The Florida Strawberry Festival began February 27 and ended March 9. The Festival hosted concerts, contests, and many fun rides. Kaitlyn Jones, 10^th grade, said, “I went to the festival with my cousin, it was so much fun.”

There were many singers and bands performing. The musicians included Jimmy Sturr, Shoji Tabuchi, STYX, Ronnie Milsap, Colt Ford, Love & Theft, Little Big Town, Thompson Square, Rascal Flatts, Charley Pride, Josh Turner, Brenda Lee, Kellie Pickler, Crystal Gayle, Lee Brice, Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, Oak Ridge Boys, Third Day, John Anderson, Boyz II Men, Caroline Kole, Dustin Lynch, Jerrod Niemann, Easton Corbin, and The Band Perry.  “I went to the Festival Thursday night to see STYX perform,” said Sydney Raines, 9th grade.

There were many contests as well at the Stingray Chevrolet Entertainment Tent. Those contests included Fried Corn on the Cob-Eating, Youth Strawberry Stemming, Adult Strawberry Stemming, Superdog Mega Corndog Eating, Strawberry Shortcake Eating and Strawberry Mashed Potato Pie Eating.

At the Carolina Carports Tent, there were a few T.V. show celebrities like Troy Landry, and RJ & Jay Paul Molinere from “Swamp People” and Bobby Brantley from Lizard Lick Towing & Recovery.  Both shows are on History Channel. Kaitlyn Jones, 10^th grade, said, “When I was there I saw RJ & Jay Paul Molinere from ‘Swamp People’. I was freaking out; ‘Swamp People’ is one of my favorite shows.”