Strawberry Festival

[HIgolfers]

Resident for 6 years. Have never been. This year have family visiting so sent them to Strawberry Festival Sat morning at 10 am. They couldn’t find parking- said it was total mob scene. So my question is how early do you have to arrive?

[Altavia]

We had no trouble just before 10. Big crowd. Lots of vendors.

But leaving at 11, golf carts were backed up past the other side of 44.

[Hape2Bhr]

Mardi Gras parking at Lake Sumter this week was nonexistent if you were a later arrival and traffic was extremely heavy. I dropped my wife and grandchild off. When they were ready to leave, I took the golf cart and waited for them on the MMP by the park outside of Sonny's.

[Nana2Teddy]

We just tried to go at 11:30 in our car, and couldn’t park. It was insane. We’re going to try later in our golf cart because we did occasionally see a golf cart spot open. This will be our first Strawberry Festival, so definitely not a great first impression.

[Bogie Shooter]

We just tried to go at 11:30 in our car, and couldn’t park. It was insane. We’re going to try later in our golf cart because we did occasionally see a golf cart spot open. This will be our first Strawberry Festival, so definitely not a great first impression.

What would make it a good impression?

[GrnThumb]

How about a festival in each square on the same day to distribute the crowds or have it at the Polo Field?

[Papa_lecki]

Got there around 12:30, golf cart. It was crowded, but i was able to park.

[Michael 61]

My first year here - was not impressed. Arrived via golf cart approx 1015 AM. A complete zoo. No parking on southside of square. Got one of a few golf cart spots left on north end of square. Felt like a cheap county fair, with lots of tacky vendors selling stuff I have no interest in. One street you could barely walk, and I had to exit in between two street vendors to get out of the crowd. Super long lines for what looked like average strawberry shortcake, that I can make better at home. Music act playing was mediocre. Left around 11am, taking the golf cart overpass. In opposite direction, golf carts were at a complete stop almost all the way from Richmond to Brownwood. I won’t be back next year, huge disappointment.

[Babubhat]

Brownwood cart bridge backed up for over half mile at 10am and nowhere to exit on other side. Gridlock like Nyc.

Move it to polo grounds

[Buckeyephan]

We stopped going to special events at the squares years ago. They used to be lots of fun but became too crowded. After building the apartments and more stores and restaurants, parking at Brownwood became a nightmare. People park at Eisenhower and walk to the square. We’ll leave things to newbies and visitors. These events don’t offer anything that is worth the hassle. Actually, we do miss the weekly drink specials and entertainment, but not worth putting up with the crowds.

[Kenswing]

My first year here - was not impressed. Arrived via golf cart approx 1015 AM. A complete zoo. No parking on southside of square. Got one of a few golf cart spots left on north end of square. Felt like a cheap county fair, with lots of tacky vendors selling stuff I have no interest in. One street you could barely walk, and I had to exit in between two street vendors to get out of the crowd. Super long lines for what looked like average strawberry shortcake, that I can make better at home. Music act playing was mediocre. Left around 11am, taking the golf cart overpass. In opposite direction, golf carts were at a complete stop almost all the way from Richmond to Brownwood. I won’t be back next year, huge disappointment. Thank you for this post. I showed it to my wife and it got me out of having to go tomorrow. :a040:

[Jayhawk]

My first year here - was not impressed. Arrived via golf cart approx 1015 AM. A complete zoo. No parking on southside of square. Got one of a few golf cart spots left on north end of square. Felt like a cheap county fair, with lots of tacky vendors selling stuff I have no interest in. One street you could barely walk, and I had to exit in between two street vendors to get out of the crowd. Super long lines for what looked like average strawberry shortcake, that I can make better at home. Music act playing was mediocre. Left around 11am, taking the golf cart overpass. In opposite direction, golf carts were at a complete stop almost all the way from Richmond to Brownwood. I won’t be back next year, huge disappointment.


Nobody goes there anymore. It's too crowded.

[JD Tremor]

Nobody goes there anymore. It's too crowded.

If "Nobody goes there", why is it too crowded? LOL

[Battlebasset]

If "Nobody goes there", why is it too crowded? LOL

Look up "Yogi Berra" quote.

[Bunny1]

Wildwood Police were giving out bicycle helmets. They were fitting you with correct size and distributing to people in line. Helmets looked very nice!

[Babubhat]

That’s what we get for an extra 3 mil in taxes

[ohioshooter]

First and last time for me.

[ohioshooter]

If "Nobody goes there", why is it too crowded? LOL

Now that is funny.

[MsPCGenius]

Maybe I'll saunter up there late tomorrow... after all the crowds have had their fill. I'll gauge my decision based on the traffic load at the intersection of Meggison and Rt 44.

[wisbad1]

Got there at 9:00 am had no problems

[Garywt]

We just tried to go at 11:30 in our car, and couldn’t park. It was insane. We’re going to try later in our golf cart because we did occasionally see a golf cart spot open. This will be our first Strawberry Festival, so definitely not a great first impression.

I would think it is a great first impression. They put together an event that is this popular, that is a great thing.

[bimmertl]

I checked, they sell strawberries at Public.

[JSR22]

I checked, they sell strawberries at Public.

Publix!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Garywt]

I thought it was awesome. Great event. Yes it was crazy but crazy is fun. We came from the north and were able to find parking at 11:30 without much issue. My only issue today was it was too hot for me, wiped me out for the rest of the day.

[Papa_lecki]

We just tried to go at 11:30 in our car, and couldn’t park. It was insane. We’re going to try later in our golf cart because we did occasionally see a golf cart spot open. This will be our first Strawberry Festival, so definitely not a great first impression.

It was such a great event, that there wasn’t a parking spot to be had - it must have really be a bad event.

Would an empty strawberry festival made a good impression?

[Nana2Teddy]

I would think it is a great first impression. They put together an event that is this popular, that is a great thing.
Crowds like that aren’t enjoyable to me, especially in hot weather. I’ll pass on it and other festivals in the future. No loss. I prefer the wildlife that’s not in the squares. 😛

[tophcfa]

Wish they had that event every weekend. The sports pools and golf courses were way less crowded than usual. When is harvest season for the next fruit?

[Stu from NYC]

If "Nobody goes there", why is it too crowded? LOL

Ask Yogi Berra.

[tophcfa]

Dam, I remember going to Brownwood a few years ago when just about every retail front was empty, Bluefin just opened for business, and you could just walk to an open outside seat without a reservation or wait. But then again, back then there was a vibrant weekly farmers market at Spanish Springs before it got moved south : (

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I feel like I'm reading posts from people who've never been to opening day at a county fair. So here's a tip for everyone for the next time around:

If you want to avoid traffic, don't go to these things at all. There will be traffic. Especially since this is snowbird season, AND this is the kind of event that attracts people who don't live in the Villages, but rather live within an hour of the Villages.

