GREEN COVE SPRINGS - The parking lots were filled, but traffic moved smoothly Saturday and Sunday at Strawberry Fest. Thousands came to the Clay County Fairgrounds, and they were treated to perfect weather, fresh and very sweet Plant City strawberries, more than 80 food and craft vendors and an array of children's games. Despite a brutal cold snap, the strawberry crop in Plant City was spared the crippling damage suffered by other growers because they were covered by a layer of ice. One advantage of colder weather is a sweeter berry, and visitors to this year's Strawberry Fest certainly benefited. Guests also were treated to monster truck rides, food trucks that served everything from pickles, to barbecue, steak tips, hamburgers, hot dogs, corn dogs, nachos, everything strawberry, everything deep fried, lobster rolls, a mountain of potato chips, smoked turkey legs, fries, pizza and candy. Along with the Scottish Highland Games and Festival a week earlier, the Strawberry Fest proved to be a welcoming sign for the Clay County Agricultural Fair from April 2-12, since both events welcomed record crowds. Advanced Fair tickets are available at claycountyfair.org.