THE PROCESSION STRETCHED FOR TWO MILES.
“This year’s parade was a great success,” Gail Domedion, President of BerryFine Productions, Inc., said. “I am so thankful it was safe and fun, and I hope everyone enjoyed our city and the celebration of the Festival. The attendance this year was the largest since Covid!
The parade stretched for about two miles as it wound its way through Plant City to the Strawberry Festival Grounds, and entertained throngs of onlookers for an hour and a half as it passed. The parade had 160 units entered, including dignitaries, Shriners, public safety officials, 39 floats, and 15 JROTC units and marching bands. Several of the marching bands joined from around Tampa Bay to display their skills. Participants threw beads, candy, and rubber toys to the people lining the streets. The two entries that came from the farthest away were the CSX Mighty Chessie from Miami, and the Villages Twirlers from Ocala.
City Commissioner Mike Sparkman was chosen as Grand Marshal of the parade because of his community service, leadership, contributions to local culture, and overall impact on Plant City and the Florida Strawberry Festival. “This year, the decision was remarkably easy,” Domedion said. “When we discussed who has had a significant positive impact on the community and truly embodies the spirit of the parade, Mike’s name immediately came to mind. His dedication, contributions, and leadership made him the clear choice for Grand Marshal of the 2025 Strawberry Grand Parade.”
“I was taken aback,” Sparkman said when he was told he had been nominated to be Grand Marshal. “I have been on the parade committee for eons—I have been a director for the Florida Strawberry Festival for 40 years. I was quite shocked that Gail recommended me to be the parade Grand Marshal. I accepted. I was ecstatic. I appreciate the recognition.”
The winners of parade trophies
Grand Marshal Trophy – Practical Coatings
Business/Commercial Division
1st – Greenlife Environmental
2nd – International Showmen Association
3rd – Rough Riders
Antique Division
1st – Woody’s
2nd – Florida Future Farmers of
America and the University of Florida
3rd – Driveway Enterprise
Church Division
1st – Faith Christian Church
2nd – The First Baptist Church of Dover
3rd – Cowboys for Christ
Civic Division
1st – JS Robinson Parent
Teacher Association
2nd – Plant City Little League
3rd – Strawberry Crest High School
Calendar Girls
Special Features
1st – Patriots Twirling Corps
2nd – The Villages Twirlers
3rd – Drawdy’s Dance School
Marching Unit Division
1st – Strawberry Crest High School Band
2nd – Spoto High School Band
3rd – Icon Preparatory School
