Ocala Strawberry Festival
Ready for a “Berry” good time? The 10th annual Habitat Ocala Strawberry Festival is coming to the McPherson complex this Saturday, March 2, 2024. The festival begins at 9 am with FREE admission and ends at 5 pm. Proceeds collected from parking ($5 per vehicle) will benefit the Marion Therapeutic Riding Association and Habitat for Humanity of Marion County.
The festival starts with over 230 unique and exciting vendors, a kid’s zone with a petting zoo, strawberry food items that melt in your mouth, a bigger-than-ever car show with cool cars, trucks, and motorcycles, a pie-eating contest, a BMX show. Top-notch entertainment will be with performances from the Petty Experience Band, and Chris Patti, a Great Crooners and Frank Sinatra Tribute Artist.
Many nonprofits will have vendor booths, and Several photo booths will be available. The festival offers fresh Florida-grown strawberries to purchase with many delicious strawberry treats. Come watch the strawberry pie eating contest.
The festival is for all ages, there is food for all tastes and fun for all generations of festival-goers. Habitat for Humanity could not host this event without the over 700 dedicated volunteers who have donated their time, efforts, and knowledge to assist.
All proceeds raised at the annual Strawberry Festival will be used to build a new home which will be called the Strawberry House for low-income families with an affordable mortgage and a safe and secure environment to raise their children.
For more information visit: https://habitatocala.org/strawberry/
Retro First Friday Art Walk
Each March, First Friday Art Walk travels back in time with Retro Sounds! Retro Sounds pays homage to the generations of past musical genres and performers. The evening features a musical performance by professional tribute artists and bands. Travel back through the decades and hear all your favorite hits!
On March 1, 2024, we’re going back to the 1980s. MTV, Hip Hop, big hair, and the beginning of the digital era! The evening will begin with an instructed dance lesson by Arthur Murray Dance Center on the Square from 6 – 7 p.m. and then continue with a two-hour 1980s Queen Divas Tribute performance by the stellar Carlene Mitchell with a special Janet Jackson intermission by her daughter. From Tina Turner to Diana Ross, Carlene Mitchell will emulate these iconic 1980’s female performers with her inspired energy and undeniable voice!
Attendees will enjoy over 40 visual artist displays along the downtown sidewalks, free activities with a 1980s twist with arts organizations on the Downtown Square, and special themed sales and extended business hours at local shops and restaurants. A 1980s classic car display by Ocala Car Cruisers will also be available by the Downtown Square. This event is free and open to the public! Guests are invited to bring their chairs to the Downtown Square.
Don’t miss out! We’re going to be “Workin’ Overtime” to have “The Best” jams of the 1980’s Queen Divas at the Ocala Downtown Square.
Since this is an outdoor event, if there is inclement weather, the First Friday Art Walk will be canceled. For more information, please contact the City of Ocala Cultural Arts at 352-629-8447
