The week from February 26 through March 8 of 2008 marked the annual Florida Strawberry Festival in Plant City, a tradition that dates far into history. One of the most prevalent traditions that visitors coming from hotels in Plant City will notice is the great volunteer spirit that allows the continuance of this festival every year. It is a community fair in the American tradition and consists of contests, social events, well known entertainment, parades and floats, and more. The festival has remained unchanged in organization and format since 1930, with a short hiatus during and after World War II, resuming in 1946. Governed by a board of directors that devotes hours to the direction of the event, the Florida Strawberry Festival is perhaps one of the largest community oriented affairs in the United States.
Some of the attractions for Plant City hotel guests who attended the festival this year included agricultural and livestock exhibits, fine arts and crafts shows, and horticulture specialists. Competitive contests are an enjoyable part of the event, and youths can participate in learning events. Shows included the Bikes, Boards, and Blades event, which showcased trick riding on a half-pipe, as well as a number of talented musical guests, such as Alan Jackson, Trace Adkins, and Miranda Lambert. The midway at the fair rivaled the best traveling carnivals, with rides and games that excited all tourists. Overall, the Florida Strawberry Festival in Plant City is a load of fun the whole family can enjoy, and the tradition will carry on for many more years.