Also - don't ever go to the big yearly Mt. Dora Crafts festival. If you were ever thinking about it, stop thinking about it. It's not an option for you.

Next - if you want to go opening day, avoid the opening hour. There is no need or reason to be the first people there. It runs til 4pm. I took Buena Vista down from El Camino Real and had -no- problem with traffic the entire way on the golf cart paths. But I left home after 11, and got to Brownwood sometime between 12:00 and 12:30. I didn't try parking in any of the lots, I just parked along the grassy bank beside the golf cart path with a bunch of other folks. There was plenty of room, and it was only around a block away from the center of the square.

IF you get there at lunch time, make sure you have a little bite of something before leaving home. You might need to wait in line for the food trucks and you don't need your blood sugar to take a dive while you're standing still on hot pavement with no place to sit for a half hour.

Bring a bottle/thermos with cold water in it. Bring your own small canvas bag with handles. Keep the bottle in the bag so you don't have to hold it in your hand the whole time. You can then use the small bag for smaller purchases, as sometimes vendors run out of bags - plus you really don't need one of their bags if you bring your own. You know you're going to buy stuff. Bring a bag.

Go to the bathroom before leaving the house. If you don't have to go, drink some water, and wait until you do have to go. And then go. THEN leave the house. And bring more water with you. Dehydration or needing to take a wiz while you're waiting a half hour in line for food is no joke.

DO NOT BRING YOUR DOG unless it's a) an ACTUAL service dog and b) wearing something to protect its feet (you can buy dog booties online). The dogs here today looked like they were ALL overwhelmed by the crowds and some of them were visibly suffering from standing on the hot pavement (the blacktop roads can get to temperatures over 140° - you try standing on that pavement barefoot and see how well you like it). It's just flat out cruel to bring your pet to a crowded pavement fair. If it was a county fair on actual fairgrounds with shaded grassy areas to sit on, it'd be different. But it's not. So don't do it. If you need a "comfort" animal with you at all times, then assume you won't be comfortable at this fair, and just stay home.

[thelegges]

We always pick up flat of strawberries every year. We can about half for jam, what’s left after eating so many we chop some for muffins and freeze, then macerate for shortcake. Because we didn’t eat enough the first day.

Is plant city strawberries better than Publix….yes by 100 times. We have a strawberry (asparagus/corn/blueberry/apple/pumpkin/cider/donuts) farm, up north a few miles away from us. Any fruit is better when it’s ripe and just picked, over a green basket sitting in a grocery. But that’s just an opinion

[BillY41]

Got there about 1045. Insanity attempting to locate parking. After 20 minutes we left the traffic and returned home. We should have arrived before opening time.

[Two Bills]

We always pick up flat of strawberries every year. We can about half for jam, what’s left after eating so many we chop some for muffins and freeze, then macerate for shortcake. Because we didn’t eat enough the first day.

Is plant city strawberries better than Publix….yes by 100 times. We have a strawberry (asparagus/corn/blueberry/apple/pumpkin/cider/donuts) farm, up north a few miles away from us. Any fruit is better when it’s ripe and just picked, over a green basket sitting in a grocery. But that’s just an opinion

My wife and I remember the Plant City Strawberries from 25 years ago.
Today's offering are flavorless pap compared to then.
Same goes for many fruits of today.
Genetics have produced disease resistant, perfectly shaped fruit to meet retailers standards, but along the way, the fruits and vegetables are losing their main ingredient, Flavor.

[Sandy and Ed]

How about a festival in each square on the same day to distribute the crowds or have it at the Polo Field?
Now THAT would be a good idea. Similar to the way they treated the craft show distribution of attendees recently

[Sandy and Ed]

Brownwood cart bridge backed up for over half mile at 10am and nowhere to exit on other side. Gridlock like Nyc.

Move it to polo grounds
ANOTHER great idea

[jcreason5616]

Based on our experience on Saturday morning, Thursday evening.

[terryf484]

Resident for 6 years. Have never been. This year have family visiting so sent them to Strawberry Festival Sat morning at 10 am. They couldn’t find parking- said it was total mob scene. So my question is how early do you have to arrive?

We arrived around 2;30pm, two carts, filled up with gas and no problem finding a parking spot, just had to walk a couple of blocks to square. (good exercise)

[mlmarr]

Thousands of people.. newbies south of 44 and beyond.. it's going to be busy.. have you gone to Disney, plant city strawberry festival
..or others around the area?? Florida is busy..

[mlmarr]

Check the labels .. plant city always the best.

[Cobullymom]

I feel like I'm reading posts from people who've never been to opening day at a county fair. So here's a tip for everyone for the next time around:

If you want to avoid traffic, don't go to these things at all. There will be traffic. Especially since this is snowbird season, AND this is the kind of event that attracts people who don't live in the Villages, but rather live within an hour of the Villages.

Also - don't ever go to the big yearly Mt. Dora Crafts festival. If you were ever thinking about it, stop thinking about it. It's not an option for you.

Next - if you want to go opening day, avoid the opening hour. There is no need or reason to be the first people there. It runs til 4pm. I took Buena Vista down from El Camino Real and had -no- problem with traffic the entire way on the golf cart paths. But I left home after 11, and got to Brownwood sometime between 12:00 and 12:30. I didn't try parking in any of the lots, I just parked along the grassy bank beside the golf cart path with a bunch of other folks. There was plenty of room, and it was only around a block away from the center of the square.

IF you get there at lunch time, make sure you have a little bite of something before leaving home. You might need to wait in line for the food trucks and you don't need your blood sugar to take a dive while you're standing still on hot pavement with no place to sit for a half hour.

Bring a bottle/thermos with cold water in it. Bring your own small canvas bag with handles. Keep the bottle in the bag so you don't have to hold it in your hand the whole time. You can then use the small bag for smaller purchases, as sometimes vendors run out of bags - plus you really don't need one of their bags if you bring your own. You know you're going to buy stuff. Bring a bag.

Go to the bathroom before leaving the house. If you don't have to go, drink some water, and wait until you do have to go. And then go. THEN leave the house. And bring more water with you. Dehydration or needing to take a wiz while you're waiting a half hour in line for food is no joke.

DO NOT BRING YOUR DOG unless it's a) an ACTUAL service dog and b) wearing something to protect its feet (you can buy dog booties online). The dogs here today looked like they were ALL overwhelmed by the crowds and some of them were visibly suffering from standing on the hot pavement (the blacktop roads can get to temperatures over 140° - you try standing on that pavement barefoot and see how well you like it). It's just flat out cruel to bring your pet to a crowded pavement fair. If it was a county fair on actual fairgrounds with shaded grassy areas to sit on, it'd be different. But it's not. So don't do it. If you need a "comfort" animal with you at all times, then assume you won't be comfortable at this fair, and just stay home.
Just in case you need a babysitter to guide your every move..

