Faircracker SUMMER 2020 We are extremely grateful we got to celebrate 85 years of the
Florida Strawberry Festival, this March, and all it has contributed to Plant City’s economy, tourism and the spirit of our community. Our 85th event was an exceptional one, steeped with tradition and grounded by faith. We have many traditions at the Festival, but one of our most
honored traditions is to host the youth livestock shows that take place during our 11-day event. Our current youth livestock shows have been ongoing since the early ‘70s and we cannot imagine our festival without them. It is always a pleasure hosting these events for the students of the local FFA and 4-H chapters. They work tirelessly to produce something they are passionate about, and it is remarkable to see the community come together in such a beneficial way. Nearly 150 businesses within Plant City and sur- rounding communities help to financially contribute to our agricul- ture education programs. Their commitment to this program has provided wholesome learning activities that have led to the suc- cess of many of the participants. In every way, we were truly blessed all of our 11 days. We wel-
comed over 524,000 guests from near and far. We hosted 24 headline entertainers, including Reba McEntire, Rascal Flatts, Patti LaBelle and the legendary Lynyrd Skynyrd. Patrons could partake in the free on-grounds entertainment, Belle City Amuse- ments rides, youth livestock shows, food, arts/crafts vendors and more. As anticipated, our vendors brought us some outstanding new concoctions such as the Chocolate Covered Bacon Kabob, Strawberry Cheesecake Elephant Ear and the Naughty Waffle, all of which our visitors and media partners would agree were deli- cious. We are thankful that the 2020 Festival was one that we would
consider a success. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue visited the Festival to meet with local agricultural producers. Nu- merous producers of strawberries, vegetables and cattle, along with U.S. Rep. Ross Spano of Florida, U.S. Rep. Greg Pence of Indiana and officials from the City of Plant City were present at the luncheon to hear Perdue speak on the United States-Mexico- Canada Agreement provisions and the United States Department of Agriculture conference. The guests in attendance were also given an opportunity to voice their concerns for the future of gov- ernment regulations as well as trade and labor policies. In addition to meeting simultaneously with producers and legislators at the Florida Strawberry Festival grounds, Perdue also spent the day touring the Festival facilities and talking with vendors and student exhibitors. While the Festival is over for now, we have had a busy spring
preparing for the future of our event amidst unprecedented times. We truly believe by seeking His wisdom, we have received bless- ings beyond belief. The safety of our guests, the attendance, the success of our agriculture youth programs and so much more have been provided by a gracious God we will continue to serve. We are confident we will overcome the hardships ahead by look- ing towards the Lord for guidance in making decisions that are pleasing to Him and keeping Him the cornerstone of our event. We look forward to when we can all gather together again as a
Federation and fair family. Stay safe and God bless. By: Paul Davis, Florida Strawberry Festival President
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Sonny Perdue, United States Secretary of Agriculture and FFA members.
Charles Panacek, Belle City Amusements and Dub McGinnes, Florida Strawberry Festival Chairman signed a to provide the midway for the next 10 years.
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