Strawberry Picking Season is ripe and ready, which means it’s the perfect opportunity to kick off spring with these local activities. From festivals to fields, there’s no shortage of fruit-filled fun.
Florida Strawberry Festival
2209 W Oak Ave., Plant City, FL 33563, Feb. 27 to Mar. 8
This premiere event in Plant City features headliners like Reba McEntire and Lynyrd Skynyrd as well as mouthwatering treats at every step. Pro tip: Check out the Amish donut in all its cloud-like, glazed glory. Gates open and close 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. It costs $10 admission for adults 13 and older, $5 for children ages 6 to 12 and children ages 5 and under get in for free!
Roger’s Farm
3831 NW 156th Ave, Gainesville, FL 32609, Seasonal picking
Shake up your weekend by checking out this u-pick strawberry field. Walk along the rows of strawberry plants, filling up your buckets with fresh fruit. The hours change, so make sure to take a look at Roger’s Farm Facebook page for updated u-pick hours.
Habitat Ocala Strawberry Festival
McPherson Complex 601 SE 25th Ave., Ocala, FL 34471, Mar. 7
The 7th annual festival raises funds for low-income families in the county, supporting Habitat for Humanity. Check out the car show or bring your appetite for the pie-eating contest for a chance to be crowned the Top Pie Winner 2020. Enjoy this day out without an entrance fee. But keep in mind that parking costs $5. Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Mar. 7.
Bradford County Strawberry Festival
2300 N Temple Ave., Starke, FL 32091, April 4 to April 5
Known to have the “sweetest strawberries this side of heaven,” the 22nd annual festival features food vendors and, naturally, sells strawberry-filled desserts. It doesn’t get fresher than this! Open April 4 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and April 5 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Brown’s Farm
18120 NE State Road 26, Orange Heights, FL 32640, Seasonal picking
What started as a roadside stand became a u-pick field for the entire community to enjoy. Indulge in this fun-filled, leisure activity with friends. And take your pickings home to make some homemade jam. The field typically opens mid-March through April.
By Jacqueline Saguin
