Kids’ Day at the 2012 Florida Strawberry Festival in Plant City (March 3)

Today, March 3, is Kids' Day at the 2012 Florida Strawberry Festival, featuring a Youth Parade and Youth Strawberry Stemming Contest.

Best of all: Kids through high school admitted free of charge.

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.

Eleven Things To Know Today (March 3):

1. Festival gates and midway open at 10 a.m.
2. Kids through high school admitted free all day.
3. Poultry and rabbit shows from 10 a.m. to close at the CF Industries Agriculture Tent.
4. Youth Parade kicks off at 11 a.m., sponsored by State Farmers Market.
5. Dairy Show Showmanship, at noon, at the Patterson Co. Livestock Arena.
6. Suite Caroline, set to perform 1 p.m. on the Wish Farms Soundtage.
7. Youth Strawberry Stemming Contest, sponsored by SunnyRidge Farm, 2 p.m., at the Stingray Chevrolet Entertainment Tent.
8. Dairy Show, 2 p.m., at the Patterson Co. Livestock Arena.
9. Lauren Alaina takes to the Wish Farms Soundstage at 3:30 p.m.
10. Hola Plant City, 7-10 p.m., at the Sweetbay Supermarket Showcase Tent.
11. Air Supply, set to perform, 7:30 p.m. on the Wish Farms Soundstage.

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