Your guide to the Florida Strawberry Festival
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Photo: Courtesy of the Florida Strawberry Festival
The Florida Strawberry Festival kicks off its 11-day run Thursday in Plant City, the "Winter Strawberry Capital of the World."
Why it matters: The nearly century-old festival, nestled in northeast Hillsborough County, is the most-attended fair in the state, drawing hundreds of thousands last year.
Here's what to expect.
Tickets
$15 for those 13 and older and $5 for ages 6-12; kids five and under get in free.
- Pro tip: Save money by buying tickets at Publix. ($10 for ages 13 and up and $4 for ages 6-12.) Discounts are also available on select days.
Parking
You can find parking in three lots on Ritter Street off Highway 92 and Highway 574.
- Fees for cars, pickup trucks and vans are $5; vehicles over 20 feet pay $10; those over 40 feet cost $15.
Food
There are 11 new food items this year, from an Almond Joy funnel cake to apple fries topped with bacon, caramel and peanut butter.
Standouts: The Carriage House debuts the "CinnaBerry Dog," an all-beef hot dog wrapped in Grandma Brown's original cinnamon roll topped with strawberries.
- Carousel Foods adds a new deep-fried treat — strawberry shortcake cookie dough.
You can find the classic strawberry shortcake at three spots: East Hillsborough Historical Society strawberry shortcake, St. Clement Catholic Church make-your-own shortcake and Transforming Life Church shortcake.
Entertainment
Over two dozen artists are set to perform as part of the festival's headline entertainment.
- Of note: Gate admission isn't included with concert tickets.
Feb. 29
- Jimmy Sturr & His Orchestra at 10:30am (Free)
- The Oak Ridge Boys at 3:30pm ($35)
- Oliver Anthony at 7:30pm ($35)
March 1
- The Beach Boys at 3:30pm ($45)
- Jordan Davis at 7:30pm ($55)
March 2
- Black Eyed Peas at 7:30pm ($65)
March 3
- Parker McCollum at 7:30pm ($65)
March 4
- The Bellamy Brothers at 3:30pm ($25)
- ZZ Top at 7:30pm ($55)
March 5
- Mark Lowry at 3:30pm ($30)
- Zach Williams at 7:30pm ($40)
March 6
- Craig Morgan at 3:30pm ($35)
- Riley Green at 7:30pm ($50)
March 7
- Bill Haley Jr. & The Comets at 10:30am (Free)
- Gene Watson at 3:30pm ($25)
- Kirk Franklin at 7:30pm ($45)
March 8
- The Commodores at 3:30pm ($35)
- Foreigner at 7:30pm ($55)
March 9
- Jo Dee Messina at 3:30pm ($30)
- Flo Rida at 7:30pm ($50)
March 10
- Cody Johnson at 7:30pm ($75)