If your February needs a little more joy, a little more fruit, and a lot more “how did I end up watching a strawberry shortcake eating contest at 11 am,” Keel Farms has your weekend plans handled. The annual Strawberry Bash returns to Keel Farms (5202 Thonotosassa Rd) in Plant City on Saturday and Sunday, February 21 and 22, running 10 am to 3 pm both days.
The premise is beautifully simple: show up hungry and let strawberries do the heavy lifting. The festival’s headliners include strawberry shortcake, a strawberry U-pick (while berries last), local vendors, and a lineup of family-friendly extras that reads like a county fair speedrun. Admission is free, parking is $10 per vehicle, and yes, it’s dog-friendly, because nothing says “Florida winter” like sipping cider while your dog judges your life choices.
Photos via Keel Farms
Let’s talk attractions. There’s a kid zone with bounce houses, which is basically a legal way to convert tiny humans into tired humans. There are camel rides, which is an excellent reminder that Florida’s brand is “sure, why not.” And there are strawberry shortcake eating contests, which are guaranteed to be messy in that way that makes strangers cheer like they are watching the Olympics of whipped cream…