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Longtime Strawberry Festival General Manager Steps Down

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By GEORGE H. NEWMAN | The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 6, 2008

PLANT CITY -- Patsy Brooks, the longtime general manager of the Florida Strawberry Festival, retired Monday.

Brooks' festival career began 33 years ago as a secretary - one of only two full-time employees at the time. Two years later, she was promoted to assistant manager, a job she held for 18 years. She occupied the top slot for the past 13 years.

Brooks, reached today at her home, declined comment.

Festival association President Gary Boothe said the festival board will set up a search committee for a successor when it meets Tuesday.

Boothe praised Brooks for her leadership.

"Under her management the Florida Strawberry Festival has received many awards. Her leadership has led to recognition of the festival as one of 18 fairs in the state of Florida to win the [Florida Federation of Fairs'] Prestigious Award of Excellence," Boothe said.

Brooks was named festival general manager following the 1995 retirement of Ken Cassels, who served 13 years.

Brooks, who is known for her strawberry red outfits, is a native of Plant City.

The festival is Plant City's premier event and draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.

Reporter George H. Newman can be reached at (813) 865-4451 or gnewman@tampatrib.com.

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