Waupaca hosts weekend event

By Robert Cloud

Live music, activities for kids, a model railroad show, arts and crafts, bake sale and strawberry shortcake are among the highlights of Strawberry Fest, set for Saturday, June 18.

Waupaca’s first summer festival opens at 9 a.m. with Taste of Waupaca in Strawberry Lane Cafe.

The event will be held at 316 Jefferson St., in Trinity Lutheran Church’s parking lot and the back parking lot of the Waupaca Area Chamber of Commerce.

Dizzy D. Balloon Twister will be onsite along with other family-friendly activities, the Hijinx band will perform and there will be bounce houses located next to the Waupaca Park and Rec Center.

Other activities include the annual Waupaca Area Model Railroaders Train Show from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, inside the Waupaca Park and Rec Center.

St. Mark’s Episcopal Church will host a bake sale and refreshments from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday in their Prayer Garden and Trinity Lutheran Church will have a silent auction from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

The Historic Soo Line Depot will be open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Fresh produce and plants will be available for purchase at Turners Farm Market, at E208 State Highway 54, six miles west of Waupaca.

Strawberries and other seasonal produce will be available at the Raspberry Connection at E2076 King Road, Waupaca.

Many Waupaca area venues will also have entertainment throughout the weekend.

Visitors may also check out the newly renovated Main Street and downtown shops and restaurants.

A Main Street ribbon cutting ceremony is planned at 10 a.m. Saturday near the bandstand on City Square.

An estimated 9,000 people attend the one-day festival. The first Strawberry Fest was held in 1989.

For more information about Strawberry Fest and a complete listing of things to do, events and lodging go to VisitWaupacaChainOLakes.com.