DAN W
ALDEN
What’s your favorite Florida Strawberry Festival memory?
When I was young, my dad would take me to watch the Festival Parade every year. We would park at the Dairy Queen and sit in the back of his pickup truck to watch it. He died when I was 12, so those memories are very special to me.
What’s your favorite thing to do at the festival?
Working with the area youth in the livestock area.
What was the best concert you ever attended at the festival?
I actually have two favorites. Marty Robbins is one of my all-time favorite singers. I have many of his songs on my playlist. He also played twice in one year, because George Jones didn’t show. The other is Lynyrd Skynyrd. They had an absolutely awesome show.
SANDEE
SYTSMA
If you had to convince a total stranger to go to the festival, how would you do it?
I would tell them for $10 (actually, $8 advance), they could enjoy a family-friendly, fun-filled day. There’s something for everyone of all ages. Agriculture, crafts, livestock, art shows, on-grounds entertainment, concerts twice daily and much more. For a little more money, you can eat the best fair food around and enjoy a huge midway.
What’s your favorite festival memory?
Years ago, George Strait did a concert on our big stage, and after a lot of pleading, Dad let me sit on the back of the stage during the whole show. I couldn’t see George from the front but had no complaints.
Who makes the best strawberry shortcake in Plant City?
In my humble opinion, Parkesdale Market. (Sytsma’s family founded Parkesdale.)
JIM JEFFRIES
Which musical performance are you looking forward to the most?
There are several of the older performers’ shows that I will attend. It could be the last time some will perform at the festival. Mel Tillis is an example and has been here often and has family ties to Plant City. He still has a great show, so I plan to see the whole show.
What do you enjoy most about the festival?
Seeing the involvement of so many youth in activities that are family-oriented.
Who do you like to bring to the festival?
Family, of course. The festival is such a great event for the entire family. All who participate in conducting the festival seem to be part of a family and try to make those who attend feel welcome.
FLOYD HALL
What is your favorite thing to do at the festival?
Eating the food.
Which eating contest would you enter?
Strawberry Shortcake-Eating Contest.
What is the best concert you’ve ever been to at the festival?
Waylon Jennings. It was right before he passed away. I loved that concert.
RICK
LOTT
What’s your favorite Florida Strawberry Festival memory?
My steer winning Grand Champion when I was a seventh-grader. I remember that night like it was yesterday. Every year, I like to see who gets the same honor as I did. I hope it has the same impact on them as it did on me, 40 years ago.
What do you enjoy most about the festival?
Every year is like a high school class reunion. A chance to see lifelong friends and reminisce about our younger days at the festival, and catch up with each other on our current adventures.
Which musical performance are you looking forward to the most?
Alabama. I’m sure the PCHS Class of ’79 will be well-represented that night. Alabama is my all-time favorite band.
DUB McGINNES
What’s your favorite Florida Strawberry Festival memory?
One of my favorite Strawberry Festival memories was also the best concert I ever attended.
What was the best concert you ever attended at the festival?
It was back in 1982, and a friend of mine called and said he had tickets to the Oak Ridge Boys concert at the festival and wanted to know if I wanted to go. Absolutely — I was amazed that he had seats right down front. The Oaks were at the peak of their popularity then, and the concert was incredible. They ended their show with their new hit, “Elvira.” Wow! By the end of the song, everybody was standing and singing along. No one wanted the show to end, it was unbelievable.
What do you enjoy most about the festival?
The thing I enjoy most about the festival is seeing everyone. It’s a time when you see all your old friends, and a time you make new ones. It’s a great atmosphere, where everyone is happy and excited.