Saturday, June 24, plan to spend an amazing day in beautiful Wiscasset. Begin the day at St. Philip’s Church, 12 Hodge St., where the traditional, family friendly, 69th Strawberry Festival will be happening from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Around the grounds, several craftspeople will be presenting their intriguing wares. From wood turned bowls to baskets to jewelry to hand-painted clothing to air terrariums to silkscreened goods and more, there will be ample opportunity to do some early holiday shopping or to treat yourself a little. 

As well as shopping for crafts, peruse the Church’s bake table, plant table, collectables area and used book nook, not to mention the ever popular Bargain Basement. People are sure to come away with some nifty finds.

Back this year will be the Silent Auction with its items and gift certificates for bidding, thanks to donations by local businesses and individuals. 

As you queue up to buy an unbelievably generous strawberry shortcake with real whipped cream or locally made ice cream, hot dogs from the outside stand, or as you buy some quarts to go—fresh picked that morning—listen to the mellow strumming of resident troubadour Mat O’Donnell. 

Not to be missed is the noontime Pie Auction! Auctioneer Suzanne Rankin returns to wheedle and coax bidders to go high for one scrumptious homemade pie or another, be it rhubarb, strawberry, blueberry, apple, or more.  It’s all for fun, and all funds go to support St. Philip’s and its ministries.

After enjoying the Strawberry Festival, walk around the corner to Maine Art Gallery on Warren Street to view its en plain air show, Paint Wiscasset & Beyond. Housed in the historic old red brick high school, the Gallery proudly features the work of local artists and artisans. Go to maineartgallerywiscasset.org for more information.

But wait, there’s more!  Just a short walk to 133 Federal St., Lincoln County Historical Association is hosting a great family event called Jailhouse Rock, with live music, dancing, food and games for the whole family, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on the Old Jail grounds. Go to https://www.lincolncountyhistory.org/ to find out more about it and to buy tickets.

For more information about St. Philip’s Strawberry Festival, call the Church at 882-7184, leaving a short message and a return phone number. Or visit https://stphilipswiscasset.org/