PLANT CITY — Durant High School senior Jessi Rae Varnum was crowned the 2014 Florida Strawberry Festival Queen at the Grimes Family Agricultural Center in January. Varnum's mother, Kay Newsome Varnum, served as queen in 1985. They are the second mother-daughter pair to have served as queen. Varnum, 18, was crowned along with first maid Lindsey English and court members Macaley Barrow, Kallee Cook and Caitlyn Kent.
The pageant includes a personal interview, on-stage speaking, casual wear, evening wear and an impromptu question for the top 10 finalists. The queen and court make more than 80 appearances throughout the year representing the Florida Strawberry Festival and Plant City.
The Florida Strawberry Festival begins Feb. 27.
For more information, visit flstrawberryfestival.com.
Times staff