The upcoming arrival of the new year means one thing: the 2017 Florida Strawberry Festival is right around the corner.
With it comes the beloved 2017 Baby Parade, sponsored by South Florida Baptist Hospital. A mandatory registration for the event will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 7, 2017, at the Badcock and More Media Center, 2107 W. Oak Ave.
Spaces are limited to the first 50 children in each age group. Children between the ages of 1 and 2 can be registered from 9 to 10 a.m. Children between the ages of 3 and 4 can be registered from 10 to 11 a.m.
Children must be between the required ages of 1 and 4 by Jan. 31, 2017.
The competition is exclusively open to residents of East Hillsborough County. This includes residents of Plant City, Thonotosassa, Mango, Wimauma, Brandon, Seffner, Dover, Balm, Valrico, Keysville, Lithia and Durant.
A proof of residency, such as a parent’s driver’s license, is required at registration.
Entries must be made at the Badcock Media and More Center in person, and applicants must pay the $25 cash-only entry fee per category. Entries are accepted based on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Categories include Most Beautiful Girl, Most Handsome Boy, Most Personality, Best Costume and Best Float. Children between the ages of 1 and 3 may be registered in up to two categories. Four-year-olds may choose one category, as the four-year-old winners make up the Baby Parade King, Queen and Court.
If there are any available spots left in the Baby Parade, a second registration will be held from 6 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 12, 2017, at the Woman’s Club of Plant City, 1110 N. Wheeler St.
Once registered, a mandatory information night will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2017, at the Expo Hall, 2301 W. Oak Ave.
The 2017 Florida Strawberry Festival theme is ‘We’re Playing Your Song.’ Contestants in the Baby Parade are encouraged to use the theme in the costume or float contest.
The 2017 Baby Parade will take place at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, March 11, 2017, at the Morrow Steel Free Grandstands.
Those with questions about the parade are encouraged to contact Chairperson Maribel Sandoval at maribels89@yahoo.com, or Co-Chairperson Thalia De la Garza at taodlg@gmail.com.
Further information about the 2017 Baby Parade can be found online at FLStrawberryFestival.com.