Florida Strawberry Festival

This festival honoring one of Central Florida's favorite locally grown fruits is in early March, featuring major country and western music acts as well as some gospel and other groups along with strawberry sweets to eat.

The festival began in 1930 as a way to celebrate the strawberry harvest. Today, strawberries are estimated to bring in millions of dollars to the Central Florida economy.

Event organizers estimate that more than 550,000 people attend the festival each year.

The festival is held at the Plant City Fairgrounds, 303 N. Lemon St., just south of U.S. 92.

For some shows about 3,600 general-admission bleacher seats are open on a first-come, first-served basis for the musical performances included in the festival admission price. Other seats are available on a reserved basis.

Admission and ticket prices vary.

For more information, call 813-752-9194 or visit the festival's website at www.flstrawberryfestival.com.