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'Lights, Camera, Action!' The Festival Is Coming

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By DAVE NICHOLSON, The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 19, 2007

PLANT CITY - The Florida Strawberry Festival is going Hollywood with its 2008 theme.

The theme, announced Sept. 10, is Lights, Camera, Action! The festival unveiled artwork that will be used to promote the event that includes images of cameras, spotlights, film, clapboards, directors' chairs and a stars' walk of fame.

The festival selects a theme each year. Festival participants, from exhibitors to fashion show coordinators to parade float builders, typically weave the theme into their decorations, general manager Patsy Brooks said.

The 2007 theme was It's More Than Just Shortcake!

The artwork unveiled last week was created by Tully Menard Advertising of Clearwater. Artwork destined for the festival brochure includes frames of film depicting strawberries, a camera and a movie clapboard listing the festival dates, Feb. 28 to March 9.

The theme 'puts the focus on the strawberry. He actually is the star of the show,' Brooks said.

The theme was announced as Brooks and staff members continue planning for the 73rd annual celebration of the area's sweetest crop. Changes for 2008 include the consolidation of festival entry Gates 1 and 3 on Oak Street, Brooks said. The new gate will have 16 entry points and should be able to accommodate larger crowds, she said.

Brooks anticipates announcing the headline entertainment about Nov. 1.

Most of the nation's winter strawberries are grown in Plant City and the surrounding area, and the festival comes as the harvest is in full swing. The festival includes livestock shows, contests, singers, midway rides and tons of shortcake and other goodies made from berries.

Reporter Dave Nicholson can be reached at (813) 865-4432 or dnicholson@tampatrib.com.

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