The 12th annual Habitat Ocala Strawberry Festival returned to the McPherson Government Complex on Saturday, March 7, for a full day of charitable giving and family entertainment.
The event, which ran from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., featured over 235 unique vendors and a kid’s zone complete with a petting zoo. All proceeds from the day, including the five dollar parking fee managed by the Marion Therapeutic Riding Association, are dedicated to building a new, affordable home for a low-income family through Habitat for Humanity of Marion County.
The festival kicked off with a performance of the National Anthem by local country sensation Emma Forgette at 10 a.m., followed by a musical lineup that included Peaches and Karim, the Alaskan Sunnyside Sisters, and the Crossroads Band. Electric violinist Jaron Clark greeted attendees at the front gate with a high-energy performance.
Beyond the music, crowds enjoyed a car show, high-flying stunts from the BMX Trickstars, and a strawberry pie-eating contest open to all ages…