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Patriotic Spirit, Pride Alive At Strawberry Festival

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By BOB ROSS

Special Sections correspondent

Published: February 17, 2009

Patriotic values and wholesome entertainment have always been key to the Florida Strawberry Festival. Old Glory waves as proudly as ever over the festival, with the added glow of this year's theme: "Hometown Salute to America."

It's a theme that will appear in many places throughout the festival's 11-day run. It reaches a peak of sorts on March 4, when gate admission will be free for active, reserve and retired members of the United States military services.

A valid ID is all you'll need. It's a festival first, and don't be surprised to see general manager Paul Davis and other festival officials greeting these honored guests at the gate.

"It's a perfect time to have Military Appreciation Day," says Davis, "because it matches our theme so well. This is a small way to thank them for all they do."

Davis credits the festival board of directors and an army of volunteers with bringing the theme to life. His staff and volunteers help emphasize Davis's assertion that, "The Strawberry Festival is about people."

Davis, a longtime resident who recently retired after three decades from the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, sees "a lot of pride in this community — not only for this event but for this country."

The "Hometown Salute" notion is especially fitting for Plant City, a town that has kept its identity through decades of changing times.

The Strawberry Festival also has maintained its hometown spirit. Today's livestock, food and craft exhibitors, for example, are quite likely the children and grandchildren of previous participants.

That, says Davis, sets the festival apart. "The reason we're so special," he says, "is the volunteers. They donate hours and hours. They really love this event."

For a hometown feel at the festival, you have to get some fresh strawberry shortcake. That's a given — there's nothing tastier than fresh berries and whipped cream.

You'll also find hometown touches in the Neighborhood Village in the Expo building near Gate 1.

This is where contestants — Florida residents 18 and older — enter their best homemade works to be judged and admired. Prizes are awarded for the best breads, candies, cookies and cakes — and that's just one category.

There also are displays of expert needlepoint, knitting, jewelry, quilting, clothing and other handmade goods.

Of course, for most fans, the best hometown salute involves carnival rides, juicy hot dogs, lively music and fried anything. Not to worry, fairgoers: The Strawberry Festival never lets us down.

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