Each year, the Florida Strawberry Festival has entertainers and activities that make sure each moment spent on the grounds is filled to the brim with memories.
While many of the shows return year after year, there’s always something new to add to the lineup to ensure the crowds have an evolving experience each time they come through the gates.
“Our vendors and exhibitors have truly outdone themselves this year,” Florida Strawberry Festival President Paul Davis said. “We like for our guests to have a fresh festival experience year after year, and the new food items, on grounds entertainment and attractions for this year’s event are pretty spectacular.”
With more than 500,000 visitors expected to pour in over the 11 days, there’s going to be more than enough events spread throughout the festival to ensure everyone has a chance to soak in the entertainment of their dreams.
Free entertainers
K9s in Flight
This is not your typical dog show. K9s in Flight is a rescue dog show that will tug at your heartstrings while simultaneously dropping your jaw in awe. All of the dogs in the show are rescues and now are participating in the “coolest of canine sports.” You’ll get to bear witness to some amazing frisbee dogs, big air high jumps and high-flying canines, dock-diving dogs and more. It’s action-packed fun for the whole family.
The Belmont Magic Show
Who doesn’t love a bit of magic as they slowly make a dent in an Amish donut? The Belmont Magic Show mixes magic, surprises and comedy for one performance you won’t forget. There’s illusions, live animals, costumes that make Mardi Gras look cheap and tons of audience participation.
Flippenout
Some of the best trampoline artists in North America are performing Olympic-style routines with skis, snowboards and trampolines. Adding a healthy dose of comedy to the mix only ensures the show is one everyone will remember. They advertise that the louder the audience cheers the higher the artists will go.
Vocal Trash
“One man’s trash is another man’s treasure!” This group of musicians use household items to create a symphony of tunes. There’s choreographed performances, a capella and lots of talk on the issue of reducing, reusing and recycling to help the planet be a healthier place to live.
Publix Aprons Cooking Show
If you’re from the South you know there’s few supermarkets that people cherish more than Publix. The company is having one of its Publix Aprons chefs make delicious dishes in front of a live audience. Throughout the show they’ll share valuable cooking techniques everyone will benefit from. The show is held March 1 at 6 p.m.
Dark Hose Music Show
A local music store, Dark Horse, is presenting a music showcase exclusively for the festival. The show will feature Plant City grown artists performing some of their favorite covers and original songs. The festivity will be held on March 7 at 6 p.m. in the Publix Showcase tent.
The Stephanie Ann Show
Stephanie Ann, a Brandon resident, plays everything from classic symphonies to modern masterpieces on her violin. She’s toured all over the nation and played on the Grand Ole Opry with country music legend Bill Anderson. Her show is performed daily in the Smithfield Strawberry Tent.
Sahlen’s Hot Dogs Fun Zone
This show will have a live cooking demonstration from Sahlen’s in-house chef, which includes free product sampling, Publix retail coupons and branded giveaway items. Sahlen’s will also have a “fun zone” area featuring various sports accuracy and speed challenges.
Kid’s Coloring Center
Kids are welcome to come out to the New York Yankees Kiddie Korral, near the Neighborhood Village for a space exclusively for coloring a mural-sized coloring page. The area is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Peachey’s Youth
Pretzel Making Clinic
On Tuesday, March 3 at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m., all children up to age 17 are invited to the Peachey’s Pretzel Making Clinic in the New York Yankees Kiddie Korral.
Deep-Fried Strawberry
Pie on a Stick Relay
Come see teams of four compete in the first Deep-Fried Strawberry Pie on a Stick Relay. The relay begins at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 27 in the Stingray Chevrolet Tent.
Amenities
The festival is also offering some new services on the grounds. One of the new amenities is the Badcock Home Furniture & More Mother & Baby Suite. Located in the southwest corner of the Milton E. Hull Building this suite will allow mothers to relax with their children without having to wait in line for a restroom or head back to their cars for some privacy. This room is air conditioned and will have areas for moms to nurse and enjoy the chance to unwind throughout the day.
There are also designated “selfie spots” throughout the festival grounds this year so you can have the perfect location to Instagram you and your friends or you with the massive strawberry milkshake of your dreams. Pick up a grounds map at the festival info booth for a list of their locations.
Of course every year the festival has a new theme. This year’s Our Perfect Vision theme is accompanied with a new set of exclusive festival stickers. Head to any festival information booth, the Amscot Main Ticket office and the festival’s box office located on the southwest side of the TECO Expo Hall to pick up your sticker to wear throughout the day at the festival.