It’s tough to top a good trip to the Florida Strawberry Festival on any given day.
But, there are so many things to do and get caught up in that many festival-goers may miss out on something great. Or, in some cases, they may not even be able to find the parking to get there in the first place.
Fortunately, all of the Florida Strawberry Festival rookies and other inexperienced folks out there have an ally.
The festival’s Board of Directors members all have plenty of festival experience, but few people in town know their way around those sprawling grounds better than director emeritus (and occasional “Mr. Berry” mascot) Al Berry, a 43-year veteran of the event.
Berry, who also will be the grand marshal for this year’s Grand Parade, is well-known around these parts for always being willing to lend a hand. He shared some of his best tips for navigating and enjoying the festival.
Transportation
The first step, of course, is getting there. Every year, there always seems to be stories in the news about car accidents on the festival route or how the flow of incoming traffic will be improved. And, every year, people end up clogging the roads and filling up the parking lots anyway.
Berry said the best way to get there is to think like a local: take the road less-traveled and make nice with the neighbors.
“All the neighbors love us because they get a chance to park cars and raise enough money for their taxes all year,” Berry said. “A lot of people make the mistake of coming on I-4. You come in on a Saturday or Sunday, that place is backed up. (State Road) 574 is probably one of your best bets. You come in the back way; there’s paid parking there. If you want to beat the crowd, a lot of the local folks come in from the south side.”
The Florida Strawberry Festival does have several lots available for parking, but Berry said there’s no harm in parking in someone’s yard if they’re making it available.
“There’s always someone around there watching the cars,” he said. “We’ve always had plenty of security on hand and video cameras. We feel that people can rest assured that we’re looking after them.”
Food
After walking through the gates, there are enough opportunities for food and fun to make one dizzy just thinking about it. For Berry, the best thing to do first is sample the local cuisine.
“I think one of the best things to do, you’ve got to go satisfy that sweet tooth,” he said. “The strawberry shortcake booths are certainly something that anybody would want to go to first.”
Anyone looking for something different would be wise to explore the other options, he said.
“There’s also the Plant City High School Band Parents Association booth that’s sold strawberry pie and strawberry pizza for 30 or 40 years,” Berry said.
Strawberry pizza?
“It’s very, very tasty,” Berry said. “They’ve got the pizza crust, and they put the basil and stuff like that on it. They’ve got the strawberry syrup and whipped cream and stuff like that.”
Entertainment
For entertainment, the big-time recording artists on the Wish Farms soundstage are obviously the big ticket. But, Berry said it’s unwise to sleep on the free, more local entertainment.
“This year, in the Bright House Networks Showcase Tent, we’ve got Dennis Lee and the Bionic Band, the Redhead Express and Nathan Osmond,” Berry said.
Exhibits
The arts show isn’t the most popular offering each year, but Berry said it’s not worth missing out on — especially this year. There will be a new layout, and exhibits featuring bits of Plant City history, including a display of the costumes worn by Strawberry Queens of the past.
“Some of those exhibits, a lot of people fail to take them in because they get wrapped up in the midway and things like that,” he said.
No matter how many times one chooses to go to the festival, there’s always something to do – even if it’s not immediately obvious.
“You could go every one of the 10 days and have a different experience every day,” Berry said.