NEWS
Boles and Parker promoted to Festival Directors
PLANT CITY, Fla. (May 24, 2023) – The Florida Strawberry Festival Board of Directors voted last month to elect its newest members, Renita Boles and Kenneth Parker, who both have served as associate directors for many years.
“I am very pleased that Kenneth Parker and Renita Boles have been promoted to the Board of Directors,” said Florida Strawberry Festival Chairman Danny Coton. “I have known them both for many years and know that their insight and hard work will be a great asset to the Florida Strawberry Festival.”
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Danny Coton elected Festival Chairman
PLANT CITY, Fla. (May 4, 2023) – The Florida Strawberry Festival’s board of directors recently elected a new chairman.
Danny Coton, who has served as a board member for 20 years, was named chairman and succeeds Phil Waldron, who has served as chairman for the past two years. Pam Warnock was elected vice chairman along with Jon Poppell, who was elected secretary, and Dr. Michael Salvato, who was elected treasurer.
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Ellany Johnson and Paul Davis retire with nearly 50 years of combined service
PLANT CITY, Fla. (Apr. 28, 2023) – The Florida Strawberry Festival announced today that Vice President and Office Manager Ellany Johnson and President Paul Davis have retired.
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Florida Strawberry Festival announces new president
PLANT CITY, Fla. (April 26, 2023) – The Florida Strawberry Festival announced today that Kyle Robinson is the new president effective immediately. He has replaced Paul Davis, who retired this past week.
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Florida Strawberry Festival nominated for Academy of Country Music Award
PLANT CITY, Fla. (Apr. 13, 2023) – The Academy of Country Music announced nominations for the 58th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards today. The Florida Strawberry Festival has been selected as one of five nominees in the Fair/Rodeo of the Year category.
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Stingray Chevrolet Corvette raffle winner named at Berryfest23
PLANT CITY, Fla. (April 3, 2023) – A 2023 Stingray Chevrolet Corvette Stingray was given away Sunday, March 12 at the Stingray Chevrolet display on the Florida Strawberry Festival grounds.
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Mosaic Youth Steer Sale Results Announced
PLANT CITY, Fla. (March 30, 2023) – Exhibitors in the Mosaic Youth Steer Show sold their steer in the Mosaic Youth Steer Sale it the Patterson Companies Livestock Arena on Saturday, March 11th at the Festival grounds.
The grand champion steer, exhibited by Bella Ballard, was purchased for $19 per pound by Astin Farms. The reserve grand champion steer, exhibited by Gillian Mattheson, was purchased by Dennis Carlton Jr. and the McClure Family and sold for $5.64 per pound.
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Mosaic Youth Steer Show results are in
PLANT CITY, Fla. (April 1, 2023) – The grand champion and the reserve grand champion at the Florida Strawberry Festival’s Mosaic Youth Steer Show were chosen Wednesday night at the Patterson Co. Livestock Arena in the Grimes Family Agricultural Center.
Bella Ballard, a member of the Youth Leaders in Production Agriculture Chapter, exhibited the overall grand champion steer, and Gillian Mattheson, a member of the Newsome FFA Chapter, exhibited the overall reserve grand champion steer.
One hundred exhibitors showed steers in the annual competition that took place at 6 p.m.
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Festival releases attendance figure for 2023 event
PLANT CITY, Fla. (March 14, 2023) – The 88th Annual Florida Strawberry Festival ended Sunday, March 12th with record-breaking attendance.
The 11-day event drew 606,116 visitors to take part in concerts, livestock shows, free entertainment, rides, food, arts and crafts vendors and more.
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Lamb show results are in
PLANT CITY, Fla. (March 15, 2023) – The winners in the Florida Strawberry Festival’s lamb shows were this week at the Patterson Companies Livestock Arena in the Grimes Family Agricultural Center.
Four competitions are held for lamb exhibitors: showmanship, a jumping contest, a sheep show and costume contest.
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Steer Showmanship winners announced
PLANT CITY, Fla. (March 11, 2023) – Exhibitors in the Florida Strawberry Festival’s Mosaic Youth Steer Showmanship Contest competed against one another last night to find the event’s top showman.
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Festival declares 2023 Beef Breed Winners
PLANT CITY, Fla. (March 15, 2023) – The Florida Strawberry Festival awarded the winners of its annual beef breed show that took place this past weekend in the Patterson Co. Livestock Arena at the Grimes Family Agricultural Center.
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Baby Parade winners announced
PLANT CITY, Fla. (March 15, 2023) – The winners of the Florida Strawberry Festival’s annual baby parade were awarded today on the festival grounds.
In this year’s baby contest, sponsored by the Junior Women’s Club of Plant City and held in the GT Grandstands Arena, contestants ranging in age from 1 year old to 4 years old competed in several categories: most beautiful, most handsome, best personality, best costume and best float.
