Keel Farms Celebrates 50 Years with Blueberry Festival

The longtime Plant City farm and market hosts a weekend-long celebration of its half-century milestone.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 10:39am

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A vibrant, high-contrast silkscreen print featuring a grid of stylized blueberries in neon shades of blue, purple, and pink, conceptually representing the joyful energy and local flavor of Keel Farms' 50th anniversary celebration.Keel Farms' 50th anniversary celebration will bring the community together to honor the farm's enduring legacy and commitment to locally grown produce.Brandon Today

Keel Farms, a family-owned farm and market in Plant City, Florida, is celebrating its 50th anniversary this weekend with a special Blueberry Festival. The three-day event will feature live music, food vendors, games, giveaways, and more than 25 local artisan booths, all centered around the farm's signature blueberry crop.

Why it matters

As a longtime independent business in a region increasingly dominated by big-box chains, Keel Farms' longevity is a testament to its ability to adapt to changing consumer trends and maintain a loyal customer base through its commitment to quality local products and community-focused values.

The details

Keel Farms has been a fixture in Plant City since 1975, growing a variety of fruits and vegetables and operating a popular on-site market. Over the past 50 years, the farm has weathered economic ups and downs, evolving consumer preferences, and increasing competition from larger grocery stores, yet has managed to keep its doors open and its community ties strong.

  • Keel Farms opened in the summer of 1975.
  • The 50th anniversary Blueberry Festival is taking place this weekend (April 18-20, 2026).

The players

Keel Farms

A family-owned farm and market in Plant City, Florida that has been in operation for 50 years, growing a variety of fruits and vegetables and operating a popular on-site market.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in Plant City, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, Keel Farms employee

What’s next

Keel Farms plans to continue its annual Blueberry Festival celebration in the years to come, showcasing its locally grown produce and commitment to the Plant City community.

The takeaway

Keel Farms' ability to thrive for 50 years as an independent, community-focused business in the face of increasing competition from larger chains demonstrates the enduring appeal of locally sourced, quality products and the power of grassroots, values-driven entrepreneurship.