Photo TR: The Florida Strawberry Festival 2015

[jedimaster1227]

Last weekend I had the chance to revisit the Florida Strawberry Festival, the annual event in Plant City, Florida that has always been a personal favorite of mine. The festival is like a giant county fair that runs for about 2.5 weeks. There are TONS of food kiosks, a huge ride midway, and like many Florida fairs, livestock and other animals to see up close. I've visited the event previously but took a first-timer with me this year to enjoy the full experience.

 

Plant City is also home to Parkesdale Farms, a local mecca for strawberries and the produce that they grow around them. People wait in line to try the famous strawberry shortcake and enjoy said treat in the "Garden of Eatin." On the opposite side of the Parkesdale Market, you can buy fresh produce at an insanely low price. It is an absolute must-do during the Florida Strawberry Festival. Parkesdale Market is open year round, but the produce (particularly the strawberries) are in season and at their finest during the festival time, so it is a perfect time to stop in. And best of all, it is a three minute drive from the Florida Strawberry Festival grounds, so it is really easy to experience both during a single visit to Plant City.

 

I can't rave enough about this annual event! If you like fried foods, state fairs, fresh produce and midway rides then the Florida Strawberry Festival is definitely worth a visit!

The Florida Strawberry Festival grounds are a permanent installation that are mostly dormant for the rest of the year when the festival is not open.

Holy Cow! They have Baymax here!

Just a tease of the many fried food options you can indulge in while here...

AMAZING!

Oh, the multitude of twisted burgers they have.

If bananas are more your thing...

It wouldn't be a fair without this ride.... I just picture Robb and the gang inside spinning them so much they fall off of their axis.

Fair art is so klassy.

I still can't wrap my brain around it... I'm terrified to try it and be disappointed.

This was something new for me.

I'll revisit this cart later...

Oh, they have rides here too!

I love these!

Hadn't seen one of these rides in person before.

Top Scans are always worth a spin!

This spinning mouse was definitely not Elissa-friendly.

PASS!

They even had a Disk'O this year!

The Double Wheel returns... Sadly the Zipper didn't make the cut to come back.

Wait a second...

They have a ride themed to Magnum P.I.!!!

It wouldn't be a Florida fair without a "Drown the Clown."

They even had a Freak Out!

The Pinfari traveling coaster made its return to Florida again.

Nothing says "Florida" like a cattle auction.

Another look at the Pinfari...

And we're moving on...

So many strawberries!

Remember how I said that I would revisit that fried food stand?

I couldn't resist the fried cheesecake... And it was INCREDIBLE!

Yes, they have pig racing here.

I'm a fan of taking advantage of unique food offerings when they are in front of me... It isn't often that I can get Frogs Legs in Florida, so I never turn down the opportunity when I can.

Parkesdale Market is one of my favorite places to visit in all of Florida!

Heaven is within these open-air walls.

There's a story behind the strawberry onions...

And more...

But look at them! They are huge and they are absolutely delicious! Cook them as a part of an overall dish or just throw them straight on to the grill--either way, they are incredible and sweet.

Just look at these eggplant! I bought two for the road.

It is so kitschy, it is charming!

I finally know where they moved the Sorcerer's Hat!

It is quite cozy inside.

Took a half flat of Strawberries home for the road!

[Nrthwnd]

Mmmm, you can't beat strawberries!

 

Great TR, and thanks for sharing it.

[highkite]

I love the Strawberry Festival, in years past they would debut the newest flat rides in tho country. The problem is when I go to a festival, I want a beer. No alcohol at the Strawberry Festival? Lot's of lost revenue, might as well piss into the wind..