We went down with friends in two carts. Held up at the Gilchrist gate, carts backed up on BV with carts entering from Pinellas. VCDD working the gate. Searched and finally found a parking place for our carts. If you were in a auto, much harder if any, to find a spot. Got there around 2:30, could not find any strawberry's in flats or adorned in a bowl. Great turnout, carnival type atmosphere, workers still working on the buildings, music on the square, dogs, and lots of people. Had a dessert at City Fire. I would have hoped to see a truck loaded with strawberrys, selling right off the back, half flat or full flat.
All in all, great fun for a mid week activity. Goes to show, build and they will come.....

We tried to go. When I got to the lights at Buena Vista and 466A and there were two lines of cars heading south as well as a lot of carts, I knew we were in trouble. By the time we got to Brownwood, we circled the north lot for a bit then went to the south lot. There were a lot of cars also trying unsuccessfully to find a place, so we just went home. Glad those that actually got there had a good time.

Why don't they split these festivals between 2 squares to lessen the crowds? My friend attempted to go and said there was even fights breaking out for parking spaces. Wow...

THIS WAS THE FIRST one. Strawberry Festival on Campus as far as I know was not done before.

And if we all don't start behaving, it may not be done again.;)

There are those reasonable people like Mikeod who saw that it was going to be crowded and went home and then there are unreasonable and nasty folks who would start a fight over a parking space.

Sheesh.

strawberry festival lacking strawberry items
 

there was only one vendor selling strawberry shortcake, farmers selling strawberries and of course strawberry diaquaris. There should have been more choices: strawberry desserts, jams, etc.
Hopefully next year it will be better

It sounds like they were overwhelmed by the large turnout. Hopefully, the next time will be better planned so everyone can be accomodated.

I enjoyed the Carnival games. It was nice that you got a prize even if you could not complete the task. I'm ready for New Year's Eve with my train wistle!

We arrived early enough to get a great parking spot in one of the close lots. I had the VERY BEST Nutella crepe ever. Very enjoyable.

The strawberry shortcake was delicious!

The next one will be better.? Guess one needs to define better. Every event in TV is huge in attendance (think Golfest Fri & Sat). Many of the above posts are just whining with little thought, that things will most likely not get better.........there always will be crowds, parking shortages and idiots who think fighting over a parking spot is so macho.
Went to Strawberry Festival in Plant City yesterday, large crowds, long lines, considerate and inconsiderate people. Was I surprised, no, thats just the way things are.
If these things bother you.................best you stay home and put another log on the fire.:laugh:

Who needs food when there are crepes, fried dough and strawberry shortcake? Not to mention the strawberry daiquiris.

I went at 12:00
 

We got a decent parking spot! There were not enough food or drink stands because you had to wait for a long time, but that happens a lot of places. I loved the carnival style games. Played a little Skee Ball. The day was beautiful and the crowd was thick but manageable. I loved it! :0000000000luvmyhors

I went early and had a great time, no problems.

Wife and I went there around noon. The place was packed with people. Wife wanted a hot dog,it took about 25 minutes waiting on line to get one. Way to long. I think they should have more food and drink concessions . We were there for around 2 hrs and the people kept coming and lining up to get food,you would have thought they were giving it away. Band was great ,people were having fun, and the weather was good. It was a nice, but very crowded afternoon .:laugh: