Amish-made shortcake, ice cream, strawberries and whipped cream piled high in a bowl. What could be better? Well, enjoying that strawberry shortcake out in the sun while listening to live music! And that’s what you’ll find at the 2017 Strawberry Festival coming to downtown Kokomo on Friday, June 2.
Sponsored by First Farmers Bank & Trust, the event will be 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on the Courthouse Square and will again this year partner with First Friday.
Tickets for strawberry shortcakes are just $5 while supplies last. And there will be plenty of supply. This year, organizers have ordered 3,900 pounds of strawberries, 130 gallons of ice cream, 525 cans of whipped cream and 6,800 shortcakes to meet the festival’s growing demand.
But don’t fill up on just strawberry dessert! You’ll want to leave some room for the many food trucks, including George’s Kitchen, Hawg Heaven and Karma Kitchen.
Festival activities will encompass the entire Courthouse Square. Back this year will be the Tiny Tots Motorcycle Adventure presented by ABATE of Howard County. Kids can enjoy the adventure of riding a motorcycle around a small course.
At the corner of Main and Sycamore streets, there will be live music throughout the event on the Rhum Academy Stage.
The line-up includes:
• 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Courtney Pitzer, Sami Soutar, Page Brothers, Gary and Gary, Kassey King, Noah Aldridge, Anne Marie, Alia Copeland, Claire Radel, Averie Stone, Jadn Simpson and Trina Gill
• 5 to 8 p.m.: Sammy Soutar, Page Brothers, Anne Marie and Texture Mess
• 8 to 9 p.m.: Visual Signals
The Health Stage, sponsored by Community Howard Health Network, will feature demonstrations and information that will help guide you to a healthier lifestyle. Some features include beginning yoga with certified instructor Connor Sanburn, Healing with Herbs from Sunspot Natural Market, Mindfulness from 365 Balance, and Tai Chi demonstrations by Ling’s Oriental Martial Arts.
Speaking of being healthier, you can ride your bicycle to the festival and volunteers will keep watch over it for the duration of the event at the Pedal & Park.
You’ll also want to check out the many vendors, Kokomo Farmers’ Market and the bouncy house at Gabetta’s on Buckeye Street.
You can get your $5 tickets in advance at any First Farmers Bank & Trust location, any Kokomo-Howard County Public Library Branch or at the Greater Kokomo Downtown Association, 700 E. Firmin St.
There will be even more happening that evening as First Friday takes over the party at 5:30 p.m. Kokomo Jackrabbits’ mascot Jax will make an appearance at the office of David E. Granger, Edward Jones financial advisor. Kids can make a strawberry craft at the Kokomo Perspective/Kokomo Herald offices. Also, Kokomo Men of Note, a barbershop harmony quartet, will perform throughout downtown.
Keep up-to-date on event happenings by following First Friday on social media.
