With a killer line-up featuring artists like Willie Nelson, Ludacris, The Isley Brothers and many more alongside tons of rides, and all the berry-blasted treats one could eat, the 2023 Florida Strawberry Festival had plenty to offer locals and tourists alike looking for a day full of food and fun this year. So much in fact, that it shattered previous attendance records for an 88th consecutive year.
Following the conclusion of this year’s fest, organizers made the announcement to their Instagram page on Wednesday, March 15, that they’d smashed their previous record by approximately 60,000 people — totaling 606,116 berry-lovers in attendance.
” WOW! A new attendance record, and all because of your support. We are humbled. #BerryFest23.” the post’s short and sweet caption reads.
Offerings such as the largest mobile Ferris Wheel in the US, discounted admission, ride wristband deals, as well as free Polar Pops, free headliner ticket contests, gaining 5 extra performers after losing one, and free days for high schoolers and kids with special needs may have been a determining factor in the steep climb in numbers.