[La lamy]

Went there around 11 last year and did have to circle around to get lucky with a parking spot. The strawberries were overpriced in my opinion and there was nothing of interest otherwise. I'll never go back.

[Mrmean58]

Thank you for this post. I showed it to my wife and it got me out of having to go tomorrow. :a040:

So based on the comments, everyone wants a special event or festival that few people attend, lots of available parking and only has vendors with stuff that appeals to them specifically. If I'm I vendor I would pay my money to attend one of those.(sarcasm) .

[Jcicales]

I thought it was awesome. Great event. Yes it was crazy but crazy is fun. We came from the north and were able to find parking at 11:30 without much issue. My only issue today was it was too hot for me, wiped me out for the rest of the day.
Can it be - a postive comment????? So happy to see someone who enjoyed it ( aside from the temp). Lotta grumpy people on here. 😮😮

[jparsoneau@aol.com]

We decided not to go yesterday because of the large crowd. We are going this morning and plan to be there around 9:30 to miss most of the crowds. Wish us luck.

[sdeikenberry]

Resident for 6 years. Have never been. This year have family visiting so sent them to Strawberry Festival Sat morning at 10 am. They couldn’t find parking- said it was total mob scene. So my question is how early do you have to arrive?


You can get the exact same strawberries from Plant City at Publix for less money and hassle...just sayin'

[geobar]

You bought a home there.
.
Now you finally know the "Morse Clan" only does things for their own benefit.
.
Look at all the houses built South of CR-44. Amazingly with nothing to do except drive North of CR-44. Guess what with nowhere to park.
.
"The Villages" was originally built by building all enmities to draw purchases. For the last 6 years or so. NO. NO. NO. Only sell homes to line the "Morse" pockets..
.
Why dont they spend the money to build more Town Squares like "Spanish Springs", "Lake Sumter Landing," and the last one built was "Brownwood" which opened in October of 2012. That was almost 11 years ago.
.
However, they never stopped selling homes, have they? Many new purchasers are unhappy and move North of CR-44 or out of The Villages completely.
.
Shameful of the "Morse Money Hungry Moguls"
.





How about a festival in each square on the same day to distribute the crowds or have it at the Polo Field?

[dewilson58]

You can get the exact same strawberries from Plant City at Publix for less money and hassle...just sayin'

& you can stay at home and listen to the transistor radio rather than go to a square for live music.

:jester:

[Papa_lecki]

How about a festival in each square on the same day to distribute the crowds or have it at the Polo Field?

Part of the reason to do these events (and draw A LOT of people) is for the tenants around the square - they need to make money.

But let’s move it to the polo grounds, then complain when there are no restaurants or stores at the square because people had to park far away.

There was plenty of parking (again, don’t show up at 10AM). I found a spot immediately around lunch time. And I didn’t buy strawberries, we went because it was a beautiful day, and a nice walk. Bought other stuff though.

[lisahathy]

I feel like I'm reading posts from people who've never been to opening day at a county fair. So here's a tip for everyone for the next time around:

If you want to avoid traffic, don't go to these things at all. There will be traffic. Especially since this is snowbird season, AND this is the kind of event that attracts people who don't live in the Villages, but rather live within an hour of the Villages.

Also - don't ever go to the big yearly Mt. Dora Crafts festival. If you were ever thinking about it, stop thinking about it. It's not an option for you.

Next - if you want to go opening day, avoid the opening hour. There is no need or reason to be the first people there. It runs til 4pm. I took Buena Vista down from El Camino Real and had -no- problem with traffic the entire way on the golf cart paths. But I left home after 11, and got to Brownwood sometime between 12:00 and 12:30. I didn't try parking in any of the lots, I just parked along the grassy bank beside the golf cart path with a bunch of other folks. There was plenty of room, and it was only around a block away from the center of the square.

IF you get there at lunch time, make sure you have a little bite of something before leaving home. You might need to wait in line for the food trucks and you don't need your blood sugar to take a dive while you're standing still on hot pavement with no place to sit for a half hour.

Bring a bottle/thermos with cold water in it. Bring your own small canvas bag with handles. Keep the bottle in the bag so you don't have to hold it in your hand the whole time. You can then use the small bag for smaller purchases, as sometimes vendors run out of bags - plus you really don't need one of their bags if you bring your own. You know you're going to buy stuff. Bring a bag.

Go to the bathroom before leaving the house. If you don't have to go, drink some water, and wait until you do have to go. And then go. THEN leave the house. And bring more water with you. Dehydration or needing to take a wiz while you're waiting a half hour in line for food is no joke.

DO NOT BRING YOUR DOG unless it's a) an ACTUAL service dog and b) wearing something to protect its feet (you can buy dog booties online). The dogs here today looked like they were ALL overwhelmed by the crowds and some of them were visibly suffering from standing on the hot pavement (the blacktop roads can get to temperatures over 140° - you try standing on that pavement barefoot and see how well you like it). It's just flat out cruel to bring your pet to a crowded pavement fair. If it was a county fair on actual fairgrounds with shaded grassy areas to sit on, it'd be different. But it's not. So don't do it. If you need a "comfort" animal with you at all times, then assume you won't be comfortable at this fair, and just stay home.

This is all excellent advice, especially the suggestion to LEAVE YOUR DOG AT HOME! It’s just cruel to bring your dog to events like this, the heat makes it even worse. If you are so emotionally fragile that you can’t leave the house without your dog you should not be attending crowded events like this.

[Travelhunter123]

How about a festival in each square on the same day to distribute the crowds or have it at the Polo Field?
The population of the villages has almost doubled but we have the same one, day one venue events. Something has to change

[me4vt]

Resident for 6 years. Have never been. This year have family visiting so sent them to Strawberry Festival Sat morning at 10 am. They couldn’t find parking- said it was total mob scene. So my question is how early do you have to arrive?
Thanks Village People 🧐

[Mrs S]

Nobody goes there anymore. It's too crowded.

This was my first laugh of the day. Thanks!

[dewilson58]

The population of the villages has almost doubled but we have the same one, day one venue events. Something has to change

This festival is two days.

:loco::loco:

[Mamaderby]

:bigbow:If "Nobody goes there", why is it too crowded? LOL

[MandoMan]

I feel like I'm reading posts from people who've never been to opening day at a county fair. So here's a tip for everyone for the next time around:

If you want to avoid traffic, don't go to these things at all. There will be traffic. Especially since this is snowbird season, AND this is the kind of event that attracts people who don't live in the Villages, but rather live within an hour of the Villages.

Also - don't ever go to the big yearly Mt. Dora Crafts festival. If you were ever thinking about it, stop thinking about it. It's not an option for you.

