Florida Strawberry Festival Report: March 2

Today, March 2, is day two of the 2012 Florida Strawberry Festival, featuring a Sweetbay discount in exchange for a non-perishable food donation and specially priced midway hours after midnight.

Started in 1930 by the Plant City Alliance Club, the festival is in its 77th year, having taken a hiatus during World War II, according to Al Berry, a long-time volunteer and festival board member.

This year's theme: "Growing Sweet Memories."

Festival officials expect some 500,000 visitors to the fairgrounds, at 303 N. Lemon St.

Leading up to and over the course of the festival, some 7,000 kids compete in various contests, including the Florida Strawberry Festival Queen Pageant, speaking contests and agriculture shows involving steers, pigs and plants.

Ten Things To Know Today:

1. Festival gates open at 10 a.m.; the midway opens at noon.
2. Sweetbay Supermarket Day on the Midway is from noon to 10 p.m.; present any "my essentials" non-perishable item at any entry gate and receive $2 off the regular price of a $20 Fun Pack Ride Coupon Book.
3. Poultry and rabbit shows run from 10 a.m. to close at the CF Industries Agriculture Tent.
4. Dairy contestant judging starts 1 p.m. at the Patterson Co. Livestock Arena.
5. The Gatlin Brothers and Crystal Gale are set to perform 3:30 p.m. on the Wish Farms Soundtage.
6. The Youth Swine Sale kicks off 7 p.m. at the Patterson Co. Livestock Arena.
7. Performers from Bell Shoals Baptist in Brandon are set to perform from 7 to 10 p.m. in the Sweetbay Supermarket Showcase Tent.
8. Demi Lovato takes to the Wish Farms Soundstage at 7:30 p.m.
9. The festival closes at 10 p.m., then reopens an hour later for the Midway Moonlight Magic Night, which runs from 11 p.m. to 3 a.m. Purchase of a $20 wristband is mandatory. Ride most mechanical rides for $20 per person. Individual admission is the cost of this $20 wristband.
10. All patrons entering the grounds are subject to search.

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