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Dairy Show winners awarded at 2023 Festival
PLANT CITY, Fla. (March 14, 2023) – The winners in the Florida Strawberry Festival’s dairy shows were chosen this week in the Patterson Companies Livestock Arena in the Grimes Family Agricultural Center.
Grove Equipment Service sponsors three competitions for dairy cattle and their exhibitors: showmanship, the dairy cattle show and costume ball.
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Festival awards Baby Contest winners
PLANT CITY, Fla. (March 15, 2023) – The Florida Strawberry Festival held its annual baby contest last week in the Publix Showcase Tent on the Florida Strawberry Festival grounds.
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Festival announces grand champion swine at 2023 event
PLANT CITY, Fla. (March 10, 2023) – The grand champion at the Florida Strawberry Festival’s Mosaic Youth Swine Show was chosen last Friday evening.
Jaylynn Wood, a member of Barrington FFA, exhibited the grand champion swine. Reserve grand champion was awarded to Avery Ashley, a member of Hillsborough FFA Federation.
Seventy-four exhibitors showed swine in the annual competition that began at 7:00 p.m. in the Patterson Companies Livestock Arena in the Grimes Family Agricultural Center. In the show, each pig is placed in one of nine classes based on the animal’s weight. The winner of each class then competes for the title of grand champion.
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Mosaic Youth Swine Sale results announced at 2023 event
PLANT CITY, Fla. (March 11, 2023) – Exhibitors in the Mosaic Youth Swine Show sold their pigs Friday, March 3 in the Mosaic Youth Swine Sale at the Grimes Family Agricultural Center.
The grand champion pig, exhibited by Jaylynn Wood, was purchased by Astin Farms for $18 per pound. The reserve grand champion pig, exhibited by Avery Ashley, was purchased by Pipe Pros for $17.90 per pound.
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Youth Plant Show winners declared
PLANT CITY, Fla. (March 10, 2023) – The grand champion plant was chosen this week at the Florida Strawberry Festival’s Youth Plant Show in the Swindle Family Pavilion.
Marshall Lemus won grand champion, and Joelle Perreault won reserve grand champion.
The Youth Plant Show is sponsored by Choo Choo Lawn Equipment and offers youth in the community an opportunity to raise a plant, enter it into competition, and sell it at the Youth Plant Sale.
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2023 Adult Stemming Contests results
PLANT CITY, Fla. (March 9, 2023) – The fastest strawberry stemmer on the festival grounds was found yesterday at the annual Adult Strawberry Stemming Contest.
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Festival announces 2023 exhibits contest winner
PLANT CITY, Fla. (March 9, 2023) – The Florida Strawberry Festival announced Tuesday the winners of its annual exhibits contest.
Each year, every exhibit including outside concessions, civic clubs, educational exhibits, arts and crafts, and others are judged on decoration and overall presentation.
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Super Dog Mega Corn Dog Contest winner declared
PLANT CITY, Fla. (March 9, 2023) – The Florida Strawberry Festival announced today the winner of its Super Dog Mega Corn Dog Eating Contest that took place yesterday afternoon on the Festival grounds.
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Spaghetti Eating Contest winners announced
PLANT CITY, Fla. (March 7, 2023) – The Florida Strawberry Festival announced today the winner of its Annual Strawberry Spaghetti Eating Contest that took place yesterday afternoon on the festival grounds.
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Photography Contest winners declared at Festival
PLANT CITY, Fla. (March 8, 2023) – The best in show in the Florida Strawberry Festival’s photography contest was awarded Monday at the event grounds in Plant City.
The highest award, best of show, was awarded to a photo taken by Susan Hill.
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Florida Strawberry Festival rabbit and poultry exhibit winners chosen at 2023 event
PLANT CITY, Fla. (Mar. 7, 2023) – The grand champions at the Florida Strawberry Festival’s Mosaic Youth Poultry and Rabbit shows were announced Sunday.
In the youth poultry show, Abigail Spivey exhibited the grand champion, Sierra McCoy exhibited the reserve champion, Kendall Donaldson exhibited the champion of production and Kenzie Palmer exhibited the champion of production opposite sex.
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Strawberry Grand Parade winners chosen
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Youth Strawberry Stemming Contest winners declared at Festival
PLANT CITY, Fla. (March 5, 2023) – The Florida Strawberry Festival announced today the winner of its Youth Strawberry Stemming Contest that took place yesterday on the festival grounds.
In the stemming contest, competitors are separated into four categories: kindergarten, first and second graders, third and fourth graders and fifth and sixth graders. The competitor who removes the stems from 20 strawberries most quickly is declared the winner.
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Festival Art Show winners announced at 2023 event
PLANT CITY, Fla. (March 6, 2023) – The Florida Strawberry Festival announced yesterday the winners in its 2023 fine art show presented by the East Hillsborough Art Guild and sponsored by Good Health Saunas.