Next - if you want to go opening day, avoid the opening hour. There is no need or reason to be the first people there. It runs til 4pm. I took Buena Vista down from El Camino Real and had -no- problem with traffic the entire way on the golf cart paths. But I left home after 11, and got to Brownwood sometime between 12:00 and 12:30. I didn't try parking in any of the lots, I just parked along the grassy bank beside the golf cart path with a bunch of other folks. There was plenty of room, and it was only around a block away from the center of the square.

IF you get there at lunch time, make sure you have a little bite of something before leaving home. You might need to wait in line for the food trucks and you don't need your blood sugar to take a dive while you're standing still on hot pavement with no place to sit for a half hour.

Bring a bottle/thermos with cold water in it. Bring your own small canvas bag with handles. Keep the bottle in the bag so you don't have to hold it in your hand the whole time. You can then use the small bag for smaller purchases, as sometimes vendors run out of bags - plus you really don't need one of their bags if you bring your own. You know you're going to buy stuff. Bring a bag.

Go to the bathroom before leaving the house. If you don't have to go, drink some water, and wait until you do have to go. And then go. THEN leave the house. And bring more water with you. Dehydration or needing to take a wiz while you're waiting a half hour in line for food is no joke.

DO NOT BRING YOUR DOG unless it's a) an ACTUAL service dog and b) wearing something to protect its feet (you can buy dog booties online). The dogs here today looked like they were ALL overwhelmed by the crowds and some of them were visibly suffering from standing on the hot pavement (the blacktop roads can get to temperatures over 140° - you try standing on that pavement barefoot and see how well you like it). It's just flat out cruel to bring your pet to a crowded pavement fair. If it was a county fair on actual fairgrounds with shaded grassy areas to sit on, it'd be different. But it's not. So don't do it. If you need a "comfort" animal with you at all times, then assume you won't be comfortable at this fair, and just stay home.

Great advice! I rolled my eyes at an earlier post where a guy complained that he had to park his cart at the north end of the town square, and he didn’t like the band, and the strawberry shortcake wasn’t excellent. Evidently there are thousands of people who think a Strawberry Festival sounds like fun. (I can’t deal with the crowds and I’m not about to buy any crafts, so I stay home to leave parking for others.)

[Bill Torres]

Nobody goes there anymore. It's too crowded.
“Crowded” then people do go. Maybe extended to more days could help one go with a lesser “crowd “.

[debdeignan]

Resident for 6 years. Have never been. This year have family visiting so sent them to Strawberry Festival Sat morning at 10 am. They couldn’t find parking- said it was total mob scene. So my question is how early do you have to arrive?

Its crazy why people think they have to go at 10am. We went in the afternoon and had no trouble finding a parking space Still plenty of strawberries 🍓

[GizmoWhiskers]

How about a festival in each square on the same day to distribute the crowds or have it at the Polo Field?
T V is getting too big for its britches. Great suggestion. Distribution and spread of events to all townsquares. Now... HOW does that happen??? T V Developers think villagers should go to Leesburg for movies NOT Brownwood. They sell golf courses and houses now. So WHO actually gives a hoot about over crowding? Oh and all of CENTRAL FL comes to Brownwood. Not seeing much benefit in what T V is becoming. What will it take to reel in the over crowding?

[photo1902]

Its crazy why people think they have to go at 10am. We went in the afternoon and had no trouble finding a parking space Still plenty of strawberries ������

Exactly the same experience here. No issues parking and had a great time

[Bay Kid]

Brownwood cart bridge backed up for over half mile at 10am and nowhere to exit on other side. Gridlock like Nyc.

Move it to polo grounds

And there is probably the problem, new people.

[jojoturf]

Went to Festival around 1pm. Super crowded. TOO many dogs! Why bring dogs to what you know will be a crowded venue? Too hot for them on pavement. Crowd lightened around 3pm. Band was fabulous - Hayfire. Will look for them again.

[GizmoWhiskers]

You bought a home there.
.
Now you finally know the "Morse Clan" only does things for their own benefit.
.
Look at all the houses built South of CR-44. Amazingly with nothing to do except drive North of CR-44. Guess what with nowhere to park.
.
"The Villages" was originally built by building all enmities to draw purchases. For the last 6 years or so. NO. NO. NO. Only sell homes to line the "Morse" pockets..
.
Why dont they spend the money to build more Town Squares like "Spanish Springs", "Lake Sumter Landing," and the last one built was "Brownwood" which opened in October of 2012. That was almost 11 years ago.
.
However, they never stopped selling homes, have they? Many new purchasers are unhappy and move North of CR-44 or out of The Villages completely.
.
Shameful of the "Morse Money Hungry Moguls"
.
I believe T V is now on 3rd generation running the show. For sure the vision is more about selling homes and selling golf south of 44. They certainly do not think about time and distance of driving a car to get to shopping 20 -30 miles away. Main entry and exit out of villages via car can take 6 miles and 20 min in itself when going the set speed of 25 mph, being passed by golf carts. Much less designated golf cart trails S of 44 and in newest areas not seeing any so far.

It may seem petty but trust me there is a reason S of 44 needs emergency defibs stations installed at village neighborhood homeowner expense.

Relative to building "infrastructure" a championship golf course trumps another hospital S of 44. Of course we need the schools and under 55 sections to be built first so housing and fun brings under 55's to work in hospital... right?

Yep the 3rd generation truely has a different vision continuing to sell sell sell and populate with over 55's before infrastructure is done. Makes sense.

[coconutmama]

Now THAT would be a good idea. Similar to the way they treated the craft show distribution of attendees recently

The polo fields are for polo, and it is polo season. First match is Friday. A fair like the strawberry festival would tear up the fields.

[NotGolfer]

ALL the complaining, yet you moved here and you attended an event that somehow was too crowded, too hot, too_____(insert your reason). We stopped going to these events years ago not because of parking issues but people with dogs and retractable leashes. Well I guess it's because it's "too people-y". Now, I wonder if people complain about going to Orlando and all the parks??
Complainers---what do you like about living here??? :shrug:

[jrandall]

Nobody goes there anymore. It's too crowded.

It appears many people go there or there wouldn’t be a crowd. I myself did not go.

[TomPerry]

How about a festival in each square on the same day to distribute the crowds or have it at the Polo Field?
Do you think the venders could afford to open three booths at the three town squares and staff them all? BTW we arrived by golf cart at 11 am after attending a seminar at Eisenhower RC and got a parking space in front of City Fire.

[MikeC]

We went at 1pm and found parking right away in parking lot behind World of Beer. Was in golf cart, would not suggest taking a car. It was crowded but expected. It is like market night on steroids. We liked the band a lot but it is one of our favorites. Not sure why anyone is surprised by crowd since all the new people south of 44 with few activities there, it is obvious they come north and it causes crowds. It seems to me the overzealous building of homes south of 44 without offering adequate shopping and entertainment is the issue. We enjoyed it

[Steve]

If "Nobody goes there", why is it too crowded? LOL

Ever hear of a guy named Yogi Berra?

