Celebrate ‘American Heroes’ at the Florida Strawberry Festival

The Florida Strawberry Festival means plenty of strawberries, of course. But there’s a lot more than fruit to draw you to the annual event, now in its 76th year. And on Wednesday, there’s an even better reason for active military and first-responders to attend: Free admission.

The festival, held at 303 N. Lemon St. in Plant City, is a collection of agricultural and livestock exhibits, food, rides, food, games, food, and entertainment. Did I mention the food? You can’t walk more than a few feet without being enticed by a variety of special treats you won’t find at home. There’s plenty of strawberry shortcake, of course, and you’d be missing out if you didn’t try some. But they also have fried delicacies that you’ve probably never tried before: Fried Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, fried Snickers, fried Milky Way candy bars, and fried butter. Yes, fried butter. They have plenty of others, too, so if you like your food deep fried or on a stick (or both) you’ll be more than satisfied.

The festival has a great deal of entertainment as well, from music acts like Tanya Tucker and The Doobie Brothers (free general admission seats while they last, and reserved seats available to purchase) to daily activities like Rosaire’s Racing Pigs, a popular attraction where the seats are full for every pig race. There’s also a full midway with rides and games, as well as a special children’s section with rides more appropriate for younger visitors. Throw in all the different businesses booths, vendor tables, photography and art shows and you’ve got a full day of activities to keep everyone entertained.

And on Wednesday, our “American Heroes” get in free. All active and retired military, law enforcement and first-responders will enjoy free admission with appropriate ID. Regular admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children 6-12. Children 5-and-under are admitted free when accompanied by a paying adult.

For more information, call 813-752-9194 or visit www.flstrawberryfestival.com.

Military discount at Renaissance Festival March 27 & 28

If you want to see the Bay Area Renaissance Festival, 11315 46^th St. N. on the grounds of the Museum of Science & Industry, you’d better hurry: This is the last weekend. But on the bright side, if you’re part of a military family they have a special deal for you.

Active and retired military families enjoy buy-one-get-one ticket offers all weekend. That’s a savings of $17.95 for adults, $9.95 for children younger than 13 and $14.95 for seniors. According to Carrie Shoptaw from the festival’s public relations department, it’s a chance to show appreciation for those who serve our country.

“Part of our motivation was the enormous military presence in Tampa,” Shoptaw said. “We wanted to make an offer just to thank them for the work they do all year round.” Visitors get access to all the general shows and exhibits on the festival grounds, which can take several hours to enjoy. In addition to plenty of eating and shopping opportunities, there are comedy and music shows across several stages spread out across the village. You can’t go very far without running into one. They even have jousting events, which always attract a large crowd. And you’ll frequently encounter citizens of the realm—always staying in character— mingling with the public to add to the atmosphere. If you haven’t been to a Renaissance Festival before, it’s a fun experience and this is your last chance. And if you have seen it before, you know it will be another year before you see anything like it again. So take advantage of the opportunity (and specials) this weekend.

The Bay Area Renaissance Festival runs Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Parking is free. So grab a turkey leg, enjoy the shows and say thank you if you see military families out and about.

For more information, visit www.bayarearenaissancefest.com.

Free Strawberry Festival admission for ‘American Heroes’ Wednesday

We’re mid-way through the Florida Strawberry Festival, but there are still a few days to enjoy the 75^th incarnation of the event, held at 303 N. Lemon St. in Plant City. In fact, there’s a special going on today for those who serve their country, county and city. On Wednesday, the festival celebrates American Heroes Day by offering free admission to active and retired military, Law Enforcement, EMS personnel and firefighters. Just show your ID and enjoy the Strawberry festival for free. It’s a nice way to say thank you to those who make our lives safer and easier.

There’s a lot to do this year, too. The Florida Strawberry Festival has plenty of scheduled entertainment, and a lot of it is included in admission. You can hear everything from bluegrass to country to rhythm & blues, catch motorcycle stunts, a lumberjack show and even racing pigs. Yes, racing pigs. Do you really want to miss that?

Of course, there are more strawberry dishes than you could possibly eat along with your favorite, deep-fried fair favorites as well. There’s also a midway with games and rides, and several exhibits, including livestock. And did I mention the racing pigs?

Regular admission is $10 for adults and $5 for youths ages 6-12. So accompany one of our “American Heroes” and enjoy the strawberries. But if you want to save even more money, donate blood at one of the mobile locations outside the festival grounds. They’re giving out free tickets to donors.

