The Bloomville United Church of Christ will hold its 69th annual Strawberry Festival from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, June 13, rain or shine, at the church at 31 N. Marion St. in Bloomville. Parking is available behind the building.
Food service begins at 5 p.m. and runs until 7 p.m. or until the food runs out. The menu includes shredded chicken sandwiches, sloppy joes, cole slaw, potato and three-bean salad, baked beans, assorted pies and the church’s strawberry shortcake, made with fresh strawberries and ice cream.
Guests can go through the main food line for a full meal or use a separate dessert-only line for shortcake. The event is dine-in only, with no carry-out available. Assistance is available for elderly guests and people with limited mobility.
New additions and family activities
New this year, the festival will feature bingo and a raffle. Visitors can also take photos with the “Strawberry Truck,” and children can use a bounce house.
A long-running community tradition
“Though the funds we raise are very valuable to our church and our mission, we don’t really see the Festival as a fundraiser,” said Audrey Naegele Flood, president of the church’s Consistory board. “Our congregation has so much fun socializing and visiting with people, this is one of the things we look forward to most all year. Tons of work goes into preparing for this event, but it’s more than worth it for the memories made.”
Troy Kagy, president of the Bloom Township trustees, said he has seen the festival’s impact firsthand. “Having grown up in this church and been involved in this community for years, I’ve seen firsthand what this festival means to people here,” he said. “The volunteers pour hours of work into it, and the good it does for both the church and the community makes every bit of it worthwhile.”
“Every summer this festival draws people to Bloomville and gives our neighbors a chance to gather, catch up, meet new people and enjoy each other’s company,” Bloomville Mayor David Auble Jr. said. “It’s been a cherished tradition in the Village for nearly 70 years.”
Preparing for the festival is a monthslong, all-hands effort, according to the church. Volunteers bake each shortcake ahead of time, hand-cut thousands of berries and set up chairs the morning of the event, then scoop ice cream, make change and keep hot food coming through the evening before washing trays and taking down tents at the end of the night.
How to give and learn more
Supporters who cannot attend can donate online, mail a gift to PO Box 55, Bloomville, or bring a donation to the event. More information is available on the church’s website and its Facebook page.
About the Bloomville United Church of Christ
The Bloomville UCC was founded in 1850 with nine members. The congregation has changed names, pastors and buildings over the years and remains an anchor institution in the village of Bloomville.
