rides. Only one can per person.