[villagerjack]

Nobody goes there anymore. It's too crowded.

Yogi was always spot on. I wonder what size crowd would create a good impression?

[alicevt]

We arrived at 2:30 in car found a parking spot easily. Walked around once. Had shortcake and listened to music in shade in breezeway by tommy Bahamas. Stayed for band at 5. Busy but that is expected.

[villagerjack]

I believe T V is now on 3rd generation running the show. For sure the vision is more about selling homes and selling golf south of 44. They certainly do not think about time and distance of driving a car to get to shopping 20 -30 miles away. Main entry and exit out of villages via car can take 6 miles and 20 min in itself when going the set speed of 25 mph, being passed by golf carts. Much less designated golf cart trails S of 44 and in newest areas not seeing any so far.

It may seem petty but trust me there is a reason S of 44 needs emergency defibs stations installed at village neighborhood homeowner expense.

Relative to building "infrastructure" a championship golf course trumps another hospital S of 44. Of course we need the schools and under 55 sections to be built first so housing and fun brings under 55's to work in hospital... right?

Yep the 3rd generation truely has a different vision continuing to sell sell sell and populate with over 55's before infrastructure is done. Makes sense.

in some places a crowded festival would be considered a success. Owned here 15 years and most days I could send a bowling ball down Canal Street on my way to Colony for shopping. And I am only here during the winter.

[MrChipster]

Resident for 6 years. Have never been. This year have family visiting so sent them to Strawberry Festival Sat morning at 10 am. They couldn’t find parking- said it was total mob scene. So my question is how early do you have to arrive?

“No one goes there anymore it’s to busy.” Yogi Berra….

[xcaligirl]

Good idea or move it to the Polo Fields or they might need to sell tickets for the event. It'sa total zoo and not even enjoyable to many.

[xcaligirl]

The polo fields are for polo, and it is polo season. First match is Friday. A fair like the strawberry festival would tear up the fields.
I did forget Polo starts soon and a large amount of people prior to the matches would tear up the field.. The event at all squares sounds good but I doubt the vendors would like it. I've attended the festival for a couple of years until it turned too crowded so we just don't go anymore. Even the farmers market is super crowded unless one gets there early. We adjust our schedule according to the season and live a much calmer life!

[Gettingoutofdodge]

I went with a friend around 2:30. We finally found a parking spot by Kissel Road. The square was very crowded and the vendors were the same as at all the big Square Events. Very little of the event was about strawberries. A Pretzel was $7.00. We walked around the square, bought nothing and left. This was the same as the chaos at Mardi Gras at LSL.
I can only imagine what the squares will be like once the hundreds of apartments and non Village housing by 466a is built and occupied?

[Regorp]

Resident for 6 years. Have never been. This year have family visiting so sent them to Strawberry Festival Sat morning at 10 am. They couldn’t find parking- said it was total mob scene. So my question is how early do you have to arrive?

Arrived at 10:15, left when no parking and saw mix of young and old. Maybe this 2 day festival need one day villagers then 2nd day outsiders. May alleviate some parking issue or need a shuttle system. Move it to May, when full timers can get in avoiding snowbird season.

[Djean1981]

I guess, the early bird... 🐦

[Chi-Town]

Using my visits to the Taste of Chicago event as a benchmark, I consider my day at the Strawberry Festival yesterday to be nicely populated.

[Indydealmaker]

This does not sound different from any other "free" event ! Street fairs, Plant City Strawberry Festival, State Fair, fireworks display, etc. Why all of the angst?

[LarryD]

It seems like a lot of people want to show up early. Most people stay an hour or two. We go a little later. No problem with parking.

[Javin53]

With size of TV ever increasing plus outsiders it is time to move these events to places like the PoloGrounds.

Not worth the effort any longer

[PugMom]

in the 5 years we've been here, so far the strawberry fest is one of the biggest events of the year. (the crows get bigger it seems too, lol.) to enjoy it also depends on how far you can walk or be active. i knew better this year-gave $$ to my kid & had her get the strawberries for me. these berries are AMAZING! juicy, tender & fresh. :bowdown: i can suggest going by golf cart if you have one, there are few places to park once the lots are filled up. be prepared what to expect for next year, should you decide to attend--don't let the crowds deter you from a wonderful day.

[TerryCamlin]

I rode my bike down Meggison vs even trying to compete with all of the golf carts at 2 pm. Normally I just ride paths. I go to Genesis and had a class at 2 so I wandered for a bit around the square. It was packed but there was absolutely nothing there that was really special except a lot of people and a lot of noise. I want to do take out with Cousins Lobster but I do not think that is even possible. They would not be able to yell out your name when your order was ready and you would have to wait in line anyway. Here full time 3+ years. I avoid these events because parking is hard and they are not that great.

[RiderOnTheStorm]

I feel like I'm reading posts from people who've never been to opening day at a county fair. So here's a tip for everyone for the next time around:

If you want to avoid traffic, don't go to these things at all. There will be traffic. Especially since this is snowbird season, AND this is the kind of event that attracts people who don't live in the Villages, but rather live within an hour of the Villages.

Also - don't ever go to the big yearly Mt. Dora Crafts festival. If you were ever thinking about it, stop thinking about it. It's not an option for you.

Next - if you want to go opening day, avoid the opening hour. There is no need or reason to be the first people there. It runs til 4pm. I took Buena Vista down from El Camino Real and had -no- problem with traffic the entire way on the golf cart paths. But I left home after 11, and got to Brownwood sometime between 12:00 and 12:30. I didn't try parking in any of the lots, I just parked along the grassy bank beside the golf cart path with a bunch of other folks. There was plenty of room, and it was only around a block away from the center of the square.

IF you get there at lunch time, make sure you have a little bite of something before leaving home. You might need to wait in line for the food trucks and you don't need your blood sugar to take a dive while you're standing still on hot pavement with no place to sit for a half hour.

Bring a bottle/thermos with cold water in it. Bring your own small canvas bag with handles. Keep the bottle in the bag so you don't have to hold it in your hand the whole time. You can then use the small bag for smaller purchases, as sometimes vendors run out of bags - plus you really don't need one of their bags if you bring your own. You know you're going to buy stuff. Bring a bag.

Go to the bathroom before leaving the house. If you don't have to go, drink some water, and wait until you do have to go. And then go. THEN leave the house. And bring more water with you. Dehydration or needing to take a wiz while you're waiting a half hour in line for food is no joke.

DO NOT BRING YOUR DOG unless it's a) an ACTUAL service dog and b) wearing something to protect its feet (you can buy dog booties online). The dogs here today looked like they were ALL overwhelmed by the crowds and some of them were visibly suffering from standing on the hot pavement (the blacktop roads can get to temperatures over 140° - you try standing on that pavement barefoot and see how well you like it). It's just flat out cruel to bring your pet to a crowded pavement fair. If it was a county fair on actual fairgrounds with shaded grassy areas to sit on, it'd be different. But it's not. So don't do it. If you need a "comfort" animal with you at all times, then assume you won't be comfortable at this fair, and just stay home.

