Strawberry Parade application deadline approaching
Each year thousands of viewers pack together along the Florida Strawberry Festival Grand Parade’s route through downtown Plant City to see the beautiful floats, outstanding musical groups and unique special feature units that allow you to dive deep into the glamour and excitement that the parade provides.
If you want to be a part of the grand spectacle that is the annual Strawberry Parade, the deadline for your application to be submitted is Monday, Feb. 14, by midnight. All entries will be approved by the committee based on “show value” to the overall parade and/or the parade’s theme. Understanding that a parade, by its nature, is an entertainment medium, the contribution of each unit to this concept is critical. Artistic beauty, use of colors, animation, special effects, originality, rider personnel and visual appeal will all come into play as the committee determines the acceptability of the entry.
By making an application for entry, it is understood that participants will follow all of the rules and regulations provided by the committee and that the committee’s decision for approval is final.
A sketch, design and description plans for your entry must accompany the application and on arrival of the parade formation area, entries not conforming with the description of their application may be prohibited from participation in the parade. In addition, parade applications cannot be accepted without a certificate of insurance.
If approved, Parade Position Letters will be sent by email by the week of Feb. 22 and a MANDATORY driver meeting will be held at the Plant City High School Auditoreum, One Raider Place, on Feb. 28 at 6 p.m. At least one authorized representative of an entry must be present at the meeting, conducted by the Plant City Police Department and Berry Fine Productions, for participation.
First, second and third place trophies will be awarded in each of the five divisions, including Most Outstanding Business/Commercial Float, Most Outstanding Antique Division, Most Outstanding Special Feature Division, Most Outstanding Marching Band Unit, Most Outstanding Civic/Church Division.
For more information, visit www.facebook.com/StrawberryParade or contact Chairperson Gail Lyons at 813-967-6366.
Cat Show returning to Plant City
The Cat Fanciers’ Association will be making their return to Plant City this month for another Tampa Area Cat Show.
Make your way down to the TECO Expo Hall at the Strawberry Festival Fairgrounds for the All Breed and Household Pet Cat Show, taking place on Saturday, Jan. 15 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Jan. 16 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Over 30 breeds of cats and household pets from around the nation will be in attendance, competing for awards and titles, with vendors in attendance selling all types of cat merchandise for you and your furry friend. In addition, the family-friendly event will have fun for all ages including a children’s coloring contest and a cat costume contest both days.
Admission will cost $10 for adults, $8 for seniors/military, $6 for children aged three to 12 and family packs are available with tickets for two adults and two children for $25. All cats must be pre-registered for all events before the show. For more information, visit www.cfa.org.