It’s that time of year again… The Florida Strawberry Festival !
My town gets bombarded with visitors from all over the world. Yes, the world!
To me, this isn’t just a festival to honor our community’s honored fruit. It is so much more.
It’s about tradition. I’ve grown up participating in various events at the festival my entire life. From the Baby Parade, to showing livestock, to sewing and modeling a sad and simple strawberry skirt, to clogging on stage in an entertainment tent, and to being part of the Queen’s Court back in 1986 (and all the fun festivities that entails), the festival was a yearly event I always looked forward to.
Through all these numerous events as a child and teen, I’ve been given many opportunities to not only fall more in love with my town, but grow as an individual as well. These activities have taught me to be responsible, brave, communicative with others, and many other valued characteristics.
The festival is about family, and those who become like family. Each year I get to see people who have helped mold me through my involvement in the aforementioned activities. For some folks, this time of year is the only time we get to see each other. A hug is exchanged, and a quick conversation often takes place to catch up on how all are doing. We watch each other’s’ families grow, as the tradition of attending or participating in the festival continues.
I’ve often mentioned to people that the Strawberry Festival is like a huge family reunion. When you are from a small town, you are either related to many, or the friends you have become like family to you.
The festival is about volunteerism. Each year, there are over 800 people who give of their time to help make this community event run smoothly. It is through this service that assists in keeping visitors returning each year. Because of either the friendly smiles, southern drawls, informed volunteers, and/or just that good ole southern hospitality, visitors make it a point to spend time in our town.
Throughout the years, I’ve volunteered with hopping on tour buses to greet folks from as far as Canada, been stationed in one of the many information booths, and wore the “may I help you” name tag as an ambassador walking the festival grounds to assist lost festival attendees. This year, I get to add to this volunteer list by continuing to emcee the baby pageant (the coveted Diaper Derby), assisting my mom in preparing and calculating score for the jam and jelly competition in The Neighborhood Village, and be a captain of a tram which will help our visitors get to and from their vehicle to the festival grounds safely.
Why do we all volunteer? Is it for the $10 ticket they give us as a thank you? Nope. It’s because we LOVE OUR TOWN.
Today, the day before the festival, I was praying for what all will take place over the next eleven days. Will you pray along with me?
“Dear Lord, thank You for the opportunity to live in this community that is always expanding, yet keeps the small-town feel. I pray for each person who will be involved in the festival; the carnival workers, the exhibitors, the vendors, the office staff, the board of directors, the volunteers, the security, those who park cars at their homes, the maintenance people, the restroom attendants, and anyone who has a part in making this festival happen. Thank You for the farmers who grow this honored crop. I pray blessings upon them and their businesses. May the weather cooperate to keep our strawberries sweet, juicy, and delicious (a bit of cooler weather would be appreciated). I pray for the citizens of Plant City, and the neighboring communities, that we will all take a breath and be calm during this time of busyness on our roads. I pray that the businesses in our town will flourish because of all the visitors. Help us all to keep a smile on our face, and have a grateful heart. Help us all to count our blessings and appreciate the town we live in. Give us all the strength and rest that can only come from you. I pray a hedge of protection around our festival and town. May we be a light that shines bright for You! I love you, Lord. Amen.”
Thank you for praying with me.
I hope I get to see you at The Florida Strawberry Festival, March 1-11, 2018!
But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one. 2 Thessalonians 3:3
Always be full of joy. 17 Never stop praying. 18 Whatever happens, always be thankful. This is how God wants you to live in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Many blessings to you and yours,
Stephanie