This is it, my whipped cream and strawberry loving friends. The Florida Strawberry Festival wraps up another delicious run at the Plant City Fairgrounds this weekend, but you have time to get in line for your favorite shortcake, and quick spin on the big wheel, or just a walk around the grounds to enjoy that wonderful, home town feeling you get every year. My thanks once again go to my friend Mama Jane Harris for the lasting friendship and another incredible creation at this year’s festival with the Langos Ear. Think garlic butter elephant ear batter, topped with a blend of sour cream and cream cheese and few special ingredients that also include bacon on the top! She was sweet enough to enough top mine with a fresh avocado (she knows what I like) and it was a tasty, savory addition to the day. Thank you, Mama! The Festival runs through this Sunday.

Is a step back in time for your speed? Oh yes, especially when I get to dress like a wench and hang out with the Queen! The Bay Area Renaissance Festival is now open in Dade City, weekends through April 2nd at 12838 Auton Road in Dade City. The Fest includes plenty for the kids, great food (you bet turkey legs!) and what has to be the crowd favorite - full contact armored jousting! Take a look here for ticket information and start practicing your huzzahs!

The streets of Ybor City will be taken over by the Rough Riders St. Patrick’s Day Parade Saturday night along 7th Avenue. It’s free, and will kick off at 7 pm. Get there early, since parking is definitely not free! But a familiar face down the hall from my studio is the Grand Marshall this year. Congrats, Mike Calta!

There’s something new and unique down at the St Pete Pier. How about a trip around the Rockin’ Roller Rink? This is a brand new 6,000-square-foot roller rink that’s open through April 9th. Best to check this out early to make sure you can get in. Tickets will run from $13-$20. and operating hours are from 10 am to 10 pm.

Bouncy, bouncy! The only Guinness-certified world record holder of the World’s Largest Bounce House, Big Bounce America is now open at the Florida State Fairgrounds, all 16,000 square feet of it. There’s more - try a 900-foot-long obstacle course called the Giant; and along with that, the space-themed airSPACE. Intrigued? This will cost from $22-$41, and will be open from. 1-9 pm Friday, 9 am to.-6:30 pm. Saturday, and 9 am to 6 pm. Sunday on 301 in Tampa. I have more information for you here.

Two other important things to keep in mind this weekend. It’s time to spring ahead one hour when you go to bed Saturday night. Daylight Saving Time officially begins at 2 am Sunday morning - for now. Florida is one of 19 states that have enacted legislation to provide for year-round daylight saving time. But it does need Congressional approval first, and that hasn’t happened yet.

The Skyway 10K is also Sunday morning to benefit the Armed Forces Families Foundation and if will affect your commute. The northbound lanes of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge will completely close at 3:30 am Sunday and should reopen at 11 am. The southbound lanes will be open while the race is going on. For more on the event, please check here.

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