In the adult division, the highest award, best in show, was awarded to Sheryl Unwin, and the strawberry theme award was given to Beth Smedley.
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Shoebox float winners declared at 2023 Festival
PLANT CITY, Fla. (March 4, 2023) – The winners in the Florida Strawberry Festival’s shoebox float contest were announced this week.
The contest, sponsored by TrueStim, allows children in first through sixth grade to decorate a shoebox to look like a miniature parade float. All floats entered are on display all 11 days of the festival in the Parke Building on the Florida Strawberry Festival grounds.
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Festival declares Amish Donut Eating Contest winners
PLANT CITY, Fla. (March 5, 2023) – The Florida Strawberry Festival announced today the winners of its 6th Annual Amish Donut Eating Contest presented by Peachey’s that took place yesterday on the festival grounds.
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Lynyrd Skynyrd still set to perform at BerryFest23
PLANT CITY, Fla. (March 6, 2023) – The Florida Strawberry Festival announced today that Lynyrd Skynyrd is still set to perform at the 2023 event.
The band announced Sunday night on their Facebook page that band member Gary Rossington passed away. Rossington was an original Lynyrd Skynyrd band member, skilled guitarist, and songwriter.
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Strawberry Mashed Potato Pie Eating Contest winner announced
PLANT CITY, Fla. (March 12, 2023) – The Florida Strawberry Festival announced this week the winner of its Strawberry Mashed Potato Pie Eating Contest located in the Stingray Chevrolet Entertainment Tent.
In his fourth consecutive win, Jeff Perkins, from Hawaii, won the event where each contestant eats a pie plate of garlic mashed potatoes adorned with fresh strawberries. The contestant who eats everything on the plate the quickest is declared the winner. The Strawberry Mashed Potato Pie Eating Contest is sponsored by Pickle Barrel Sirloin Tips.
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Strawberry Shortcake Eating Contest winner declared
PLANT CITY, Fla. (March 10, 2023) – The Florida Strawberry Festival announced the winner of its annual Strawberry Shortcake Eating Contest that took place yesterday on the festival grounds.
Ten competitors were drawn at random to participate in the event and were each served a four-pound shortcake with whipped cream and strawberries. The first eight minutes of the competition the competitors could use a spoon to eat the sweet desserts. From there on out it was hands only.
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FFA exhibit winners announced at 2023 Festival
PLANT CITY, Fla. (March 3, 2023) – The Florida Strawberry Festival announced today the winners of the annual FFA exhibit competition.
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Paul Davis to Grand Marshal Berry Fine Productions Grand Parade
PLANT CITY, Fla. (March 4, 2023) – The Festival announced today Florida Strawberry Festival President Paul Davis is Grand Marshal of Berry Fine Productions Strawberry Grand Parade, which will take place on Monday, March 6th, and will pass by the Festival grounds at 2 p.m.
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Deep-Fried Strawberry Shortcake on a Stick team awarded top honors at 2023 event
PLANT CITY, Fla. (March 3, 2023) – The Florida Strawberry Festival announced today the winner of its Deep-Fried Strawberry Shortcake on a Stick Relay that took place this afternoon on the Festival grounds.
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An assortment of hearty eats and sweet strawberry treats top the list of new foods for BerryFest23
PLANT CITY, Fla. (Feb. 22, 2023) –The Florida Strawberry Festival announced today the new food items, vendors and free entertainment guests can expect at the 2023 event.
Musicians, water shows, exhibits, magicians, big wheels and so much more comprise this year’s lineup of new free entertainment.
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Stingray Chevrolet donates Corvette Coupe for 2023 event
PLANT CITY, Fla. (Feb. 21, 2023) – Stingray Chevrolet has donated a brand-new Corvette to be raffled off at the 2023 Florida Strawberry Festival.
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The Jacksons cancel Festival show, The Pointer Sisters to replace
PLANT CITY, Fla. (February 16, 2023) – The Florida Strawberry Festival announced today that The Jacksons have canceled their performance at the 2023 event due to a medical emergency.
“Due to a medical emergency, The Jacksons are unable to perform at this year’s Florida Strawberry Festival,” said Florida Strawberry Festival President-Elect Kyle Robinson. “The Jacksons were deeply disappointed to miss this event and expressed their appreciation for their loyal fanbase.”
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Willie Nelson & Family sells out Festival show
PLANT CITY, Fla. (Feb. 3, 2023) – Willie Nelson & Family’s upcoming performance at the 88th Annual Florida Strawberry Festival is sold out.
Nelson is set to perform Friday, March 3 at 3:30 p.m. on the Wish Farms Soundstage, and about 10,000 guests are expected to attend.
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Discounted tickets on sale TOMORROW at Publix Super Market Stores.
