Plant City, Fla.-(2/26/2017)-When March arrives it's time to pay tribute to the strawberry. Plant City is the Winter Strawberry Capitol of the World. It's a big cash crop in this part of Hillsborough County.
The tribute comes in the form of the annual Florida Strawberry Festival. It's big, tasty, fun and star-studded. The music features legends like Willie Nelson, The Oak Ridge Boys, Patti LaBelle, The Gatlin Brothers and on and on.
There's a giant midway with enough rides to keep the kids busy all day. There are agricultural exhibits, arts, crafts and food. All the fried foods you just sampled at the Florida State Fair are available at the berry fest.
The strawberry is the star. You'll find plenty of shortcake and any other strawberry concoction you can image. You can make your own with a biscuit or cake and pile on the whipped cream. Don't forget to check out the shortcake eating contest.
There is a Strawberry Festival Queen and Court who preside over the 11 day event. There are parades and even a baby contest. Check it out. Take the I-4 Thonotosassa Road exit.
Photo courtesy Jerrie Hall