LIST: New foods, entertainment at Strawberry Festival

PLANT CITY, Fla. — The Florida Strawberry Festival is right around the corner, and there are many new things for visitors to try.

The 11-day event celebrates the delicious berry in many creative ways and starts Thursday.

“Whether it’s the thrilling rides, the delicious strawberry-inspired treats, or the one-of-a-kind shopping, this year’s festival is designed to be bigger, better, and more exciting for the whole family. We can’t wait to welcome everyone to Plant City for another amazing celebration of our community and our beloved strawberries!” a news release read. 

There is a lineup of artists, contests, animal exhibits, dog shows and much more.

Here are some of the new things to look for at the festival: 

• Amazing Veranica & Her Incredible Friends
  • A trainer and her dogs that were on America’s Got Talent
  • Daily shows at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
• Valley’s End
  • Gospel singer/songwriter band 
• “An Evening with Patsy” featuring Soundtraxx Band
  • The band is a tribute act dedicated to recreating Patsy Cline’s sound
  • March 2 at 6 p.m.
• Darrell Sikes Band
  • A country and southern rock band 
  • March 3 at 6 p.m.
• Bryce Mauldin
  • Country singer 
  • March 8 at 6 p.m.
• HILBY the Skinny German Juggle Boy
  • Comedy show with unicycles, bowling balls and hedge trimmers
  • Monday-Thursday at noon, 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.
  • additional 7 p.m. shows on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays
• Strawberry Pizza Pie Eating Contest
  • Register at Spaghetti Eddie’s concession stand
• Wheels of Agriculture Game Show
  • Daily at 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. with additional 7 p.m. on weekends
• SQUAWK! The Amazing Bird Show
  • The Amazing Bird Show featuring parrots with skill, speaking ability, and incredible intelligence
  • Daily at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
• Buford Bear & His Miniature Truck
  • Meet Buford and his lovable “hillbilly bear” personality daily at noon, 2 p.m., and 5 p.m. with additional 7 p.m. appearances on Saturdays and Sundays. 
• Butterfly Kingdom
  • Feed hundreds of live butterflies, learn their life cycle and how to fix a broken wing, and take home your very own butterfly hatching kit

• Chocolate Covered Strawberry Lemonade
  • Located at George’s Fun Foods near Edwards Street
• Corn in a Cup
  • Located at Old Style Foods near the SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Kidde Korral
• Deep-Fried Strawberry Shortcake
  • Located at KD Concessions on Edwards Street
• Deep-Fried Strawberry Shortcake Roll
  • Located at Prowant Specialty near Gate 16
• Fried Catfish
  • Located at Grub & Go on the southside
• Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies
  • Located at Sugar Mama’s GF Sweet Treats
• Hot Honey Chick Bacon Grilled Cheese
  • Located at Sunshine Concessions 
• Jolly Rancher Dreamsicle
• Monsta Mozz
  • Located at Wisconsin Cheese
• Pizza Cubano
  • Located at Spaghetti Eddie’s
• Salted Caramel Cinnamon Bun
  • Located at The Cinnamon Saloon
• ShackleBerry Shark Slush
  • Located at Moose Joose Slush 
• Smoked Gouda Mac & Cheese
  • Located at Brody’s Mac & Cheese
• Strawberry Banana Mr. Pibb Dirty Soda
  • Located in the Softub Spas Carriage House
• Strawberry Cannoli Funnel Cake
  • Located at Best Around Concessions 
• Strawberries & Cream Cinnamon Roll
  • Located at Grandma Brown’s Cinnamon Rolls 
• Strawberry Pop-Tart Funnel Cake
  • Located at George’s Fun Foods
• Strawberry Slaw Dog
  • Located at Plant City Athletics Booster Club
• Strawberry Mini Pancakes
  • Located at A&M Concessions 
• Sesame Sweet Heat Po Boy
  • Located at Seasoned Greens 
• Strawberry Wings

• Berry Safe Kids
• ByHeart Mother & Baby Suite
• Citizens Bank & Trust Comfort Zone
  • This shaded area provides a welcoming space for guests of all ages to take a break, relax at the tables and chairs, and enjoy the refreshing cool mist fans 
• Deggeller Attractions Inc.
  • Over 80 rides, games, and attractions await you like never before on this year’s midway located near the Charlie Grimes Family Agricultural Center and the SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo Kiddie Korral. 
• Florida Strawberry Festival Queen & Court Meet ‘n Greet
  • The 2025 Florida Strawberry Festival Queen and Court will host a MEET ‘n GREET Monday, March 3 at 5:30 p.m. and Saturday, March 8 at 2:30 p.m. at The Orthotic Works Gazebo
• Home Depot Kid’s Workshop
• T-Mobile Tram Stop at BerryFest Place
  • Trams run daily from the blue, red and gray parking lots to the Festival’s entry Gate 10 and 14 as well as the corner of BerryFest Place and Oak Avenue near Gate 1 and Gate 5.
• The Berry QUESTival
  • Download the Festival’s app and join the fun as you follow berry helpful clues to solve the riddles. Once you’ve completed your hunt, head over to the Parke Exhibit Building Information Booth before closing to claim your prize. 
• Brite Future
  • Crafted tiaras and music boxes
• Burger 21
  • A delicious selection of gourmet burgers, hot dogs, and sides
• Fuse Me Baby
• Heart’s Catering Concessions
  • Savor Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls, Crab Rangoon Egg Rolls, Mac and Cheese Egg Rolls, and more near the Florida Strawberry Festival History Center & Gift Shop
• Just Beautiful by JB
  • Step into a world of adorable fashion at our girls’ clothing and accessories boutique in TECO Expo Hall 
• Kendra Scott
  • Jewelry inside the East entrance of the Parke Exhibit Building
• Laser Public Adjusting
  • Assistance with property damage claims related to storms and flooding
• Louisiana Hot Sauce
  • A range of flavorful condiments crafted from aged peppers and vinegar
• Lumberjack’s Arctic Treats
  • Specializing in freeze-dried candies and desserts, they transform classic sweets into light, airy, and flavorful treats, offering a unique snacking experience
• Michigan Moon
• Oli’s Market
  • Discover the cozy charm of Handmade Crochet Plushies. Perfect for crafters of all levels, these kits come with everything you need to create your own adorable plushie creations.
• Pens Made From Braun
  • Custom hand-turned writing pens and unique handcrafted items, made from exquisite woods and other fine materials
• Powers Bedding
• Premier Portable Buildings
• Neck Breaker Chains
• VibraTec
• Stress Slime Stop
• Sunny South Love
  • Home decor and accessories 
• Sweet Roots Apparel
  • Boutique-style clothing and accessories
• The Crêpe Company
• The Hyppo
• Tiny Toasts & Crossbody Bags
  • Showcasing a variety of berry-themed merchandise, including collectible Yeti inspired cups and stylish Lululemon dupe sling bags
• The Market Milkshake Bar
• The Pickle Patch
  • Hand-crafted pickles in a jar
• The Petal Co.
  • Create your own custom bouquet at their fresh flower bouquet bar