Can't reinforce enough your suggestion to leave dogs at home; dogs cool off through their tongues (i.e. panting) and the pads of their feet. Walking on hot pavement sends heat the wrong way. Very, very uncomfortable for the dog if not outright dangerous.

[RiderOnTheStorm]

You bought a home there.
.
Now you finally know the "Morse Clan" only does things for their own benefit.
.
Look at all the houses built South of CR-44. Amazingly with nothing to do except drive North of CR-44. Guess what with nowhere to park.
.
"The Villages" was originally built by building all enmities to draw purchases. For the last 6 years or so. NO. NO. NO. Only sell homes to line the "Morse" pockets..
.
Why dont they spend the money to build more Town Squares like "Spanish Springs", "Lake Sumter Landing," and the last one built was "Brownwood" which opened in October of 2012. That was almost 11 years ago.
.
However, they never stopped selling homes, have they? Many new purchasers are unhappy and move North of CR-44 or out of The Villages completely.
.
Shameful of the "Morse Money Hungry Moguls"
.


Let me know if you receive any demerit points for this post; I suspect that such information might irritate the Developer and his Moderator.

[tophcfa]

Move it to May, when full timers can get in avoiding snowbird season.

So is what you’re saying is that some Villages homeowners are more important than others? I supposed the Strawberry Harvest season should be moved to May as well?

[walterray1]

You bought a home there.
.
Now you finally know the "Morse Clan" only does things for their own benefit.
.
Look at all the houses built South of CR-44. Amazingly with nothing to do except drive North of CR-44. Guess what with nowhere to park.
.
"The Villages" was originally built by building all enmities to draw purchases. For the last 6 years or so. NO. NO. NO. Only sell homes to line the "Morse" pockets..
.
Why dont they spend the money to build more Town Squares like "Spanish Springs", "Lake Sumter Landing," and the last one built was "Brownwood" which opened in October of 2012. That was almost 11 years ago.
.
However, they never stopped selling homes, have they? Many new purchasers are unhappy and move North of CR-44 or out of The Villages completely.
.
Shameful of the "Morse Money Hungry Moguls"
.

Geez, Morse only mentioned 3 times.

[Lancer]

I checked, they sell strawberries at Public.

It’s Publix.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Just in case you need a babysitter to guide your every move..

Apparently some people do.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

& you can stay at home and listen to the transistor radio rather than go to a square for live music.

:jester:

You can use zoom or other online apps to communicate with people outside your house, and order delivery service so you don't have to go out to the stores at all.

Fairs are festive occasions - the PURPOSE of them is two-fold: 1) to get vendors and customers together, sampling wares, touching fabrics, seeing the goods and 2) to be in big crowds where everyone comes on purpose to be excited about something of a common interest.

If either of these two things aren't of interest to someone, then they should just- not go. They'd be wasting their time, and they'd be another body taking up space at the fair that could be occupied by someone who WANTS to be there.

[Bogie Shooter]

Let me know if you receive any demerit points for this post; I suspect that such information might irritate the Developer and his Moderator.

The Villages has nothing to do with this site,

[Rainger99]

Arrived at 10:15, left when no parking and saw mix of young and old. Maybe this 2 day festival need one day villagers then 2nd day outsiders. May alleviate some parking issue or need a shuttle system.

Have people park at Eisenhower or in the parking lots over at The Brownwood Hotel and have the trolleys run back and forth.

[Bogie Shooter]

That’s what we get for an extra 3 mil in taxes

:what:

[Bogie Shooter]

I feel like I'm reading posts from people who've never been to opening day at a county fair. So here's a tip for everyone for the next time around:

If you want to avoid traffic, don't go to these things at all. There will be traffic. Especially since this is snowbird season, AND this is the kind of event that attracts people who don't live in the Villages, but rather live within an hour of the Villages.

Also - don't ever go to the big yearly Mt. Dora Crafts festival. If you were ever thinking about it, stop thinking about it. It's not an option for you.

Next - if you want to go opening day, avoid the opening hour. There is no need or reason to be the first people there. It runs til 4pm. I took Buena Vista down from El Camino Real and had -no- problem with traffic the entire way on the golf cart paths. But I left home after 11, and got to Brownwood sometime between 12:00 and 12:30. I didn't try parking in any of the lots, I just parked along the grassy bank beside the golf cart path with a bunch of other folks. There was plenty of room, and it was only around a block away from the center of the square.

IF you get there at lunch time, make sure you have a little bite of something before leaving home. You might need to wait in line for the food trucks and you don't need your blood sugar to take a dive while you're standing still on hot pavement with no place to sit for a half hour.

Bring a bottle/thermos with cold water in it. Bring your own small canvas bag with handles. Keep the bottle in the bag so you don't have to hold it in your hand the whole time. You can then use the small bag for smaller purchases, as sometimes vendors run out of bags - plus you really don't need one of their bags if you bring your own. You know you're going to buy stuff. Bring a bag.

Go to the bathroom before leaving the house. If you don't have to go, drink some water, and wait until you do have to go. And then go. THEN leave the house. And bring more water with you. Dehydration or needing to take a wiz while you're waiting a half hour in line for food is no joke.

DO NOT BRING YOUR DOG unless it's a) an ACTUAL service dog and b) wearing something to protect its feet (you can buy dog booties online). The dogs here today looked like they were ALL overwhelmed by the crowds and some of them were visibly suffering from standing on the hot pavement (the blacktop roads can get to temperatures over 140° - you try standing on that pavement barefoot and see how well you like it). It's just flat out cruel to bring your pet to a crowded pavement fair. If it was a county fair on actual fairgrounds with shaded grassy areas to sit on, it'd be different. But it's not. So don't do it. If you need a "comfort" animal with you at all times, then assume you won't be comfortable at this fair, and just stay home.

A plethora of good advice!⭐️

[greg.turay]

Nobody goes there anymore. It's too crowded.

How can it be tooo crowded if nobody goes there?

[Bogie Shooter]

T V is getting too big for its britches. Great suggestion. Distribution and spread of events to all townsquares. Now... HOW does that happen??? T V Developers think villagers should go to Leesburg for movies NOT Brownwood. They sell golf courses and houses now. So WHO actually gives a hoot about over crowding? Oh and all of CENTRAL FL comes to Brownwood. Not seeing much benefit in what T V is becoming. What will it take to reel in the over crowding?

Have you listed your house yet?

[Bogie Shooter]

I believe T V is now on 3rd generation running the show. For sure the vision is more about selling homes and selling golf south of 44. They certainly do not think about time and distance of driving a car to get to shopping 20 -30 miles away. Main entry and exit out of villages via car can take 6 miles and 20 min in itself when going the set speed of 25 mph, being passed by golf carts. Much less designated golf cart trails S of 44 and in newest areas not seeing any so far.