PLANT CITY, Fla. (Feb. 1, 2023) – Discounted admission tickets to the 2023 Florida Strawberry Festival will go on sale tomorrow at participating Publix Super Market stores throughout central and southwest Florida and online.
Tickets can be purchased February 2 through March 12 at select Publix Super Market stores and at www.flstrawberryfestival.com. Advance discounted admission tickets are $8 for adults and $4 for children 6-12 years old. Children 5 years old and under are admitted free with a paying adult.
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Durant High School student crowned 2023 Florida Strawberry Festival Queen
PLANT CITY, Fla. (Jan. 22, 2023) – Kennedie Clinton was crowned queen of the 88th Florida Strawberry Festival at last night’s annual pageant.
Clinton was selected from a field of 24 contestants. Jaida Davis was chosen first maid along with court members Addison Raburn, Fe Ramirez and Kaleigh Salmon.
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2023 Junior Royalty winners
announced at Festival
PLANT CITY, Fla. (Jan. 15, 2023) – The Florida Strawberry Festival crowned the winners of its annual Junior Royalty pageant last night at the Grimes Family Agricultural Center on the festival grounds.
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The Isley Brothers to perform at BerryFest23
PLANT CITY, Fla. (Dec. 8, 2022) – The Florida Strawberry Festival announced today that The Isley Brothers will be performing on Saturday, March 11 in place of Keith Sweat.
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Keith Sweat cancels festival show
PLANT CITY, Fla. (December 6, 2022) – The Florida Strawberry Festival announced today that Keith Sweat has canceled his performance at the 2023 event due to unforeseen circumstances.
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Florida Strawberry Festival announces remaining Headline Entertainment artists
PLANT CITY, Fla. (Dec. 2, 2022) – The Florida Strawberry Festival released today its remaining list of headline entertainment artists performing on the Wish Farms Soundstage at the 2023 event.
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The festival will host a total of 24 headline entertainers including Willie Nelson & Family, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Train and FOR KING + COUNTRY. For the complete lineup of artists, visit www.flstrawberryfestival.com.
Florida Strawberry Festival announces 2023 Headline Entertainment lineup
PLANT CITY, Fla. (Nov. 11, 2022)- The Florida Strawberry Festival released today its lineup of headline entertainment artists performing on the Wish Farms Soundstage at the 2023 event.
Advance tickets for admission and for headline entertainment shows will go on sale Thursday, Dec. 8, 2022 at 8 a.m. and can be purchased online at www.flstrawberryfestival.com, at the Amscot Main Ticket Office located at 2209 W. Oak Avenue in Plant City and by phone at 813- 754-1996.
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Erica Hall elected to Florida Strawberry Festival board of associate directors
PLANT CITY, Fla. (November 8, 2022) – The Florida Strawberry Festival board of directors recently voted to elect its newest associate director, Erica Hall.
The festival’s board of directors is comprised of 16 directors and 14 associate directors. New associate directors are elected by the board from a group of nominated candidates, and directors are selected from the current group of associate directors.
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Kay Varnum elected to Florida Strawberry Festival board of directors
PLANT CITY, Fla. (October 18, 2022) – The Florida Strawberry Festival board of directors voted last month to elect its newest member, Kay Varnum.
Varnum, who has served as an associate director for 20 years, was elected from a field of 14 fellow associate directors.
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Florida Strawberry Festival announces theme for 2023 event
PLANT CITY, Fla. (Oct. 4, 2022) – The Florida Strawberry Festival announced today the theme for its 88th annual event – “We Have a Winner!”
“Yes, it points to the recent win we achieved in naming strawberry shortcake as Florida’s official dessert as we’re a little partial to the berry,” said President Paul Davis. “We’re excited about this year’s event and look forward to sharing in the celebration of the shortcake dessert that has come to make us so successful!”
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Florida Strawberry Festival selects new president-elect
PLANT CITY, Fla. (July 13, 2022) – The Florida Strawberry Festival announced today that Kyle Robinson will become the new president-elect effective immediately. He will be replacing Paul Davis who will be retiring in April of 2023.
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Festival elects new directors and associate directors
PLANT CITY, Fla. (June 20, 2022) – The Florida Strawberry Festival board of directors recently voted to elect its newest directors, Lane Wetherington and Rick Lott, and associate directors, Alan Kicklighter and Stephanie Shuff.
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Festival presents sizable donation to local food bank
PLANT CITY, Fla. (July 21, 2022) – The Florida Strawberry Festival presented the proceeds from its annual Strawberry Ball to the United Food Bank of Plant City today.
The 48th Strawberry Ball, which was held April 30 in the Charlie Grimes Family Agricultural Center, raised a total of $50,000 for the nearby food bank. The social event featured dinner, dancing and a live auction, all within an ocean theme of “Under the Sea.”
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