Florida Strawberry Festival



2012 Florida Strawberry Festival®


Free Entertainment


All included FREE with your paid gate admission


In addition to all of the livestock shows (located north of midway), displays and exhibits, here are some of the FREE entertainment you will enjoy at the 2012 Festival:


Sweetbay Supermarket Showcase Tent


DENNIS LEE


Sponsored by: Bionic Band


A legend in his own mind, everyone's favorite funny man Dennis Lee and his band perform everything from Elvis to R &B and Country several times daily in the Sweetbay Supermarket Showcase Tent.


Show Times: Daily at 1:00 pm, 4:00 pm & 7:00 pm.


However, there will be no 7:00 pm show on 3/1; 3/2; 3/3; 3/9 or 3/10




Jay Taylor Band


As comfortable onstage as he is in on the ranch, Jay performs with a presence and sound that are beyond his 24 years. His rich, understated baritone vocals have been compared to those of the legendary George Strait, one of Jay’s influences along with Garth Brooks, Elvis Presley, and his own musical family. Daily in the Sweetbay Supermarket Showcase Tent.


Show Times: Daily at 11:00 am, 2:00 pm & 5:00 pm.


However, there will be no 5:00 pm show on 3/3 or 3/4




The Walker Brothers Bluegrass & Acoustic Music Show


March 2 – March 11, 2012


The Walker Brothers are nationally acclaimed musicians who have performed nationally and internationally at many great venues including several shows on the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee. Cory and Jarrod Walker have been featured on CBS and ABC television specials with Keith Urban, Ricky Skaggs, Earl Scruggs and Kix Brooks.


Located in the Sweetbay Supermarket Showcase Tent.


Show Times: 12:00 pm Noon, 3:00 pm & 6:00 pm.


However, there will be no 6:00 pm show on 3/2; 3/3 or 3/4






Karaoke Contest at the Florida Strawberry Festival
Sponsored By: Talent Quest Florida


March 1, 2012


Contest Time: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM


Who wants to Karaoke? The Florida Strawberry Festival is hosting the Open Qualifying for Talent Quest Florida on Thursday, March 1, 2012 from 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM.


Talent Quest Florida is the world's largest regional karaoke competition in Tampa, feeding into the national Talent Quest competition held each year in Nevada. Each year singers from throughout the State of Florida compete for a chance to represent Florida at the national Talent Quest singing competition, where they can earn $3,500, a chance to perform in front of music producers and potentially record their own CD. For more information, please visit http://talentquestflorida.com/StrawberryRegistration.html.


Borden Dairy Strawberry Tent


Ron Diamond


Sponsored By: SunTrust Bank


Show Times:


Whether performing for hundreds or thousands, Ron's shows generate excitement and enthusiasm that causes those who attend to come back for more and bring friends and family with them to share in the great fun to be had by all who attend this rip roaring funny show! Located in the Borden Dairy Strawberry Tent.


Show Times: 11:00 am, 3:00 pm & 7:00 pm.




The Gothard Sisters


Sponsored By: Florida Technical College


March 1 – March 5, 2012


From fast fiddle numbers to singing ballads and Irish dancing, The Gothard Sisters are three sisters who are champion Irish dancers and musicians. The trio uses their talents to perform entertaining shows featuring country, Irish, flamenco and rock music. Simply a good time for everyone! Located in the Borden Dairy Strawberry Tent.


Show Times: 1:00 pm, 5:00 pm & 8:30 pm.






Lloyd Mabrey/Do Your Best


Sponsored By: Florida Technical College


March 6 – March 11, 2012


Lloyd has been performing since 1976 as a professional entertainer and has become one of our country’s most respected performers. He has opened for more than a hundred major acts from Buck Owens to the Beach Boys. His versatile singing style and 12 string guitar skills are complemented by his warm wit and his incredible improvisational skills. His extensive song list and talent to write songs on the spot appeals to all ages. Lloyd Mabrey is truly a one of a kind entertainer! Located in the Borden Dairy Strawberry Tent.


Show Times: 1:00 pm, 5:00 pm & 8:30 pm.







On Grounds Entertainment


Kandu Magic Show


Sponsored by: Vision Auto Glass


Kandu and Jill The Music Lady create a show like no other. Incorporating live music, sound effects, sight gags, slapstick comedy and audience participation, this show captivates both the young and the young at heart.


Show Times: 11:30 am, 4:30 pm & 7:30 pm.


Saturday’s & Sunday’s at 1:30 pm









Neighborhood Village


Sponsored by: Kitchen Craft


Open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily


The Neighborhood Village is dedicated to the homemade and handcrafted items created by folks in the community and surrounding communities, including: baking, cake decorating, food preservation, home decoration items, jewelry and needlework.





World Champion Lumberjills


Sponsored by: Home Depot


World Champion Lumberjills chopping, sawing, and deftly handling axes and chainsaws in shows that are not only historical and educational, they're humorous and filled with audience participation.


Show Times: 11:00 am, 2:30 pm & 5:30 pm.


Saturday’s & Sunday’s at 7:30 pm









Pioneer Skills in Early Arts and Trades


Sponsored by: Florida’s Best


Open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily


Woodwork and rope making demonstrations will give guests a unique opportunity to see how our ancestors used their simple tools and traditional skills.







