The fifth annual Strawberry Festival will return to The Cottage on June 13-14, bringing two days of food, shopping, live music, and family-friendly activities to western Daviess County.
The festival will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days at The Cottage, located at 6819 KY 56. Parking is $5 per vehicle, and organizers said cash will be required for parking and some attractions.
More than 150 local artisans and craft vendors are expected to participate, along with more than 20 food vendors offering a variety of strawberry-themed treats and other menu items. Festival favorites such as strawberry shortcake, hand pies, souvenir strawberry cups, ice cream, muffins, and specialty coffees will be available throughout the weekend.
The Cottage owner and event producer Marlene Knight said the event continues to focus on providing a family-oriented experience while showcasing what the western part of Daviess County has to offer.
“We try to promote things for the community that are family-oriented and to let people know what the west side of the county has to offer,” Knight said in an earlier interview. “We’re fortunate to have great grounds, so it just made sense.”
New attractions this year include a Kids Zone featuring giant bubbles, games, crafts, prizes, and other activities. Children can purchase a wristband for unlimited access throughout the day.
Another addition is Truck Town, sponsored by Ohio Valley Insurance. The attraction will feature farm equipment, construction equipment, and trucks, along with demonstrations designed to give children and families an up-close look at the vehicles.
Returning attractions include a petting zoo, pony rides, face painting, and demonstrations from firefighters and emergency medical personnel.
A car show is scheduled for Saturday only and will feature nine classes of vehicles, strawberry-themed trophies, and a People’s Choice award.
Live entertainment is planned throughout both days of the festival. Saturday’s lineup includes the Lowland Ramblers, OCTC Bluegrass, Josh Merritt, and Tyler Garrett. Sunday’s performers include OCTC Bluegrass, Paul Montgomery, Dakota Hayden, and Josh Orion.
Knight said one of the festival’s biggest draws continues to be its emphasis on locally grown strawberries and partnerships with area businesses, farms, and organizations.
“We’ll have fresh, locally grown strawberries for sale, along with a wide variety of strawberry-based foods,” Knight said.
The festival has grown significantly since its debut several years ago.
“When we first did the Strawberry Festival, we were blown away,” Knight said. “We had over 2,500 people show up the first year, and I wasn’t ready. I didn’t have enough craft vendors, I didn’t have enough food vendors, and we sold out of our strawberries the first day. It was amazing and horrifying at the same time.”
Knight said supporting local businesses and organizations remains a central part of the event’s mission.
“Our business model is to support local as much as we can — our own operation, other farms, and the community,” Knight said. “We can deliver the crowd, and we love doing something that brings people together.”
