Yum, yummy, yum yum.
Just imagine: scoop after scoop of icy-cold vanilla ice cream smothered in thick, red, sweet Michigan strawberry sauce.
Yes, oh yes, ladies and gentlemen, the time has come once again for the Addison Township Firefighter’s Association’s 52nd Annual Strawberry Festival held in downtown Leonard.
This year’s festivities will begin on Friday, July 16, with the Leonard Summer Festival Committee’s Friday Night Kick-Off from 5-8 p.m. Music will be provided by Wayne Sutherby with a dinner menu by Cohoon’s Pizza and Deli Shop featuring either half a chicken, fajita sausage on a bun or knockwurst on a bun. The prince and princess of the Strawberry Festival will also be announced at this time.
The activities on Saturday, July 17, will run from 11 a.m.-11 p.m. However, participants can start their day off right with a pancake breakfast served at the Leonard Methodist Church from 8-10:30 a.m.
At 11 a.m., the Addison Township firefighters will begin promptly dishing up those delicious strawberry sundaes at the old fire hall for all to enjoy. Then the excitement really begins – laden with a cup full of sugar, festival participants can wander through a wide selection of arts and crafts booths or sit back and enjoy the music provided by Party Sounds. Parents can also use this time to pick up a Child ID Card for that special youngster.
There are also always plenty of yard sales to see while the little ones take off to Leonard Elementary with their decked out set of wheels. The bike decorating judging will begin promptly at 11:30 a.m. and all entries get to ride in the parade.
Speaking of parades – the main event of the day begins at noon and travels straight through downtown Leonard. This year’s Grand Marshall is Joe Verajon (see additional front page story) and special person is Georgie Edwards.
‘The parade is definitely a highlight every year,? said Chairperson Sandra Walendzik, ‘especially during an election year. We just have so many people participate.?
This year’s parade will feature several political candidates, the Shriner clowns, the Shriner Tin Lizzy unit (those really neat, but quite miniature, speedster cars), several horse entries and several representatives from the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department including canine, horse and D.A.R.E. units.
‘The kids always love the parade so much,? added Walendzik.
At 1 p.m., after the conclusion of the parade, the festivities kick into full gear with train rides, inflatables (including a slide, moon walk and obstacle course) and performances by The Dance Studio, Inc.
The fire department then takes the spotlight again at 1:30 p.m. with the 3rd Annual Waterball Competition on West Elmwood. Addison Township firefighter’s will be testing their skill against several neighboring departments such as Rochester City and Oxford. Addison alone will be sending two teams.
From 2-3 p.m., those wishing to enter the Strawberry Bake-Off must have their treats turned in at Rowland Hall.
‘Every year it has gotten bigger and bigger,? said Walendzik, ‘and the judges it’s getting harder year after year to pick the best. We never run out of a supply of judges for this competition.?
The competition has two age groups: youth ages 8-12 and adult ages 13 and up. First, Second and Third place ribbons and prizes will be awarded in each age bracket. All entries will be judged on presentation and taste. Limited refrigeration is available.
When choosing a recipe to submit, please remember the following guidelines: the entry must contain strawberries; no recipes containing alcohol; no preserves; no beverages; and a recipe must be submitted with the entry.
As if all this wasn’t enough, participants can also treat themselves to a magic show at 2 p.m., country games in front of the post office for ages 3-12 at 2:30 p.m. and the street dance beginning at 7 p.m. The children’s games, inflatables and sundae line will be close at 6 p.m.
Also, don’t forget to stop by the Leonard Post Office after enjoying the festivities, and all that ice cream, to get your Strawberry Festival Postmark. The 2004 Postmark was drawn by Oxford High School 2003 graduate Danielle Bergum. The special collector’s item will be available at the post office for cancellations starting festival day, July 17.
‘We’re really excited about this year,? said Walendzik. ‘It’s going to be just great.?