Sea Lion Splash Show


Sponsored by: Spot Shot Instant Carpet Stain Remover


Come and be greeted by our friendly sea lions who possess personality plus. One look in their eyes and it's love at first sight. The only traveling, self-contained sea lion show in the United States. See close up how sea lions react in a natural setting. Learn how they act in the wild and how we can preserve them.


Show Times: 1:00 pm, 4:00 pm & 8:00 pm.









Rock-It the Robot


March 5 – March 11, 2012


Sponsored By: D & D Garage Doors


Get ready to meet your new favorite dance partner! At 9 feet tall, Rock-It the Robot has moves that range from country to HIP-HOP and even has his own Robo-Boogie-Get-Down dancing. With his own brand of comedic humor, Rock-It is a must see at this year’s Festival.


Show Times: 11:00 am, 2:00 pm & 7:00 pm.





Robinson’s Racing Pigs and Paddling Porkers


Sponsored by: Netterfield’s Concessions


Calling all race fans! Come out & cheer for your favorite racing pigs and paddling porkers at the 2012 Florida Strawberry Festival. Watch as the porkers swim race four at a time while the crowd cheers the porkers on to victory as they finish their race diving in to a 24 ft swimming pool called the hogwash. Our pigs run for the ultimate prize for a pig. An Oreo cookie of course!


Show Times: 11:00 am, Noon, 2:00 pm 4:00 pm, 6:00 pm & 8:00 pm.





RUNA PACHA


Sponsored by: Verizon Wireless


From the Andes Mountains, they play native wind pipes and flutes combined with a variety of string instruments and modern electronic effects to create a relaxing sound like no other.


Show Times: 11:00 am, Noon, 2:00 pm 4:00 pm, 6:00 pm & 8:00 pm.







Strawberry Production Exhibit


Open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily


Sponsored by: Florida Strawberry Growers Association


They’ll show the contrast between how strawberries were grown years ago and how they are cultivated today. Exhibit includes artifacts from days of old in an authentic setting. This is an educational opportunity for city folks to gain insight and understanding about how one of Florida's sweetest crops are grown today.







Special Guests
Jimmy Sturr & Orchestra


Thursday, March 1, 2012


Seniors' Day Performer- Wish Farms Soundstage


Senior Day Sponsored By: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida


Performing at 10:30 am









Bell Shoals


Friday, March 2, 2012


Located in the Sweetbay Supermarket Showcase Tent


Performing will be the “Arts for Students” group comprised of middle and high school students, the “Bell Shoals Worship Team” from the adult music ministry, and “Refuge” made up of college students and young adults.


Show Time: 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm



Arts for Students 8:00 pm


Bell Shoals


Worship Team 9:00 pm


Refuge




Suite Caroline


Sponsored by: Fantastic Sams


Saturday, March 3, 2012 at 1:00 PM on the Wish Farms Soundstage


An energetic entertainer with a powerful voice, Suite Caroline is a talented young musician known for doing it all; singing, songwriting and playing the guitar. This dynamic young artist is known for her storytelling, as she talks about her life, family and friends in each of her concerts as well as in her songs.






HOLA Plant City


Saturday, March 3, 2012


Located in the Sweetbay Supermarket Showcase Tent


Show Times: 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm







Ronnie McDowell


Thursday, March 8, 2012


Seniors' Day Performer- Wish Farms Soundstage


Senior Day Sponsored By: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida


Performing at 10:30 am




Makenzie Raye


Friday, March 9, 2012


Located in the Sweetbay Supermarket Showcase Tent


Makenzie Raye is an upcoming music and artist from the Tampa Bay area. Makenzie has performed from Barefoot Music Festival to Downtown Disney. Makenzie has just released her first single "Dang Fairytales" that she will be performing.


Show Time: 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM




Rev. Arthur T. Jones


Saturday, March 10, 2012


Located in the Sweetbay Supermarket Showcase Tent


Rev. Art Jones is the Senior Pastor of Bible-Based Fellowship Church, Inc., singer, songwriter, Bible student, record and video producer. Rev. Jones & the Bible-Based Fellowship Church Cathedral Choir will perform.


Show Time: 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM




The Lizard Lick Krew


March 8 – March 11, 2012


Located at the Carolina Carports Inc. “Cover My Ride” Tour Trailer


Due to a great deal of requests by the fans, the Lizard Lick Krew is going to be touring the nation in 2012 and this is one event they will be attending in Florida. They will be signing autographs, taking pictures with fans and selling their famous Lizard Lick merchandise. Be sure to visit the Lizard Lick Krew at the Carolina Carports Inc. “Cover My Ride” Tour trailer.











Stingray Chevrolet Entertainment Tent



MUST SEE Special Events



Youth Strawberry Stemming Contest


Saturday, March 3, 2012


2:00 pm


Sponsored By: SunnyRidge Farm




Adult Strawberry Stemming Contest


Tuesday, March 6, 2012


2:00 pm


Sponsored By: SunnyRidge Farm




Superdog Corndog Eating Contest


Wednesday, March 7, 2012


1:00 pm


Sponsored By: Super Dog




Strawberry Shortcake Eating Contest


Thursday March 8, 2012


2:00 pm


Sponsored By: St. Clements Catholic Church