What do Florida farmers do when the harvest is over? They throw one heck of a party. The Florida Strawberry Festival starts Thursday with midway rides, daily concerts and lots of berry-themed food on tap through March 10 in downtown Plant City.
New food-related elements include the daily Southwest Dairy Farmers Milking Show featuring a milking parlor and educational presentation; a fried-corn-on-the-cob eating contest on Friday; and competitive eaters chowing down on strawberry mashed-potato pie on March 8. Facebook must be tickled with the photo prospects. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 6-12. (flstrawberryfestival.com)
Get the dish
Check out the Morning Mix with Scott McKenzie recipe of the week, Pan-Braised Chicken Thighs With Tomatoes, at OrlandoSentinel.com/thedish.