It may seem petty but trust me there is a reason S of 44 needs emergency defibs stations installed at village neighborhood homeowner expense.

Relative to building "infrastructure" a championship golf course trumps another hospital S of 44. Of course we need the schools and under 55 sections to be built first so housing and fun brings under 55's to work in hospital... right?

Yep the 3rd generation truely has a different vision continuing to sell sell sell and populate with over 55's before infrastructure is done. Makes sense.
Well, a new Developer basher.

[sallyg]

It is unfortunate that the crowds are so huge that many of us can no longer attend events. There are lots of large parking lots, but they often fill. Walking a long distance is not an option any more for us. Perhaps festivals such as this should be held at the polo Field or another large open space. Surely a shuttle could be arranged to assist people walking from the parking area.

[photo1902]

It is unfortunate that the crowds are so huge that many of us can no longer attend events. There are lots of large parking lots, but they often fill. Walking a long distance is not an option any more for us. Perhaps festivals such as this should be held at the polo Field or another large open space. Surely a shuttle could be arranged to assist people walking from the parking area.

Go later in the day. We went yesterday at 2:30. Close parking and walked right in. Problem solved.

[Bogie Shooter]

It is unfortunate that the crowds are so huge that many of us can no longer attend events. There are lots of large parking lots, but they often fill. Walking a long distance is not an option any more for us. Perhaps festivals such as this should be held at the polo Field or another large open space. Surely a shuttle could be arranged to assist people walking from the parking area.

There comes a time in our lives when some things are no longer possible, I for one have not given up a scotch at 5 in the evening.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Arrived at 10:15, left when no parking and saw mix of young and old. Maybe this 2 day festival need one day villagers then 2nd day outsiders. May alleviate some parking issue or need a shuttle system. Move it to May, when full timers can get in avoiding snowbird season.

It's public property, those are public roads. There are also public restaurants and other businesses there where people work, there are also some offices that are open for business that aren't retail or restaurant.

A shuttle system to and from where, exactly? And who will pay for it?

You can't move the strawberry festival to May. This is strawberry season. That's kind of the whole point of the festival.

[Chamo]

People are never satisfied if your not complaining about something your not happy. Unbelievable on how people love to complain who cares if your never going back because it’s too crowded. Enjoy your short life that’s left. ………. SMH

[Vermilion Villager]

I just got back.... sadly, it looked like any Saturday's Farmers Market at Brownwood with a just few more vendors. Made one walking loop thru, got in the golf cart, and headed home.:ohdear:

[NJRICHARD]

EVENTUALLY, all festivals start out very good and as they gain popularity PROFESSIONAL vendors take over and turn it into a junk show. I have had experience with this happening and The Villages MUST screen EVERY vendor, EVERY year so there is a balance of mostly individual, personal wares & food and not all large professional vendors showing up and taking over. This is difficult to do, also having ONE major event, as indicated before, in ALL the squares at the same time would thin out the traffic as well. Commercialism kills the personal, unique events, ALL the time! (IMO)
Let the criticism begin....

[tallyhoer]

I was expecting everything "strawberry". Milkshakes, pies, cookies,etc. The only thing strawberry was one shortcake stand. There were produce vendors selling flats of strawberries, but that was it. The event was just like a crowded market night. It took us a half hour driving around trying to find a parking place.

[bgamble3]

You bought a home there.
.
Now you finally know the "Morse Clan" only does things for their own benefit.
.
Look at all the houses built South of CR-44. Amazingly with nothing to do except drive North of CR-44. Guess what with nowhere to park.
.
"The Villages" was originally built by building all enmities to draw purchases. For the last 6 years or so. NO. NO. NO. Only sell homes to line the "Morse" pockets..
.
Why dont they spend the money to build more Town Squares like "Spanish Springs", "Lake Sumter Landing," and the last one built was "Brownwood" which opened in October of 2012. That was almost 11 years ago.
.
However, they never stopped selling homes, have they? Many new purchasers are unhappy and move North of CR-44 or out of The Villages completely.
.
Shameful of the "Morse Money Hungry Moguls"
.
God Bless the Morse Family for providing homes, entertainment, shopping, beautiful areas and lots to do. If you are unhappy instead of criticism, move to another location. There are lots of empty homes up north!

[Jayhawk]

How can it be tooo crowded if nobody goes there?

Calgon, take me away.

[LAFwUs]

The polo fields are for polo, and it is polo season. First match is Friday. A fair like the strawberry festival would tear up the fields.
I'm not for moving it to the polo field at all, but this argument holds little basis. Did the recent ballooon festival there, tear it up?

Would it tear up the field any worse than the hundreds of galloping, turning horses, riders & swinging mallets?? :shrug:

TV population has probably more than doubled in size since many of these events were started and there seems to have been zero venue planning regarding the inevitable self imposed scale.
This can be said of many things here though, not just the Strawberry festival...

[Garywt]

You bought a home there.
.
Now you finally know the "Morse Clan" only does things for their own benefit.
.
Look at all the houses built South of CR-44. Amazingly with nothing to do except drive North of CR-44. Guess what with nowhere to park.
.
"The Villages" was originally built by building all enmities to draw purchases. For the last 6 years or so. NO. NO. NO. Only sell homes to line the "Morse" pockets..
.
Why dont they spend the money to build more Town Squares like "Spanish Springs", "Lake Sumter Landing," and the last one built was "Brownwood" which opened in October of 2012. That was almost 11 years ago.
.
However, they never stopped selling homes, have they? Many new purchasers are unhappy and move North of CR-44 or out of The Villages completely.
.
Shameful of the "Morse Money Hungry Moguls"
.

They are building golf courses, a town square and other things. Why build new with so many store fronts still unrelated. They added to Brownwood when they were building down south. Also a lot of time went into building the bridges so people could get to the town squares.

[JMintzer]

The population of the villages has almost doubled but we have the same one, day one venue events. Something has to change

Wasn't this a two day event?

[JMintzer]

This does not sound different from any other "free" event ! Street fairs, Plant City Strawberry Festival, State Fair, fireworks display, etc. Why all of the angst?

Because some people aren't happy unless they're miserable...

[JMintzer]

TOTV has nothing to do with this site,

Er... Pretty sire they RUN this site...

Now, "The Villages" has nothing to do with this site...

[JMintzer]

There comes a time in our lives when some things are no longer possible, I for one have not given up a scotch at 5 in the evening.

:beer3:

[JMintzer]

It's public property, those are public roads. There are also public restaurants and other businesses there where people work, there are also some offices that are open for business that aren't retail or restaurant.

A shuttle system to and from where, exactly? And who will pay for it?

You can't move the strawberry festival to May. This is strawberry season. That's kind of the whole point of the festival.

