ISSUE 3: The Strawberry Festival Is a Sweet Treat for Everyone

This year’s Strawberry Festival is full of music, food, attractions, games and fun.

A+picture+of+fresh+strawberries+to+celebrate+the+upcoming+Strawberry+Festival.

Photo Charlotte Stone

A picture of fresh strawberries to celebrate the upcoming Strawberry Festival.

Charlotte Stone, Features Editor

Florida’s annual Strawberry Festival will be back this year and better than ever! It begins on March 3 and runs through March 13. The festival will be held in Plant City and include a variety of attractions such as delicious food booths, livestock contests, a variety of rides and rollercoasters and many musical guests.

The fair will be open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. during this 11 day period. Adult tickets (ages 13+) cost $10, kids (ages 6-12) are $5 and children (ages 5 and under) have free entry with paid adult admission. All tickets can be bought at your local Publix supermarket, or at the gate of the Strawberry Festival upon arrival.

Once inside, there are three main sections full of attractions: Belle City Midway, Kiddie Korral and Neighborhood Village.  Belle City Midway is always fun for guests of all ages; it’s full of over 80 rides, rollercoasters and games and is often the highlight of many guests’ visits. Belle City Midway opens every day at noon except for Saturday, Sunday and Monday when it opens right at 10 a.m.

Kiddie Korral is specialized for younger kids’ enjoyment. It opens daily at 10 a.m. and includes smaller, more gentle rides to accommodate for younger guests.

Finally, Neighborhood Village is the perfect place to take a break from the heat and relax while browsing through home-crafted items made in the community. There are two separate categories for kids and adults in which Florida residents can submit their handmade masterpieces for judgment. There is a myriad of categories for these projects including baking, jewelry making, knitting, etc. Whether you enter or not, it’s still a great way to pass your time cooling off and observing some amazing crafts.

Last but not least, here’s what you need to know about the COVID-19 regulations at the Strawberry Festival. Bringing a mask is a necessity. It is recommended that all guests wear a mask while inside the fairgrounds and is required while indoors and inside enclosed tents. It’s also requested that all those who are experiencing symptoms refrain from coming to the festival and asks that all guests follow social distancing guidelines.

No matter your age, the Strawberry Festival is a great way to spend your weekend or start off your Spring Break.