The popular Habitat Ocala Strawberry Festival is returning this weekend for its 10th annual installment.
The festival, which is hosted by Habitat for Humanity of Marion County, will be held on Saturday, March 2, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the McPherson Complex located at 601 SE 25th Avenue in Ocala.
Festival attendees will be able to purchase fresh strawberries and other tasty strawberry treats from Plant City farmers. There will also be over 230 unique vendors in attendance, including many nonprofit organizations.
The event will also provide a variety of family-friendly entertainment including a kid’s zone and petting zoo; a “bigger-than-ever” auto show featuring cars, trucks, and motorcycles; a BMX stunt show; a strawberry pie eating contest; and more.
In addition, there will be live music courtesy of The Petty Experience (a Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers tribute band) and Chris Patti (a Great Crooners and Frank Sinatra tribute artist).
“The festival is for all ages,” stated Habitat for Humanity of Marion County on social media. “There is food for all tastes and fun for all generations of festival-goers.”
Admission to the Strawberry Festival is free, and the event is open to the public. All proceeds raised at the festival will be used to build a new home – called the Strawberry House – which will be for low-income families with an affordable mortgage, according to Habitat for Humanity of Marion County.
Over 700 volunteers will be donating their time, efforts, and knowledge throughout this year’s festival. Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer can click here to sign up, or contact Habitat for Humanity of Marion County’s Volunteer Department via phone (352-351-4663) or email (hmelendez@Habitatocala.org).
For more information, visit the Habitat Ocala Strawberry Festival website.