Its effects ripple through the community to local families.
Every spring, more than 650,000 visitors flock to Plant City for the Florida Strawberry Festival, lured by the scent of fried foods, the sound of thrilling concerts and small-town charm, but long after the food is eaten and the concerts end lies a powerful story of economic impact that touches nearly every corner of the community.
In 2015, an economic impact study found that the festival generated $26 million in direct local revenue- a number that has only grown alongside soaring attendance. The influx of visitors means full hotels, bustling restaurants and booming business for local shops. But the real impact, Florida Strawberry Festival President Kyle Robinson said, is in the ripple effect the festival has on everyday families.
“This is more than a celebration-it provides extra income for local families,” he said. “We hire approximately 600 people every year, with some of them taking paid vacation time from their full-time jobs to make extra money.”
That included Robinson, a retired sheriff’s deputy, who would take time off to work festival security. “It helped cover things like vacations, an unexpected bill or baseball gear for the kids,” he said. “It’s a big financial win for so many families here.”
Law enforcement officers are just part of the workforce boost, with about 100 officers working at the festival daily-on their days off- paid directly by the festival. It’s not just security: ticket takers, parking attendants, office staff, and more find seasonal work during the 11-day festival. Even families fortunate enough to live close to the festival make extra cash by charging festival attendees to park in their yards. “I had one person tell me what they made just on one Saturday and it was a lot,” said Robinson.
The economic benefits extend far beyond paychecks. The Florida Strawberry Festival is deeply rooted in giving back. Its top priority is supporting youth in agriculture. Through livestock shows and auctions, local students have earned a cumulative $1.7 million for their plant, steer and swine projects- money that helps fund their education and future careers. In addition, the festival awards $50,000 annually in scholarships to high school seniors involved in agricultural programs, funded through ticket revenue and the generous support of sponsors.
The festival also empowers local churches, schools and organizations by partnering with them to run festival parking lots. In return, the festival splits the proceeds 50/50. This year, more than $160,000 was distributed to these local groups. “They use that money for youth camps, mission trips, swim lessons, facility repairs- you name it,” said Robinson. “We don’t tell them how to use it but hearing how it changes lives is what makes it so special.”
One organization that has felt that impact firsthand is the United Food Bank of Plant City. Over the last three years, the festival has donated $160,000 to help meet the growing needs of food insecurity in the community.
There are also the small but mighty donations made to local nonprofits, from breast cancer support groups to the Chamber of Commerce. “It’s just part of who we are,” said Robinson. “We’re here to serve our community.”
The spirit of service is seen daily at Gate 10, one of the most beloved entrances at the festival. Gate 10 overall lead Donna Hallback Anderson and her husband Michael are fixtures there, leading morning prayers, welcoming guests and making sure smiles greet every visitor.
“My mom Minnie Lee Hallback started working here 30 years ago. She’s 90 and still worked this year,” said Donna, who herself started working at the festival after retiring in 2014. She appreciates working with hard-working leaders such as Tim Lovett, Wesley Rounds, Mike Hurley, Marie Davis and lead Ann Marcus. Donna and Michael’s team circled up and prayed every morning of the festival ten minutes before the gates opened. “One morning during our prayer, I looked up and saw guests waiting in line reaching their hands through the fence to join in. That’s when I knew this place is something special.”
The Andersons use the money they earn to take family members and children of their former foster kids on vacations, like their upcoming trip to Aquatica in Orlando. “It’s not about the money, though,” said Anderson. “It’s about what we do with it- putting smiles on people’s faces, giving joy.”
Their motto is simple: If we can help someone as we pass along, if we can cheer someone with a word or a song, our living will not be in vain.
With economic benefits flowing to local families, nonprofits, youth programs and so many others, it’s clear: the Florida Strawberry Festival is more than just a celebration of fruit – it’s a celebration of community.
