Smaller than its Plant City counterpart with the same name, Floral City's Strawberry Festival still boasts plenty of down-home family entertainment. The festival brings in craft vendors from all over the country, as well as strawberry-themed edibles, including strawberry shortcake and pies. Girls 4 to 12 years of age can participate in the Strawberry Princess Pageant, vying to win the title of Miss Strawberry or Little Miss Strawberry. Although it's small, Floral City's festival still does plenty to celebrate this humble fruit.
Arts and Crafts
- The festival kicks off with the Berries, Brew & BBQ party held on the festival's first evening. In past years, the event has featured performances by nationally-known blues artists in addition to various other types of live music played throughout the festival. Beginning on the next morning, the Strawberry Festival itself brings in more than 150 craftsmen and women selling their wares. Vendors typically offer such items as wooden crafts, hand-sewn goods, acrylic paintings and photography.
Food
- After drinking beer and eating cake and barbecue at the kickoff party, there are plenty more eating opportunities during the festival itself. A food court is set up in the city's Floral Park, with vendors offering typical fair food like funnel cakes and turkey legs, as well as seafood, pies and ice cream. Additionally, Ferris Grove, local strawberry sellers, offer half or full strawberry flats for purchase.
- Kids' Activities
- The festival offers several options for active kids, including a rock-climbing wall and play area, and provides opportunity for them to see old-fashioned Model A cars brought out by Citrus County's car enthusiasts. Little girls 4 to 6 years of age compete for Little Miss Strawberry Princess, while those 7 to 12 years of age vie for Miss Strawberry Princess. Entrants are residents of Citrus County and wear their "Sunday best" for the competition.
Details
- The festival is typically held on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission to the Friday night festival kickoff is free, while admission to the Saturday and Sunday festivities, at time of publication, were $3 per adult. Children under 12 are admitted free. Parking is available at a nearby park, the Citrus County Fairgrounds, Ferris Field and the Floral City Library with a shuttle taking festival-goers to the festivities for a nominal fee.
