FLORIDA FAIR NEWS CONTINUED……………………...……………………………..
Florida Strawberry Festival
It’s almost Festival time
in Plant City and we are gearing up for the 76th annual Florida Strawberry Festival. The Straw- berry Festival began when the newly formed Plant City Lions
Club conceived the idea to create a celebration showcasing the bountiful strawberry harvest the good Lord had so richly blessed them with. Thus, The Florida Strawberry Festival and Hillsborough County Fair sprouted and has grown and flourished over the years in the same manner as the delicious delicacy it celebrates. While “Hillsborough County Fair” is no longer a part of the name, the spirit of the County Fair from days of old is still alive and well. It is no mistake that Plant City is known as the Winter Strawberry Capi-
tal of the World. Florida produces about 15 percent of the fresh grown strawberries in the United States and nearly all berries grown during the winter. Hillsborough County alone produces over 90 percent of the state’s strawberries, primarily in the Plant City and Dover community. There is no doubt that this annual $350 million strawberry industry has created a significant impact on our community. The Florida Strawberry Festival is known for its traditions and one of
the most obvious is the volunteer spirit that prevails. Because of their love for this community, more than 2,700 volunteers, 30 board mem- bers, 21 year around employees and 650 seasonal employees devote countless hours to the success of the Festival. We are very proud of these individuals as they make a huge impact on of our Festival. The Festival is especially proud of the educational strawberry display
which is sponsored by the Florida Strawberry Growers Association. We actually plant a small field of strawberries which allows us to educate individuals on the step by step process of growing the crop. We also have what is called Ask a Farmer, where experts in different agricultural fields explain the process of growing all varieties of crops in this area. Patrons will have the opportunity to enjoy new and exciting free enter-
tainment at the Festival. These acts include Pirates of the Colombian Caribbean, who perform 28 feet in the air, above a huge pirate ship while they execute various daring feats and tricks on a steel cable such as sword fighting, the dangerous two men high, and actually skipping rope. Another new and exciting change to this year’s Festival Rock-It the Robot. At 9 feet tall, Rock-It the Robot is everyone’s favorite dance part- ner and has moves that range from country to HIP-HOP and even has his own Robo-Boogie-Get-Down dancing. While many of the Festival’s staple performers like, Dennis Lee, Jay
Taylor, Rev. Art Jones, and Runa Pacha, will be performing again this year, some new acts will also be sharing the stage. From fast fiddle numbers to singing ballads and Irish dancing, The Gothard Sisters are three sisters you won’t want to miss. The trio uses their talents to per- form entertaining shows featuring country, Irish, flamenco and rock mu- sic. Simply a good time for everyone! Brady Goss is an electrifying en- tertainer and piano phenomenon and his shows can be seen free with paid admission. Brady is a young musician with formidable keyboard speed and soulful vocals that bring the feel good emotion to all who witness his performance. Rounding out the performances are groups such as The Magic of Lance Gifford & Company, the very talented Suite Caroline, and the Bluegrass Parlor Band with Cory & Jarrod Walker. This year, the Belle City Amusements, Inc., will bring more than 85
rides to the midway, of which 6 are brand new to the Festival. The new rides feature Lollipop Swing Ride, Daytona, Avalanche, Crazy Mouse, ReMix, Vertigo, Magnum which are sure to satisfy the topsy-turvy thrill seekers. The Florida Strawberry Festival also welcomes twenty-four headline
entertainers who will be performing in the Wish Farm Soundstage. There are some exciting new changes taking place at the Strawberry
Festival. One of which is the construction of a new multi-purpose agricul- tural complex which will take place after this year’s Festival. The main building of this complex will have approximately 32,000 square feet of enclosed air-conditioned space. The building will seat approximately 3,000 people and will be used for agricultural events during the Festival while also providing available space for off season events. As you can see, this year’s Festival is something special. Be sure to
“Taste The Flavor Of Fun!” at the 76th Annual Florida Strawberry Festival March 3rd through March 13th.
Brevard County Fair By Bill Cannon, Fair Manager
The Brevard County Fair is entering it's third season and we are busy, busy, busy. You would think that we would have
most of the challenges taken care of by our third season but "That ain't necessarily so." The mechanics are much easier but each level of growth presents a new set of challenges that we are meeting head on. We are still looking for a place that we can call home and set up a per- manent Fairground. I just wanted to take a few lines to thank all those who are there for us as we grow. Of course Ms. Lisa Hinton, David Viers and Thom Giordano with the Volusia County Fair and Dawn at the Osce- ola County Fair. Ladies and gentleman, when Federation folks say, "If you need any help, just call" they mean what they say. We are so appre- ciative here in Brevard for all the help that has been extended to us. We still face the challenge of being booked over by an associate member but I guess that comes with the territory. I know that in the current eco- nomic climate you need to make a buck where you can but it seems to me that a little consideration should be given to a fellow association member. Enough of that. We are incorporating our Ranch Rodeo at the Fairground this year. We had to have the Rodeo at an adjoining site the first two years so we are looking for a good increase at our gate. Myers International Midway will continue to bring thrills and chills to our midway attendees and our Brevard County Extension Service works very hard to bring us exhibits and interactive venues for our Fair patrons. We are very fortunate to have our Extension Director, Mr. Jim Fletcher take such an active roll each year in the production of our Fair. Without Jim and his staff, the Brevard County Fair would not have been able to reach the levels of success that we have had so far. We are also grateful to have a Fair Board that works hard to bring a quality venue to our residents each year. Our President, Mr. Frank Sullivan continues to do an outstanding job by always challenging each and every one of us to do our very best. Thanks again to all Federation Members and we hope 2011 will be a record breaking season for all.
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