Strawberry Festival- Is it worth it now?

The Florida Strawberry Festival is an event held in Plant City, Florida, created to promote local strawberry crops and bring communities together through the celebration of their harvests. Every spring, the festival welcomes visitors from the Sunshine State and throughout the world.  

It has been celebrated for almost 100 years, started in 1930 by the Plant City Lions Club, and has different components, such as live music and entertainment, rides and attractions, strawberry-themed treats, and agricultural exhibits. This year, the Strawberry Festival was held from February 26th– March 8th , and has been named one of the best festivals in the nation, ranking in the Top 40 Fairs in North America. 

However, many people who have attended the festival say the experience has changed over the years. While tradition and excitement around the event continue, some visitors believe the festival is a less enjoyable experience than what it used to be. 

Alisa Schmidt, a frequent visitor to the Strawberry Festival, says she still enjoys attending the event with friends. “I usually come every year with my friends,” Schmidt said. However, she feels the festival used to be more exciting. “A few years ago, it was more exciting. There were longer ride times and it felt less crowded.” Schmidt also mentioned how the prices have increased over time. “I don’t think the prices are very reasonable anymore. Food and ride tickets cost a lot more than they used to.” Despite this, she still enjoys the rides, especially the thriller rides, although she says they feel shorter now. Overall, Schmidt believes the festival can still be fun, but only if visitors spend a long time to get their money worth. 

Some students who attend the festival say the atmosphere has changed over time. Robyn Jackson, an 18-year-old senior, has visited the festival since she was a child. Over the years, she has noticed a shift in the environment of the event. She explained that the festival used to feel more focused on families and community traditions, while it now feels more crowded and commercial.  Jackson also touched on the sudden rise in prices which is a reocurring theme for visitors. “The prices have gone up, and it’s harder to afford anything without spending more than twenty bucks. I don’t think the quality has improved to match the higher prices,” Jackson explains. This points out the fact that higher prices make it harder for students to enjoy everything the festival offers without spending a large amount of money. Even so, she still appreciates some of the festival’s classic features, including the famous shortcake and the concerts that take place throughout the event. 

For longtime attendees, the rising cost is especially noticeable for families. Tonya Bohme. who works a venue at the fair, has been visiting the festival with her family for over 15 years. According to Bohme, the event has grown to be much busier over time. “It used to feel more affordable and relaxed. Now it feels more expensive and much busier,” she said.  However, Bohme still appreciates the traditional parts of the event. “My favorite part has always been the livestock exhibits, and strawberry-themed foods,” she said, noting that these features make the festival feel connected to its agricultural roots. 

Although opinions vary, many visitors agree that the Florida Strawberry Festival is still an enjoyable experience, even though it’s different from previous years. The rides, food, and entertainment continue to bring people together every spring. However, for teens, students, and families, the question of whether the festival offers the same value it once did remains.