For Immediate Release News Release

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Lauren Der

Florida Strawberry Festival

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For Immediate Release

News Release

Florida Strawberry Festival Holds Appreciation Dinner for 900 Volunteers
PLANT CITY, Fla. (Nov. 15, 2013) – The Florida Strawberry Festival held its annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner Thursday night at the Festival grounds.
Approximately 900 people who volunteered at the 2013 Festival attended Thursday’s event where they were fed a barbecue dinner, entertained and shown an abundance of appreciation from the Festival’s directors and staff.
“Our Festival could not take place without our volunteers,” said Florida Strawberry Festival General Manager Paul Davis. “Our visitors notice the enthusiasm of our volunteers, and we cannot do enough to thank them for the countless hours and tremendous effort they put into making our Festival successful.”
Many volunteers were also awarded various door prizes that ranged from home décor, to tools and gift cards. Nancy Plantenga, the grand prize winner, won a $400 VISA gift card.
“It’s so neat to see how many people from the community care about our Festival, and I believe that’s what makes us different” said Information Committee Chairwoman Pam Warnock. “They are excited to do what they can to help, and we notice that.”
Over 2,000 people from the Plant City area volunteer each year at the Florida Strawberry Festival in information booths, backstage at headline entertainment shows, in the Badcock & More Media Center and numerous other places throughout the grounds. Most volunteers return year after year to volunteer in the same positions, exemplifying their passion for the event.
“We have some of the most wonderful, giving people here in our community, and we’re honored that they choose to be a part of the Festival,” said Warnock.

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About the Florida Strawberry Festival
The Florida Strawberry Festival is an 11-day community event celebrating the strawberry harvest of Eastern Hillsborough County. Each year, over 500,000 visitors enjoy the Festival’s headline entertainment, youth livestock shows, exhibits of commerce and, of course, its world-famous strawberry shortcake. The 2014 Florida Strawberry Festival celebrating “Florida’s Best Family Recipe!” will be held Feb. 27-March 9, 2014 in Plant City, Fla. For more information, visit www.flstrawberryfestival.com, Facebook and Twitter.
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