By: Elisha Taylor

The Strawberry Festival is Buckhannon, West Virginia’s most anticipated event each year. Each year, the festival covers Main Street with a gift shop, a horse and carriage parade, an arts and crafts show, food vendors, a carnival, and more!

This year, the event is taking place from May 13th through May 21st with a theme of Strawberry Freedom. The events that will take place the week of the festival are canoe races, an essay contest, a quilt show, and a pageant for all ages. The festival provides opportunities for those of all ages. Food vendors line the streets and some offer strawberry-themed treats, such as strawberry shortcakes.

Although most of the events occur the week of the festival, other events throughout the year support the West Virginia Strawberry Festival. There was an event held on February 22nd at Woody’s Bowling Center at 6 PM. Registration began at 5 PM the day of the event. It was $20 per bowler with 3 bowlers per team. There was also a 50/50 drawing, basket raffles, and baked goods sale.

There is another event coming up on April 8th from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM in Ellamore, West Virginia. This event is a Berry Bandit Poker Run with a registration fee of $15. For more events, you can visit wvstrawberryfestival.com/events/. To give donations, you can contact info@WVStrawberryFestival.com for more information! Remember to check out the website throughout the year or visit their Facebook page for information about upcoming events and ways that you can help at the festival.

The West Virginia Strawberry Festival Board of Directors works year-round to plan activities for the festival as well as fundraisers to make the event possible. The team meets at least monthly to produce events within the Upshur County area. With each month, they often plan an activity or are active within the community to continue their engagement and show support for the Buckhannon family which has allowed them to host 81 Strawberry Festivals.

As students, it is important that we support the community of Buckhannon, as they do so much for us as students. Not only would you be supporting the community, but you would also get the opportunity to enjoy the West Virginia Strawberry Festival for yourself! Consider returning to your home among the hills May 13th through 21st for some delicious strawberry activities!

Photo by WV Strawberry Festival