American Heroes Day is Wednesday, March 10. The festival runs through the 14^th. For more information, visit www.flstrawberryfestival.com.

Free Movie at Tampa Theatre’s Sunset Cinema—October 10

When you’re trying to stay within a budget, you have to weigh your entertainment options. Is it worth the money? Can I afford to bring a date, or go with a group of people?

None of that is a concern tonight.

Tampa Theatre’s Sunset Cinema event continues this evening with a showing of “Kung Fu Panda” at Al Lopez Park, 4810 N. Himes Ave. The event is free and parking is free. You can take whoever you want. Bring chairs, blankets, food and drinks and enjoy the movie, which is displayed on a giant inflatable screen. With some nice weather, this is a great event and fun way to spend an evening without spending a dime. Just pack up your stuff and make your way there before sundown.

The gates open at 5:30 p.m. and the movie starts at about 7:30 p.m. On Oct. 24 they’ll be showing “Shrek” in Plant City as well, so mark your calendars for another free evening. For more information, visit www.tampatheatre.org.

Museum Day 09-26-- Free Admission

We have a lot of museums in the area, but they’re not all cheap to visit. Admission costs vary, but even the less expensive admissions add up if you’re taking the family. Even if you want to go, sometimes the budget doesn’t allow taking everyone to an exhibit.

But you can’t use that excuse today.

You see, today is Museum Day. You don’t have to buy card for anyone, though. You can, however, enjoy free admission to a number of local venues. You’ll save a lot of money and learn something interesting by taking the day and going to your favorite local museums—or visiting ones you never had a chance to see before.

Here are a few (not all) of the local museum participating in the program:

* Great Explorations Children’s Museum—1925 4^th St. N. Regularly $9.

* The Pier Aquarium—800 2nd Ave. NE, Ste. 2001. Regularly $5 or $2.50 on Sundays.

* Florida International Museum—244 2^nd Ave. N. Regularly $8.

* Salvador Dali Museum—1000 3^rd St. S. Regularly $15.

* Ybor City Museum State Park, 1818 E. 9^th Ave. Regularly $4.

* Tampa Bay History Center, 801 Old Water St. Regularly $12.

If a family of four went to the Tampa Bay History center and the Salvador Dali Museum today, they’d save a total of $108 on admission costs. At that rate, why not bring friends as well? Bring anyone you can think of and make a day of it. It won’t cost you anything to visit these local museums, and it’s a fun way to spend the day.

But remember, it’s Museum Day, as in just one day. Tomorrow prices go back to normal so get going. For more information, visit www.smithsonainmag.com and look for the Museum Day button.

See ZooBoo At A Discount Saturday 09-26

ZooBoo is an annual tradition at Lowry Park Zoo, 1101 W. Sligh Avenue. It’s also one of their biggest fund-raisers, and a great way for a family to get into the Halloween Spirit. The entire zoo is transformed into a Halloween destination, with spooky themes and creepy attractions. But unlike the adult-oriented frights of major theme parks, Zoo Boo has plenty of areas for children of all ages, such as Frankenstein’s Foam Party and the Lil Tyke Boo House. But if you want a more grownup scare, there are a number of attractions for you as well. There are some new events (such as Fright Theater 3-D and Sinister Shadows) as well as old favorites, including some free zoo rides. It’s a fun time.

Zoo Boo is nothing like seeing Lowry Park Zoo the rest of the year, and this weekend it’s cheaper than it will ever be. Normally, the event (which runs through October) costs $17 for adults and $14 for children. But if you go tonight, tickets are just $10 each, and children 2 and under get in free. That’s a good deal and a fun way to preview this annual event. So enjoy the “Shriek Peek” weekend (their phrase, not mine) and see ZooBoo at a major discount.

For more information, call 813-935-8552 or visit www.lowryparkzoo.com.

Lightning training camp event today-- 9-15

While the Rays are wrapping up their season and the Buccaneers kicked off their year this past Sunday, another pro team is gearing up for another year. The Tampa Bay Lightning has opened its training camp, and that means freebies for fans.

Today, the St. Pete Times Forum will be open to the public from 9:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. so you can watch camp in person—for free. You’ll see practices and controlled scrimmages, and they’ll even serve a free lunch from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. It’s a fun way to get ready for a new season, support the team and have some fun without emptying your wallet.

Following local sports teams isn’t cheap, but this is an opportunity to see how the Bolts are shaping up and score a free lunch. That’s a pretty good way to spend the day.

The St. Pete Times Forum is located at 401 Channelside Drive.