Things are heating up at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church as many volunteers are working on final plans for the 66th annual Strawberry Festival on Saturday, June 30.

Everything from hand-crafted toys to hand-made quilts to original books will be on sale throughout the church grounds and inside the church hall from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., according to Kristen Cowing, chair of the festival.
A genuine family celebration, St. Philip’s Strawberry Festival features everything from a bake sale to a plant sale to a children’s area to an outdoor hot dog stand that seems to attract every fairgoer at least once or twice during the day.

In addition to the star of the show – strawberries – and the other tables, several local crafters will once again be manning booths throughout the festival grounds. While the list of crafters is not yet complete, Cowing said, “We are pleased to announce that several of the crafters who helped make last year’s festival such a great success will again display their unique hand-made items.”

Of course, while crafts are an important part of the St. Philip’s annual celebration, it is strawberries – and most particularly Strawberry Shortcake – that again will take center stage at the popular annual event. Served in the church hall, shortcake lovers can have their choice of ice cream or real whipped cream to accompany fresh strawberries and a homemade biscuit.

In addition to shortcake, hand-picked strawberries will be on sale. Fresh-picked that morning, festival goers are encouraged to queue up to purchase quarts for later.

The festival also features a silent auction, and a noontime homemade pie auction led by a local auctioneer. Matt O’Donnell, musician, again will strum thoughout the day, while Tanya Richardson and fellow Zumba instructors will lead anyone wanting to sample this happy form of exercise at 1 p.m., and, of course, the ever-popular Bargain Basement will be open throughout the day.

“We are very excited about this year’s festival,” said  Cowing. “It’s always great to greet old friends and neighbors, and we know the Strawberry Festival is the traditional kick-off to summer activities for many people in the area and visitors to the region. Our goal is to make it a fun day for everyone.” For more information, contact the church at 882-7647.