Last night I told Holly that I had a “festival hangover”. Boy oh boy was I worn out, but in a good way.
You see, I live in a rural town called Plant City. We are the Winter Strawberry Capitol of the World. (Really! Google it for yourself.)
In the fall farmers begin preparing their land for this sweet and delicate fruit. Berries are picked throughout the winter months. But it is during ten days in the late winter season when our small town becomes overwhelmed with folks from all over the world to enjoy this scrumptious red berry.
The saying, “It takes a village” definitely applies to our festival. From parking to ushering guests to their seats at one of the famous entertainers’ concert, this festival is (in part) a great success due to the many local volunteers.
The school where I teach is directly across from the festival. I look out of my classroom window and there I can see a plethora of visitors parking on our school’s campus. During lunch, we teachers often benefit from the many food vendors on our sidewalk. Teachers and students are taking time out and sharing the load, to park cars in one of our five lots for our annual fundraiser.
Since the festival started last Thursday (February 27th), I have parked four out of the five days. Whew! I truly do enjoy every minute of it. Welcoming the guests, who either frequent the festival each year or for the very first time, it always a thrill for me. I love being hospitable to the folks of all ages and stages in life.
So, coming back to my “festival hangover” here’s where it all began…
After church yesterday Cole and I went to park cars for the school. We ran up and down the street, waved flags, and collected money from noon until 4:00pm. After four hours of welcoming guests, and even calming a few angry people down because they weren’t able to find a parking spot anywhere, Cole and I had a date on the midway. 
I gave Cole full control as to what rides we were going to ride. I rode all but two of his choices. (No Gravitron for me. I would definitely get dizzy on that ride.) We had the best time! I truly loved that fact that even at his “tween-age” he enjoys spending time with his mom, and…is not embarrassed by me. He’d wrap his arms around me sporadically. Oh, how my heart was soaking it all up because I know this won’t last forever.
After riding rides, it was time to eat. Ha! That is an understatement. It was time to indulge in a variety of foods. A bucket of French fries and fresh lemonade for Cole. Fried catfish and grits from Johnson’s BBQ for me. Then…we HAD to try the deep fried Oreos. Yep! They were d-e-li-cious! Oh, but I’m not done. We also went to get some chocolate covered bacon. Why not! “Go big or go home”, right?
I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from the Oreos, but they were warm, soft, and sweet to the core. I’m thinking it’s one thing to put on your bucket list, just once.
Holly and her friend had joined us at the festival. So since I had some extra mouths around it was time for the next indulgence. Some church-friends of ours have “Maverick’s Chocolate Barn”. That is where we purchased the mound of bacon and the warm side of chocolate for dipping. Bacon and chocolate…you can’t go wrong there. Mmmmm, let’s just say it was sinfully-delicious! That was another bucket list moment.
After the surplus of festival food, it was time to retreat to the house.
When we got home, Holly and I decided to sit our happy, and now overstuffed, selves down and watch The Oscars.
After about an hour, my head was pounding.
Was it the heat from the gorgeous Florida weather, the dust kicked up from the midway, or the over abundance of sweet-treats for dessert? Whatever it was, it is now called “A Festival Hangover”.
After a couple of Tylenol, it was time for bed.
I have no bible verse to coordinate with this story. I just thought I’d share a little love for my town, festival, food, and a little time with a couple of my kids. Maybe you can find one for me and send it my way.
I pray God’s abundant love and blessing for y’all.
