What's new at 2012 Florida Strawberry Festival | Entertainment

Plant City, Fla. -- There will be a few changes this year to the Florida Strawberry Festival that you won't want to miss!

For starters, the Wish Farm Soundstage isn't just country this year, it's a little bit Rock 'n Roll and a little bit Southern Rock. Suite Caroline will have a free concert on Saturday, March 3 at 1 p.m.

March 3 is also Kids Day and children through high school age will get free admission to the festival. 

While strolling down Ford Lane, you can check out all the new 2012 Ford vehicles showcasing the redesigned cars, SUVs, trucks and hybrids.

On March 1, the Karaoke Contest will take place in the Sweetbay Supermarket Showcase Tent from 7 p.m. - 10 p.m.  The event, sponsored by Talent Quest Florida, will feature singers from throughout the state to compete for the chance to represent Florida at the national Talent Quest singing competition. The singer that wins the ultimate prize of $3,500, along with others, will have the chance to perform in front of music producers.

Daily at 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., Ron Diamond will perform in the Borden Dairy Strawberry Tent.  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! The Ron Diamond Show is sponsored by: SunTrust Bank. 

 

Lloyd Mabrey performs March 6 - March 11, at 1 p.m., 5 p.m. & 8:30 p.m. in the Borden Strawberry Tent. Sponsored By: Florida Technical College, 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!  Kandu Magic performs daily at 11:30 a.m., 4:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. & Saturdays and Sundays at 1:30 p.m. Sponsored By: Vision Auto Glass, Kandu and "Jill The Music Lady" creates 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.  World Champion Lumberjills: Daily at 11 a.m., 2:30 p.m. & 5:30 p.m. & Saturdays and Sundays at 7:30 p.m. 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.  Sea Lion Splash Show: Daily at 1 p.m., 4 p.m. & 8 p.m. 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.  Robinson's Racing Pigs and Paddling Porkers: Daily at 11 a.m., Noon, 2 p.m., 4 p.m., 6 p.m. & 8 p.m. 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 into a 24 ft swimming pool called the hogwash. Our pigs run for the ultimate prize, an Oreo cookie of course!  Bell Shoals: March 2, 2012 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. Located in the Sweetbay Supermarket Showcase Tent from 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm.  Makenzie Raye: March 9, 2012 Makenzie Raye is an upcoming music artist from the Tampa Bay area. Makenzie has performed from the Barefoot Music Festival to Downtown Disney. Makenzie has just released her first single "Dang Fairytales" that she will be performing. Located in the Sweetbay Supermarket Showcase Tent from 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm.  The Lizard Lick Krew: March 8 - March 11, 2012 Sponsored By: Carolina Carports Inc. "Cover My Ride" Tour. 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 just to the East side of the Amscot Main Ticket Gate.  Stingray Chevrolet Give-A-Way - A raffle for a new 2011 Chevrolet Camaro SS Convertible is being conducted by Unity in the Community, Inc, a "501c3" non-profit organization located in Plant City, Florida. Stingray Chevrolet, located in Plant City, Florida is the source of the prize. The winning ticket will be drawn at 5 p.m. EST on Sunday March 11, 2012 at The Florida Strawberry Festival. Winner need not be present to win. Go to www.stingraychevrolet.com for complete details.  Sweetbay Supermarket Day on the Midway - saves you $2 off the regular price of $20.00 for the Fun Pack Ride Coupon Book from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. Bring any "My Essentials" non-perishable product to the Festival and receive a midway voucher as you enter the Festival for $2.00. Any "My Essentials" non-perishable product brought in will be exchanged for a $2.00 off voucher. "My Essentials" non-perishable products are only available at Sweetbay Supermarkets. All non-perishable items will be donated to the local food bank.  New Midway Rides: The Belle City Amusements Midway at the 2012 Florida Strawberry Festival will be nothing short of a thrill seekers dream. With 85 rides, some of which are the only one of its kind, get ready for an exciting ride on the midway.  

• Speed - Speed is the key to this 120 foot thrill ride -
• Log Flume - This white water log ride has made its way back to the 2012 Florida Strawberry Festival
• Space Roller - Only of its kind is the United States
• Magnum - One of a kind in the USA appearing for the second year at the Florida Strawberry Festival 

 For more information on what's new at the festival please call (813)752-9194 or log on to www.flstrawberryfestival.com.