Florida Strawberry Festival 2/26 Through 3/8/09 - Great Entertainment Line-Up

Located in Central Florida in the Tampa area, The Florida Strawberry Festival® is entering its 69th year. It's ranked as one of the Best Fairs in North America. Besides getting to try some amazing strawberry pies, crepes and other dishes made with Florida's yearly delectable crops of strawberries, visitors are always treated to some major name entertainment every day of the Strawberry Festival.

This year is no exception. From Southern Gospel to Rock to Oldies and Comedy, there's something for everyone. Even American Idol is represented.

The Florida Strawberry Festival®, which drew nearly 550,000 visitors in 2008, will take place this year from February 26 through March 8. Here are some of the exciting entertainers scheduled to appear, listed with what they're most famous for:

February 26 - George Jones (Country), Larry Gatlin & the Gatlin Brothers (Country, Southern Gospel)

February 27 - The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band (60's-70's Rock), Kellie Pickler (American Idol Season 4's second surprise Country sensation behind Carrie Underwood)

February 28 - Jake Owen (Country), Third Day (Christian Contemporary outstanding current group)

March 1 - Rodney Atkins (Country), Taylor Swift (Country's latest sweetheart)

March 2 - Randy Travis (Country Great, now with a Gospel twist)

March 3 - Travis Tritt (Country)

March 4 - Brenda Lee - (Nostalgia Pop), Ray Stevens (Master of Comedy Music)

March 5 - Mel Tillis (Country Great), Lorrie Morgan (Country)

March 6 - Ronnie McDowell (Country, Pop), Jeff Foxworthy (Comedy)

March 7 - Mark Lowry (Christian Comedy and Music), Kool & the Gang (70's Rock)

March 8 - Jessica Simpson (Contemporary, Country)

Other Florida Strawberry Festival® Features:

In between getting your sugar fix and seeing these performers, there are also plenty of Carnival Rides, Puppet Shows for kids, a Lumberjack Show and an Extreme Summer Sports exhibition each day.

Are you into History? See a sample of Old Florida - An original Florida Post Office and log cabin from the mid-19th century and have been re-located to the fairgrounds. So, see you there with strawberry on our faces!

For a map of the area and the Festival's homepage, go here.

Sources:
"Florida Strawberry Festival Makes Top 50 List", Dave Nicholson, Tampa Tribune, 12/24/08: http://plantcity2.tbo.com/content/2008/dec/24/florida-strawberry-festival-makes-top-50-list/