Strawberries and everything strawberries will be on center stage in Rosedale this weekend for the annual Rosedale Strawberry Festival.
The festivities kickoff Friday and continue through Sunday with a bevy of events, including a parade, a strawberry shortcake eating contest, parades, pageants and much more, according to event organizer Sarah Cottrell.
"It brings people out of their house and into the streets and they can see people they haven't seen in years. It is a community event that allows people to have a good time, kids smiling and enjoy life in small town. It is nice to live in a town where we can do that," Cottrell told The Parke County Post.
The festivities will be based out of the Florida Township Civic Club, 49 E. Central Street, Rosedale and start 5 p.m. June 6 with the festival and vendors opening. Friday features a lasagna dinner with the American Legion, the Queen and Princess Pageant at 6;45 p.m., the beer and wine garden open to the public, live music by Mullet Over and a foam party at 9 p.m.
On Saturday, the festival opens at 9 a.m. and features the baby pageant, Mini Mr. and Miss, Lil' Miss, a tractor show, a strawberry bake off, talent show, parade at 3 p.m., beer and wine garden, entertainment, live music by Jenna Rose and the Ramblers and the Jonah Fish Fry, which benefits the Methodist Church.
Sunday's festivities open at 10 a.m.The pet parade will begin at 11 a.m., the car and bike show is slated for noon, as is live music by Crossroads Stringband and the strawberry eating contest will be held at 2 p.m.
"It is free to get in and free parking, and we keep everything priced reasonably. It is a small town and we want to keep it a small town feel. It is a good time. People should come out to eat the strawberry shortcake and run into friends you haven't seen in years. It is a good time," Cottrell said.
Over the last five years that she has spearheaded the event, Cottrell said she has seen the event grow significantly.
"We have a lot more volunteers because it has grown in size. It fills the streets. We have vendors in four lots, plus inside the civic center. Every year we get more vendors and some are from out of state. Very rarely do people wait until 5 p.m. on Friday to come. All the strawberry shortcakes are home made. We make enough for about 3,800 servings," she said.
Cottrell said the festival would not happen without the work of all her volunteers.
"It takes a lot of volunteers, and these are all people in the community. Not all live in Rosedale, as some live in Vigo and Vermillion counties, but they all come together to help put this event together. They form friendships they didn't know they would have," Cottrell said.
Sumner City Council fires police officer
Vincennes vehicle theft suspect now in custody
Embarras River flood warning lifted
Indiana Governor Mike Braun extends suspension of gas tax
LCMH leader completes prestigious leadership program
Spitler Foundation Award applications now available
Agrichemical container recycling site to be in Lawrence County
Letter Carriers' Food Drive this Saturday
Former Indian head coach Ron Felling passes away
Arrest made in rural Lawrence County burglary case
Local man in custody in child pornography investigation
IHSAA approves Personal Branding, while basketball shot clock proposal fails
USDA opens enrollment for Grassland Conservation Reserve Program
Knox County farm to be featured at Indiana State Fair
Lawrence County election lottery coming up
City of Lawrenceville takes possession of old school building
Illinois AG still looking into dispatchers in Edgar County case
Work begins on OCC Science Labs project
