.jpg)
Photos by Ernest Craft, III (Lakeland, Florida)
View a slide show at the end of this article.
The Florida Strawberry Festival is an annual event that takes place in Plant City, Florida. The festival began in 1930. It was initiated by the local Lions Club to promote the local strawberry crop. The festival lasts for about two weeks. Strawberry vendors from the surrounding areas use the festival to present their strawberries to the festival attendees. Over a half million people visited the festival in 2009. This year's 2010 Florida Strawberry Festival was also well attended.
People line up for their chance to eat strawberry shortcake at the festival. Besides the extremely popular strawberry shortcake, vendors sell a variety of food items. The bright reddish-pink strawberry cookies on sale at the Parksdale Farms booth attract festival goers who buy them by the dozens. Kettle Korn on sale at the festival features the saltiness of regular popcorn with a sweet twist. Watching the kettle korn being prepared is a treat for adults and kids.
Artisans compete in several competitions at the festival. One of the most visually appealing competitions is the cake decorating. Amateur and professional competitors show off their skills. This year a vase filled with realistic flowers was a winner in the cake competition. Competitors enter numerous types of baked goods in hopes of winning a ribbon.
Vendors of all kinds sell products in the expo halls at the festival. People can purchase a variety of goods. Kids can even take home a pet. Vendors at the festival selling Eco Aquariums offers pet sitting for her customers so that they can pick up their aquariums at the end of the night.
The festival has livestock activities in conjunction with the local 4-H Club. Owners sit with their livestock in the Beef Breed Exhibit. Kids enjoy being able to see animals close up. They especially enjoy seeing the mothers with their calves. Petting the animals is allowed. Hand washing stations are made available near the exhibit.
One of the best things about the Florida Strawberry Festival is seeing the work of talented local artists. There is art on display from a wide age range. There are amazing artists in Florida and the festival provides an opportunity to see their work. Many hand-crafted items are available for purchase from booths throughout the festival grounds.
The rides, food, art work, and live entertainment make the Florida Strawberry Festival a family treat. This event draws people to Plant City, Florida annually. Mark calendars and plan to attend the Florida Strawberry Festival next year.
Be sure to click below to view slide photos from the 2010 Florida Strawberry Festival.
Links Related to this Article:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_Strawberry_Festival
wildcreationsfrogblog.blogspot.com/
Articles About Other Local Events:
Contact 1Mom@simplynecessary.com with questions and comments regarding this article.
What do you think?
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!