What do you mean they can't change the strawberry growing season?

Just change NATURE! :girlneener:

[JMintzer]

I'm not for moving it to the polo field at all, but this argument holds little basis. Did the recent ballooon festival there, tear it up?

Would it tear up the field any worse than the hundreds of galloping, turning horses, riders & swinging mallets?? :shrug:

TV population has probably more than doubled in size since many of these events were started and there seems to have been zero venue planning regarding the inevitable self imposed scale.
This can be said of many things here though, not just the Strawberry festival...

The Balloon Fair was well over a month ago. Plenty of time for the field to recover...

As far as horses tearing up the fields, have you ever seen what happens when a horse goes down during a Polo match? It's not pretty...

They want to start with a good field. If it gets torn up during the match, so be it.

Hoof prints are much different than tire ruts and thousands of people stomping down the field...

[thelegges]

I was expecting everything "strawberry". Milkshakes, pies, cookies,etc. The only thing strawberry was one shortcake stand. There were produce vendors selling flats of strawberries, but that was it. The event was just like a crowded market night. It took us a half hour driving around trying to find a parking place.

You might want to check your eyesight, or actually stop at the booths. Multiple places had strawberry shortcake, strawberry pies (crumble, single & double crust) strawberry cookies/fudge/scone’s/muffins/coffee cake. As well as cheesecake with strawberry’s, and strawberry cheesecake. There was shaved ice with strawberry topping, the strawberry ice cream/shakes was at scooples. Maybe you stopped at the wrong square :1rotfl:

[JSR22]

You might want to check your eyesight, or actually stop at the booths. Multiple places had strawberry shortcake, strawberry pies (crumble, single & double crust) strawberry cookies/fudge/scone’s/muffins/coffee cake. As well as cheesecake with strawberry’s, and strawberry cheesecake. There was shaved ice with strawberry topping, the strawberry ice cream/shakes was at scooples. Maybe you stopped at the wrong square :1rotfl:
I was at Brownwood and the the strawberry offerings were minimal. It reminded me of a very low end flea market.

[thelegges]

I was at Brownwood and the the strawberry offerings were minimal. It reminded me of a very low end flea market.

Have never been to a flea market, don’t they sell stuff nobody can get rid of, like rusted tools, golf clubs, old books, toys, and VHS tapes?

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I've never been to a flea market where I could buy all of the following:

a half pound of fresh, home-made mozzarella
a jar of locally-made cashew butter with dehydrated powdered strawberries mixed in it
a bar of local-made artisan goat's milk soap
a tray of fresh ripe strawberries
a hot buttered Maine lobster roll

BTW the mozz is delicious. And the cashew butter to die for. Strawberries are getting frozen and added to my pina coladas for the next few months. The soap is being used like potpourri, just making my bathroom smell pretty. The lobster roll almost brought me to tears, it's been so long since I've enjoyed one.

[tophcfa]

I was at Brownwood and the the strawberry offerings were minimal. It reminded me of a very low end flea market.

The strawberry daiquiris were being poured as fast as the blenders could whip them up at 10 AM.

[Pairadocs]

How about a festival in each square on the same day to distribute the crowds or have it at the Polo Field?

Probably simultaneous at each square would be the best chance of better distribution of the crowds ! ? Not easy and relaxing anymore with literally thousands increasing the population every year. Using only the polo club does not seem like it would solve the issue. Like everything, I agree these celebrations are "not what they used to be"... but, as the old saying goes, "it is what it is".

[Two Bills]

Er... Pretty sire they RUN this site...

Now, "The Villages" has nothing to do with this site...

Probably had his 5'oclock Scotch a bit early!

[John Mayes]

It's public property, those are public roads. There are also public restaurants and other businesses there where people work, there are also some offices that are open for business that aren't retail or restaurant.

A shuttle system to and from where, exactly? And who will pay for it?

You can't move the strawberry festival to May. This is strawberry season. That's kind of the whole point of the festival.

Great reply.

[midiwiz]

How about a festival in each square on the same day to distribute the crowds or have it at the Polo Field?

We were wondering the same thing, minus the polo field. We'd go to a square but not the field, although we realized this made far too much sense.... so we changed the subject

[Wilson02852]

Yeah, I've heard they're expanding the Mount Dora art festival into Travares next year. With plans to go all the way to Leesburg. That should handle the crowds. All those greedy developers south of The Villages are destroying the sleepy agricultural communities. Or is it all the northern snowbirds looking for a nest.

[Bogie Shooter]

Probably had his 5'oclock Scotch a bit early!

Talk Of The Villages, Copyright 2020. All rights reserved. Content, Design and Layout may not be reproduced
This site is owned and operated by TalkofTheVillages.com and is not affliated with the The Villages or The Villages development company.

[airstreamingypsy]

Ever hear of a guy named Yogi Berra?

I stepped into an elevator, at the Westin Hotel in Toronto. I looked at the man who was also riding down. I blurted out, "You're Yogi Berra! but I guess you already know that." We looked at each other and cracked up <g>

[airstreamingypsy]

God Bless the Morse Family for providing homes, entertainment, shopping, beautiful areas and lots to do. If you are unhappy instead of criticism, move to another location. There are lots of empty homes up north!

Are you aware of how disrespectful your profile picture is? To both the flag, and the Constitution?

[joelfmi]

Tell the people that set the amenity fees to included free community travel buses to pick up residence to bring to these events. What good is it to have an event were people cannot drive be able to get to them. That is just as important as free golf.

[Ramone]

We just tried to go at 11:30 in our car, and couldn’t park. It was insane. We’re going to try later in our golf cart because we did occasionally see a golf cart spot open. This will be our first Strawberry Festival, so definitely not a great first impression.

[dewilson58]

Calgon, take me away.

:1rotfl::1rotfl:

[JMintzer]

TOTV has nothing to do with this site,

Talk Of The Villages, Copyright 2020. All rights reserved. Content, Design and Layout may not be reproduced
This site is owned and operated by TalkofTheVillages.com and is not affliated with the The Villages or The Villages development company.

Ummm...

[Bogie Shooter]

Originally Posted by Bogie Shooter
(TOTV) The Villages has nothing to do with this site,
:
Originally Posted by Bogie Shooter
Talk Of The Villages, Copyright 2020. All rights reserved. Content, Design and Layout may not be reproduced
This site is owned and operated by TalkofTheVillages.com and is not affliated with the The Villages or The Villages development company.




Ummm...
It took awhile but has been corrected. At the least I correct my misgivings unlike some others. (your excluded...so far.) :laugh:

[JMintzer]

Originally Posted by Bogie Shooter
(TOTV) The Villages has nothing to do with this site,
:
Originally Posted by Bogie Shooter
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It took awhile but has been corrected. At the least I correct my misgivings unlike some others. (your excluded...so far.) :laugh:

*you're... :clap2::1rotfl::D