It’s summer time, and for residents of Leonard and Addison Township, that can mean only one thin’it’s time for the 54th Annual Strawberry Festival, sponsored by the Addison Twp. Firefighters Association on July 15.
All the fun begins with a Friday night kick-off dinner in downtown Leonard on July 14 at 5 p.m. with food catered by Bear Paw Cafe.
Enduldge yourself in chicken, kielbasa with pepers and onions, coneys and ice cream cones while listening to the finalist of the karaoke contest at 6 p.m.
The day of the festival is filled with various activities any family would enjoy. The day begins with a yummy pancake breakfast at the Leonard United Methodist Church followed by ice cream sundaes served at the Fire Hall.
Strawberry bake-off items must be turned in at Rowland Hall by 9 a.m., judging begins at 10 a.m.
Don’t miss theparade at Noon, featuring Grand Marshall, Addison Twp. resident John Patrell and Special Person, Lakeville resident Bob Smith.
Char Sutherby, coordinator for the festival, said Patrell was chosen to be Grand Marshall because of his involvement in the community. ‘He’s been very generous anytime there’s been fundraisers or anybody’s needed help, he’s been there,? she said.
Smith was selected to be Grand Marshall at last year’s parade, but unfortunately became ill and couldn’t participate. That’s why he will walk as the festival’s Special Person.
After the parade, enjoy train rides, moonwalks, magic shows, country games, listening to the band Rock ‘n? Soul and hear the winner of the karaoke contest perform at 4:30 p.m.
Sutherby hopes this year’s festival will be more successful than last year’s.
‘It’s been difficult because economics are so bad this year and a lot of our donations are down,? she said. ‘We hope we make at least enough to pay for the festival’and no rain!?