Chappaqua’s 75th Annual Strawberry Festival Scheduled for Saturday
The Church of St. Mary the Virgin in Chappaqua will hold its 75th annual Strawberry Festival this Saturday, June 9, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. rain or shine.
Dating back to 1938, this perennially popular festival has the distinction of being the longest continually-running event of its kind in Westchester, attracting visitors from New Castle and many of the surrounding towns.
“At St. Mary’s we see the Strawberry Festival as our opportunity to give people in the community a chance to come out with their families to enjoy strawberry shortcake and other food, entertainment and games, and just to relax and have fun,” said Rector Joel Mason.”
St. Mary’s has a strong outreach tradition. Income from the festival helps to fund the church’s support of organizations benefitting those in need both locally, such as the Interfaith Emergency Food Pantry, the Mount Kisco Child Care Center and Neighbors Link, and throughout Westchester. Hope’s Door, A-Home, Open Door Family Medical Centers and Bridge Fund of Westchester, among others, have all been received donations as a result of the festival.
Food is always a big attraction, starting with St. Mary’s famous strawberry shortcake—luscious strawberries piled atop shortcake generously provided by Susan Lawrence, Ben & Jerry’s ice cream (also donated) and freshly-whipped cream. If you’re still hungry you’ll find summertime favorites: grilled hot dogs and hamburgers, cotton candy, popcorn and cold drinks. There are also freshly-baked items to bring home. And inside the Parish Hall, the Strawberry Patch Café offers a cool place to sit down and enjoy tuna or tabbouleh wraps, plus an assortment of strawberry-themed delights.
Popular games and activities for children include the bouncy castle, bouncy obstacle course, face painting, pocket lady, lollipop tree, pitch burst with water balloons, football toss and alien can smash.
Over 30 vendors will set up their tents on the great lawn in front of the church, offering unique items. All products are hand-crafted, including jewelry, children’s and babies’ clothing, crocheted and knitted goods, woodcrafts, toys and other craft items. Inside the Parish Hall there will be attic treasures–brass and silver, vintage jewelry, ceramics, interesting curios—and bargains.
Live music is an important part of the Strawberry Festival. Performing groups this year include the bluegrass Stump Jumpers with keyboard, guitar, fiddle and vocals; the Blues Dogs on sax, harmonica, drums, and vocals; Faith, Hope, and Charity playing show tunes and classical music; and the Scarborough Singers performing popular songs.
The Church of St. Mary the Virgin is located at 191 S. Greeley Ave. in Chappaqua
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Adam has worked in the local news industry for the past two decades in Westchester County and the broader Hudson Valley. Read more from Adam’s author bio here.
