Don’t miss Hartford’s delicious Strawberry Festival June 10-11!
By Nancy Albright
The Hartford Strawberry Festival is fast approaching, so round up the family and join the fun to celebrate the Michigan strawberry harvest in Hartford’s Ely Park this Friday and Saturday, June 10-11. Arrive early for rides, races, magic, music, parades, princesses, arts, crafts, antiques, books, exhibitions, food and, of course, strawberries, strawberries, strawberries. The Kiddie Parade kicks of the festival at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, followed by the crowning of the Strawberry Princess, Prince and Baby. Master of magic John Dudley will then perform a series of mysterious tricks at 7:00 p.m. Did you know that John was once handcuffed twice, placed in a wooden box, lowered into South Haven’s Black River and escaped in just over two minutes? And kids, you might want to stick around to find out if you’re a winner when the Chamber of Commerce raffles off two bikes to those that participated in the parade. Saturday’s fun starts early at the high school with the Hartford Booster’s Pancake Breakfast, followed by the Hartford Lion’s 38th Annual Strawberry Run. Hundreds of runners compete in the 5k and 10k Runs, and for those just looking for some fun and a little bit of exercise there is a 5k Walk and a One Mile Fun Run. The fun continues as 1:00 p.m. with the Annual Strawberry Parade through downtown Hartford and the park will be abuzz with food vendors, arts and crafts, carnival games, a bouncy house, a climbing wall and other fun things to do for all ages. And don’t miss the Bed Races on Main Street! Where else can you see decorated beds on wheels racing down a city street? Get front row seats at the traditional Strawberry Pie Eating Contest beginning at 3:00 p.m., a juicy and sticky contest that is without a doubt fun for all ages. Look Mom! No hands! The Strawberry Idol Talent Contest will close the festival beginning at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday. Contestants will compete to win first prize ($50!) and a chance to perform at the 2017 Strawberry Festival. Visit the 2016 Hartford Michigan Community Events page at www.hartfordmichigan.com for a complete schedule of events and times. The Strawberry Festival is sponsored by the Hartford Chamber of Commerce. 2016 Strawberry Festival Schedule of Events
Friday, June 10
4:00 p.m. – Vertical Edge Entertainment rides open.
5:30 p.m. – Kiddies line up at Red Arrow Elementary School for the parade.
6:00 p.m. – Kiddies Parade through downtown Hartford.
6:30 p.m. – Crowning of the Prince, Princess and Sweetest Strawberry Baby.
7:00 p.m. – Magician and Author John Dudley will perform his funny magic show.
8:00 p.m. – Reading Royalty crafts and story time for kids with Miss Hartford and Mr. Hartford 2016.
8:45 p.m. – Two bikes will be raffled off to kids participating in the parade.
Saturday, June 11
7:00 to 11:00 a.m. – Attend the Pancake Breakfast at High School Cafeteria sponsored by the Hartford Band Boosters.
7:30 to 8:30 a.m. – Join the Strawberry Run sponsored by the Hartford Lions Club. Pick up runner packets and late registrations at Hartford High School.
8:30 a.m. – Meet at Hartford High School to start the 5K Walk, 5K Run and 10km Run.
8:35 a.m. – Meet at Hartford High School to start the One Mile Fun Run
10:00 a.m. – Vertical Edge Entertainment rides open.
10:00 a.m. – Play games operated by local nonprofits that will benefit from the proceeds.
10:00 a.m. – Meet at Hartford High School outdoor courts for the 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament.
10:00 a.m. – Crafts with the Courts will have free crafts for kids with Hartford Royalty, sponsored by the Hartford Pageant Organization.
10 a.m. to 2p.m. – The Hartford Public Library will sponsor a book sale in Ely Park.
11:00 a.m. – Live entertainment begins.
12:00 p.m. – Strawberry Parade lineup at Hartford High School.
1:00 p.m. – Strawberry Parade through downtown Hartford.
1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. – Kids fingerprinting with photo sponsored by the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Department.
2:00 p.m. – Bed Races through downtown Hartford.
3:00 p.m. – Strawberry Pie Eating Contest for all ages.
4:00 p.m. – Compete in the Strawberry Idol Talent Contest to win first prize
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