The 2024 Strawberry Festival Grand Parade, led by grand Marshals Fred and Tammy Johnson, drew crowds along city streets and featured elementary, middle and high schools, scout troops, dance teams, floats and more.
Prior to the parade Governor Ron DeSantis gave remarks alongside Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody at the Florida Strawberry Festival luncheon at Hillsborough Community College’s Plant City campus. He spoke of his appreciation for the state’s agricultural impact and community spirit. “One of the values of a festival like this is it gives families an opportunity to come together and enjoy themselves,” he said. “It really showcases a lot of strong community bonds and is an example of a successful state.”
For Plant City residents Kevin and Kim Davis, who moved into a historic house in downtown six months ago, it was their first time attending the parade, which marched right by their front door. “It was awesome, we loved it,” said Kevin Davis. “I liked the music and the energy.”
His wife liked the glitz and glam. “It was cool seeing the strawberry queen and court,” she said.
The parade ended at the Florida Strawberry Festival grounds, where trophies and ribbons were awarded to the following winners:
Grand Marshal Trophy: Greenlife Environmental
Business/Commercial Division:
1st Place- International Showmen Association
2nd Place- Rough Riders
3rd Place- 1916/Dukes Brewhouse
Antique Division:
1st Place- Practical Coating
2nd Place- Haynes Motorsports
3rd Place- C & C Services
Church Division:
1st Place- Ekklesia Revived
2nd Place- Faith Christian
3rd Place- Kingdome Creations Ministries
Civic Division:
1st Place- JS Robinson PTA
2nd Place- Plant City Little League
3rd Place- Egypt Temple Shriners
Special Features:
1st Place- Rising Family Theater
2nd Place- Mariachi Band
3rd Place- 66th Anniversary