Faircracker SUMMER 2021
By: Paul Davis, Florida Strawberry Festival President Greetings! As fair season is gearing up, summer begins and the COVID-19 crisis subsides, I want to share with you a message of reflection and hope for the year ahead. In the midst of a pandemic, yet in every way possi- ble, we were truly blessed during our 11-day event. This year’s attend- ance was unexpected, and we attribute our success to the hundreds of volunteers and patrons who come each year to take part in the cele-
bration. We welcomed nearly 402,000 guests from near and far. We hosted more than 20 free on-grounds entertainment acts and attractions. Patrons could also partake in the Belle City Amusements rides, youth livestock shows, food, arts/crafts vendors and more. As anticipated, our vendors brought us some outstand- ing new concoctions such as the Mexican Street Burger, Strawberry Red Bottom Italian Ice, Deep Fried Tri- ple Chocolate Oreo and the Strawberry Lemon Ricotta Funnel Cake. We are thankful to say the 2021 Festi- val was one for the books in regards to our youth livestock shows. It is always a pleasure hosting these events for the students of the local FFA and 4-H chapters, and it is remarkable to see the community come together in such a beneficial way. Our youth livestock program is designed to call recognition to the student exhibitors and their achievements, but it also calls great attention to the gener- ous sponsors, buyers and stakeholders within our community. The contributions these businesses and individuals bring to the Festi- val’s youth livestock program are vital to its success. This year, we provided approximately $30,000 in scholarships to our livestock exhibitors, and the net sales from all our steer, swine and plant sales were slightly over 1.3 million dollars, not including the $40,000 in premiums we were also able to award. Even during a pandemic, because of the loyal support from our youth exhibitors, sponsors, local businesses, community stakeholders and many more, we continue to keep agriculture education and the youth livestock program at the forefront of our event. Over the past 86 years, the Festival has had the privilege of hosting numerous U. S. dignitaries as well as sev- eral local and state officials. A visit from any individual of such distinction, regardless of party or affiliation, calls for quite the celebration. On the first Tuesday of our event, Governor Ron DeSantis along with First Lady, Casey and their children, Madison and Mason visited the Festi- val grounds to spend some much needed family time in light of the recent pandemic. Florida House Representative Lawrence McClure and officials from the City of Plant City were present as well to hear the Governor speak on the economic effects of the pandemic and the move- ment to push forward with optimistic views for the future, an idea I’m sure we can all agree on! Other guests in attendance were many of our local producers and their families. In addition to meeting simultaneously with producers and politicians, DeSantis also spent the day touring the Festival facilities, talking with patrons and enjoying the day with his family on the Belle City Amusements Midway. We were honored to host Governor DeSantis, his family and Repre- sentative McClure and hope they enjoyed all the sights and sounds the Festival has to offer. While the Festival is over for now, we are already underway with planning and preparations for BerryFest22 and hope you know we are excited to see what the future holds for the Festival and our industry. We were in- credibly humbled to be able to share these recent accomplishments with our exhibitors, concessionaires, community and YOU, our Federation Family, in light of the past year. As always, please remember to have a fun and safe fair season and I look forward to seeing all of you very soon!
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