Strawberry Fest set for June 18

Strawberry Fest will feature a full day of entertainment, food, arts and crafts, and children’s activities Saturday, June 18, in downtown Waupaca.

Highlights of the annual event include a taste of Waupaca in Strawberry Lane Café, an art and craft show featuring 150 vendors from across the Midwest, a Strawberry Shortcake Eating Contest at noon, fresh strawberries and strawberry shortcake for sale, and live music in the bandstand on city square.

The two bands scheduled are The Justmann Band and Orlow and CWB Band.

Kid’s Alley in Rotary Riverview Park will host children’s activities with Dizzy D Balloon Twister, Fun Pros Bounce Houses, a petting zoo, Lil’ Strawberry Sally and Sam Costume Contest, and Waupaca Walks for Children.

The Waupaca Chain Skiers will sponsor the Duck Races on the Waupaca River at Rotary Riverview Park.

Additional activities include Strawberry Days’ at Turners Fresh Market, Waupaca Historical Society open houses at the Holly History and Genealogy Center, the Hutchinson House Museum and the Waupaca Railroad Depot, and the Model Railroad Show and Model Show.

“We are excited to continue Strawberry Fest into its 28th year as the first taste of summer in our area,” said Mitchell Swenson, vice president of tourism with the Waupaca Area Chamber of Commerce. “This event is one of many that occur throughout the year in the Waupaca area.”

The chamber is seeking participants for the annual Strawberry Shortcake Eating Contest at Strawberry Fest. The contestant who eats their serving of shortcake the fastest will receive a donation of $500 to the local non-profit organization of their choice. Contest sponsors are also needed starting at $25.

To sign up, recommend someone in your organization who might participate or to sponsor the event contact Swenson at the chamber office, 715-258-7343 or email [email protected] Contest participants must be preregistered prior to the event.

For a complete listing of events and activities visit the Events page at WaupacaMemories.com.