Every year, the Florida Strawberry Festival in Plant City presents an array of mouth-watering treats, and 2024 is no exception. This year’s event introduces seven innovative culinary delights alongside timeless festival classics, offering an unparalleled gastronomic experience.
Let’s embark on a flavorful journey through the new offerings and revisit the perennial favorites that continue to captivate fairgoers.
2024’s Novel Indulgences
- Strawberry Sriracha Chicken Sandwich: The Aussie Grill by Outback introduces a southern staple with a twist—fried chicken with a spicy blend of sriracha and strawberry, offering a unique taste of Plant City. Accompanying this spicy delight are the original Chicken Sandwich, Chicken Tenders, and the Bacon Bomb Burger, all available at the Aussie Grill on Ford Lane.
- Almond Joy Funnel Cake: Concocted by the imaginative Mama Jane, this year’s funnel cake is a treat for the senses, combining the traditional funnel cake with powdered sugar, homemade coconut and almond topping, and a drizzle of sweet milk chocolate syrup. Discover this sweet sensation at the Best Around truck, located north of the Entenmann’s Strawberry Tent near the main stage.
- Bacon, Caramel, Peanut Butter Apple Fries: An award-winning creation topped with crispy bacon, Ghirardelli caramel, and peanut butter powder, offering a transcendent taste experience. For an even richer treat, add ice cream. Find this delight at Apple Fries on West Independent near the West entrance of the Stadium Exhibit Building.
- Belgium Waffle Strawberry Sundae: SanJon Concessions crafts a masterpiece featuring a fresh Belgium waffle adorned with strawberry vanilla ice cream, fresh strawberries, whipped cream, and a final strawberry touch, located near the festival’s History Center and Gift Shop.
- Berry Battered Golden Oreo: Dive into a golden Oreo bathed in strawberry funnel cake batter, enhanced with powdered sugar, ice cream, whipped cream, and a drizzle of sweet strawberry syrup, available at George’s Fun Foods on Edwards Street.
- Chocolate Covered Strawberry Slush: Indulge in a slush infused with Hershey’s chocolate syrup, crowned with whipped cream, a lavish chocolate drizzle, and a chocolate-covered strawberry, found at Moose Joose Slush on Woodrow Wilson.
- Deep Fried Strawberry Shortcake Cookie Dough: Experience the joy of strawberry shortcake cookie dough enveloped in sweet funnel cake batter, fried to perfection, and adorned with strawberry syrup and powdered sugar at Carousel Foods near East Independent.
Time-Honored Festival Classics
While the new treats are tantalizing, the festival’s classics remain unbeatable:
- Strawberry Cookies from Parkesdale Farm Market: Save these addictive, chewy delights for the ride home to savor their iconic strawberry sweetness.
- Island Noodles: A savory break from the sweetness, offering a unique and underrated festival food experience west of the main stage.
- Fiske Fries: Enjoy these legendary, homemade, never-frozen french fries for a delicious, deep-flavored snack, perfect for sharing.
- Amish Doughnuts: Fall in love with these simple, irresistible treats dripping with glaze, a must-try for any festival-goer.
- Fried Cheese Curds: Discover the joy of these squeaky, deep-fried cheese curds, a savory delight not to be missed.
- Strawberry Shortcake: No visit to the festival is complete without indulging in this star attraction. Customize your own shortcake at the Saint Clement’s tent for the ultimate dessert experience.
The 2024 Florida Strawberry Festival not only celebrates the beloved berry but also brings together a medley of flavors that cater to all tastes. Whether you’re a fan of the classics or eager to explore the new culinary creations, the festival promises an unforgettable gastronomic adventure.
So, as you wander through the vibrant fairgrounds, let your taste buds lead the way and immerse yourself in the diverse flavors of Plant City’s most cherished event.