They have their choice of 22 headline shows that include Taylor Swift;  country artists: George Jones, Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers, Kellie Pickler, Jake Owen, Mel Tills, Lorrie Morgan, Travis Tritt, and Rodney Atkins; plus Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Kool & the Gang; contemporary Christian artists Third Day and Mark Lowry; Jim Ed Brown and Helen Cornelius, Connie Smith and Marty Stuart, Brenda Lee, Ray Stevens and Ronnie McDowell; as well as comedian Jeff Foxworthy; and Julianne Hough, and Jessica Simpson.  Headline concert tickets start at $10.

There are also about 3,000 free seats for each concert, while they last, not to mention all the other free entertainment that's part of daily admission to the Festival.

Every day, throughout the day on the Florida Strawberry Festival grounds, there will be groups performing on free stages; there will be livestock shows, crafts, exhibits, various local exhibitors demonstrating and making available for purchase homemade items, one-of-kind gifts, jewelry, and more.

All 11 days of the Festival, there will be free entertainment, included with paid gate admission. Singer and comedian Dennis Lee, plus the compelling group Vocal Trash playing trash cans to kitchen sinks, will be performing free in the Sweetbay Supermarket Showcase Tent.

Sponsored by SunTrust Bank, Southern Star Bluegrass Band will have hands clappin' and toes tappin', along with Jason Young in the Cool Whip Strawberry Tent.  Everyone's perennial favorite Robinson's Paddling Porkers will have the crowd rooting (and laughing) in several races a day, and guests' hearts will be pumping as they take in the Bikes, Boards and Blades show, which is sponsored by Netterfields.

New this year, Tractor Supply Company will present the Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show, where visitors can see a chainsaw artist craft birds, domestic scenes and more out of tree trunks right before their eyes.

Not to be missed as well, buzzing around in the crowd in his crafty little car, making guests giggle as they snap photos, will be Granpa Cratchet, sponsored by Safety Glass and Windshield. And, the ever-popular group from the Andes Mountains, Runa Pacha will be play relaxing tunes on their wooden instruments, sponsored by Westgate River Ranch.

Both Thursdays, February 26 and March 5, are Senior Days sponsored by Master Spas. Admission for seniors 60 and better is $8 at the gate both Thursdays. At 10:30 a.m. on the Feb. 26, Jimmy Sturr and his Orchestra will perform in a free concert on the Florida Strawberry Festival Soundstage, and on March 5. The Guy Lombardo Orchestra will perform in one free show at 10:30 a.m.

There will plenty of specials throughout the Festival's 11-day run too, including Family Days, Ride-A-Thon Days, Kids' Day, Grand Parade Day, plus two Moonlight Magic Nights.

No need to look any further for last minute holiday gifts than http://www.flstrawberryfestival.com/, or, if you're nearby, the Florida Strawberry Festival Ticket Office at 2209 W. Oak Ave., Plant City, FL 33563 is open Christmas week Mon.-Tues. 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; Wed. 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.; and closed Thurs. and Fri.

To order tickets by phone, call 813-754-1996. For complete details, include concert times and ticket prices, log on to http://www.flstrawberryfestival.com/.

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