With so much to explore at the Florida Strawberry Festival, it can be hard to decide where to shop + what to eat. Support local vendors by hitting these booths and performances from businesses you know, or try something from out of town with top picks from City Editor Connor, our festival expert-in-residence.

Local vendors

Lakeland-based florist The Petal Co. will be the festival's first and only fresh flower vendor. Find this booth inside the Stadium Exhibit Hall to take home a fresh arrangement, build your own bouquet, or snap a picture at the photo op.

Food truck rally regulars will recognize Seasoned Green, which is the sole vendor serving exclusively vegan + vegetarian bites at the festival this year. Head toward Gate 16 west of the Wish Farms Soundstage to try the new Sesame Sweet Heat Po Boy sandwich.

Entertainment is nonstop, but don't miss performances from Just Dance Academy of Dance & Etiquette. Catch them in the Stingray Chevrolet Entertainment Pavilion on Monday, March 3 with hourly shows at 5, 6, and 7 p.m.

We're intrigued just enough to try a scoop of strawberry mac + cheese. | Photo by @brodys_mac

Editors' picks

Brody's Mac and Cheese is a new addition to the festival, but Connor is looking forward to trying its strawberry mac. It was featured on Food Network's "Carnival Eats," so it must be good, right? This truck is on Edwards Street near the stadium.

Corndogs are classics — but they have to be Smitty's. With locations near the Neighborhood Village + Stadium Gate D, this Plant City staple promises to be "the best hand dipped homemade corndogs you'll ever eat," and we can't say we disagree.

You can't leave the festival without fresh berries. Thankfully, you can buy strawberries by the flat at the Parke Exhibit Building before you head out. Find local legends Parkesdale Market + Wish Farms south and northeast of the building, respectively.