For the many years I’ve worked here in the Bay area, there is one event I have never missed – the media party for the Florida Strawberry Festival in Plant City. It’s like being with family who are so glad to see you and feed you very well! This year’s theme is “Our Masterpiece Of Fun,” which accounts for the fun mustaches sported by a few, including my favorite Plant city guy – Festival Chairman Al Berry. He also gives excellent hugs. It’s one of the best ways to spend a Simply Sunday with the family!

   The Strawberry Festival has drawn world-wide attention and rightly so. At the time of the year when the weather in the rest of the country can be just awful, we’re sitting down to bowls full of berries and whipped cream, some of the best BBQ you’ll find in Florida, then daring to get on those rides with full tummies. No, I don’t. Let’s not even go there. But it’s the outrageous foods that get a whole lot of attention, like the fine folks who gave the Krispy Kreme Donut burgers a try; then there’s the chocolate covered bacon, the huge berries dipped in luscious chocolate, and just about anything else your heart desires.

   They also never lack for great entertainment, and this year’s schedule is solid as always. Take a look at the full schedule and find your favorite.  Oh, and the contests. This is serious stuff, ranging from the Livestock Judging, the Baby Parade and Contest, Poultry and Rabbit shows, and of course the Strawberry Shortcake Eating Contest. Want to enter? Check out the rules and regs and have fun!

   The 2013 Strawberry Festival in warm and welcoming Plant City runs now through March 10^th, open 10 am to 10 pm daily with tickets available online. Have a bowlful of berries for me, and please send us your shots of fun at the Festival to ann.kelly@coxmg.com and we’ll show them off in Kelly’s Kitchen.

   This is the first Sunday in March, and that also means the Hyde Park Fresh Market is open from 10 am to 3 pm. It's a beautiful way to spend the day with the family and friends. They are the official sponsor of Kelly's Kitchen and are waiting for you to drop by and enjoy breakfast, brunch, delicious fresh produce, arts and crafts and more. Have a lovely day in Hyde Park!

WORDS OF WISDOM FROM KELLY’S KITCHEN

Strawberries are the angels of the earth, innocent and sweet with green leafy wings reaching heavenward. ~Terri Guillemets