It’s that time of year again! The thwack of a baseball bat, peeping pond frogs in the evenings and sweet strawberry shortcake taking center stage at Preserve New Fairfield’s Annual Strawberry Festival. Set for Sunday, June 12, 1-4 pm, the Festival is a fantastic family event happening rain or shine in the parking area of the Senior Center on Rt. 37 in the heart of New Fairfield.
In addition to the shortcakes, chocolate dipped strawberries and other edible goodies, Festival goers can win Yankees tickets, summer toys and a bunch of other cool things at the raffle table. Local vendors will show off their talents and face painting will be offered by members of the Congregational Church youth group. An extra-special treat for the ears will be live music provided by a local band, Abby and the Roadsters. Comprised entirely of middle school aged musicians, this group has opened for Billy Bob Thornton at the Ridgefield Playhouse and the Mighty Ploughboys at the Ives Concert Park in Danbury. PNF is thrilled to host their first performance on a New Fairfield stage.
“Every year brings something different to our beloved Strawberry Festival,” says Faline Schneiderman, PNF President and local strawberry queen. “We just love to see families coming out to enjoy the shortcakes. We usually have a few very good dancers in the 4 to 5-year-old category,” she said smiling, “and some older folks too.”
The Strawberry Festival is a great way to celebrate summer and for PNF to celebrate it’s 10th anniversary Bringing the Past Forward. You can see what can be accomplished in a decade by visiting the Hubbell House museum during the Festival. All are welcome to explore the town’s story, free of charge.
Located directly behind the Senior Center, is New Fairfield’s own local history museum, the Hubbell House. It will be open to visitors for the duration of the Strawberry Festival. Inside this restored 17th century home, visitors will find artifacts from early economy in town including tobacco leaves, a lightening rod, and hat making items. The unique and only display dedicated to the amazing story of the creation of Candlewood Lake features a cemetery blue print and photos of buildings now residing beneath the surface of our state’s largest man-made lake.
Preserve New Fairfield is a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to the appreciation and preservation of our town’s historic structures and local history. For more about PNF and how you can join, please visit www.preservenewfairfield.org.
Preserve New Fairfield’s Strawberry Festival, June 12, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Rain or Shine. 33 Route 37, New Fairfield.
Contributed press release and photo. Strawberry photo by Antione Bertier, Flickr.com
Candlewood Lake Magazine 