www.GoFlorida.about.com
by: Dawn Henthorn
The 2017 festival has 24 headline shows with such artists as Willie Nelson and Family and Little Big Town.
PLANT CITY – Tickets to the Florida Strawberry Festival’s headline entertainment shows on the Wish Farms Soundstage are on sale now.
Tickets for each show can be purchased online at flstrawberryfestival.com, over the phone at (813) 754-1996 or at the Amscot Main Ticket Office located at 2209 W Oak Ave. in Plant City.
Twenty-four shows including Willie Nelson and Family, Little Big Town, Rascal Flatts, Patti LaBelle, 3 Doors Down, the Blues Brothers and more comprise the variety of entertainment offered in the 2017 lineup.
“We were able to secure some of today’s top acts as well as musical legends,” Florida Strawberry Festival General Manager Paul Davis said. “We are proud of the lineup and have worked hard to book shows that everyone will enjoy.”
The American Legion Post #26 is also recognized for its effort in getting the Florida Strawberry Festival reactivated in 1948 following a six year hiatus during and immediately following World War II. Now “The Florida Strawberry Festival Association” is governed by a board of directors from the local community and a small staff who work year round to make the Strawberry Festival one of the top 30 of such events in North America.
The Festival
This family-oriented event features arts, crafts, horticulture, livestock, agriculture, fine arts, rides, entertainment and so much more. Here are just a few of the highlights:
The Mighty Bluegrass Show’s Carnival features over 60 thrilling rides in the Midway. Younger festival-goers will get their own thrills in the Strawberry Patch Kiddy Corral.
Many showcase their talents in art and photography, while school children display shoe box floats that they’ve constructed. Even the wee ones get involved in the very popular baby contests where prizes are awarded in such categories as best decorated diaper and the diaper derby.
The agricultural shows and exhibits are a great way for children to learn how farming communities function. Some children get to see animals they’ve only seen in books, so it is a great educational experience too.
Entertainment
Perhaps almost as famous as its strawberries, is the Florida Strawberry Festival’s entertainment line-up. Year after year, the Festival draws some of the finest rock and country music performers for its toe-tappin’ concerts. The 2017 lineup will be announced at a later date.
Of course, there is plenty of free entertainment at various stages throughout the fair property. Also, at 10:30 a.m. each day there will be a free concert.
Information
If you go, expect a lot of traffic, especially on the weekends and plan your travel accordingly.
The 2017 Florida Strawberry Festival will be held March 2 thru 12. Advance admission and concert tickets will go on sale in early December, 2016.
General advance admission ticket prices are $10 for adults (ages 13+) and $5 for children (ages 6-12). Children 5 years of age and younger are admitted free. Once tickets go on sale, they can be purchased at Publix Supermarkets throughout West Central Florida and the Strawberry Festival Ticket Office, 2209 W. Oak Avenue, Plant City, by phone 813-754-1996 or online. Regular gate admission prices apply at the gate once the festival is open.
Directions
The festival grounds are located about 15 miles east of Tampa in Plant City, Florida.
