The traditional Strawberry Festival in Plant City, Florida is occurring Mar. 4th through the 14th despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

   Countless Florida residents visit the annual Strawberry Festival with their family and friends to enjoy various strawberry-themed foods and activities. This year, Paul Davis, president of the event, announced that the 2021 Strawberry Festival event will have a railroad theme dedicated to bringing togetherness in the community.

   Regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, headline entertainment was canceled due to social distancing precautions. Despite the news, the event has decided to introduce various new foods and other free entertainment including art, Italian ice and smaller musicians.

   The event is planned to be the traditional 11-day long period involving the FFA, vendors and parade floats. Different exhibits will be around the Strawberry Festival field grounds varying from art to different sponsored booths.

   The Florida Strawberry Festival also announced they will be welcoming two new shortcake vendors for the 2021 event known as Berry Amaz’n and Parkesdale Express.

   As many new activities and partnerships at the festival are being announced, many are making their way over to Plant City to see what the event has to offer. Since the pandemic continued on, The Florida Strawberry Festival has announced its COVID-19 official policies and restrictions.

   These policies include required face coverings while within buildings and enclosed tents, along with recommended face coverings all throughout the Festival grounds. All vendors and event employees are being required to wear face masks at all times as well.

   They also have announced that they will be monitoring capacity limits along with who is let in the event. People first entering will be asked if anyone in the party has any symptoms of COVID-19 and hand-sanitizing stations have been placed throughout the area to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

   A local resident, Lauren Mixon said she is still looking forward to the event but doesn’t think it will be as enjoyable as the previous years. Lauren said the thing she is looking forward to the most this year is watching her daughter see the animals and ride different rides.

   Tickets for gate admission into the festival are only four to eight dollars depending on the person’s age. Sales end Mar. 4th at 12:00 a.m. and all tickets are good for one admission only. Those wanting to attend the festival can purchase tickets at the Florida Strawberry Festival website (https://flstrawberryfestival.com).

   Anyone wanting to purchase a ticket or has already, will get to experience rides, attractions, livestock shows, concessions and more all at this year’s Florida Strawberry Festival.