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* 2008 Belleville Strawberry Festival Will Be Smaller Than Past Years But Still A Great Event *

PHOTO BY JASON RZUCIDLO / AMERICAJR.com

Many of the booths and activities that were held on Main Street will now be held at Belleville high School this year.

by Jason Rzucidlo americajr@americajr.com

:: 2008 FESTIVAL PREVIEW ::

AmericaJR.com is proud to sponsor The 32nd Annual Belleville National Strawberry Festival again this year. It will be smaller than past years but still a great summertime event for the entire family. It is being held over Father's Day weekend from June 13-15 in downtown Belleville.

The festival was created in 1976 by a local farmer who wanted to promote strawberries. Each year, an estimated 200,000 visitors attend this festival. it also raises money for local community organizations. The festival includes a car show, pageants, food, carnival rides, craft shows and live entertainment on three stages.

There will be strawberry shortcake, strawberry muffins, strawberry cheesecake, strawberry bread, strawberry pie, strawberry-topped ice cream sundaes, strawberry jam and strawberry tarts. Over the three day weekend, volunteers serve 1,500 pounds of strawberries.

The citywide festival will have a new location this year. Most of the activities are being held at Belleville High School. Other annual events will be held at St. Anthony's Church, Trinity Episcopal Church, Belleville Presbyterian Church and Victory Park. Hours are noon to 10 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday and noon to 7 p.m. on Sunday.

New this year is the DuPont NASCAR vehicle. It is a computerized car that people can drive on a simulated track.

The annual Strawberry Prince and Princess Contest will be held on Friday at South Middle School. The annual Rotary pancake breakfast is being held from 8:00 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday at the Belleville High School cafeteria. The Cinnamon Father's Day Car Show is being held on Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Victory Park.

The parade will begin on Saturday at 11 a.m. and will run until about 1 p.m. It includes over 150 floats, bands, clowns and acrobats. The grand marshal of this year's parade will be Janet Millard of Ypsilanti Township. She will be recognized for serving as the executive director of the Belleville Area Chamber of Commerce. She served almost 20 years at that position. Millard was also the grand marshal of the Sumpter Country Festival parade.

All types of music will be available for your listening pleasure at the Strawberry Festival. On Friday, the headliners are Karen Newman (Red Wings singer) and Devin Scillian (WDIV anchor) with Arizona Son. Saturday is country day with headliners April Gibson & Wildfire, Tony Thompson and TJ Craven. The Colgate Country Showdown will hold its Detroit finals at 1 p.m. on Saturday. The Main Stage will be behind the Administration Building on the west side of BHS.

The Strawberry Idol competition returns on Sunday. Juniors will perform at 1 p.m., Teens at 3 p.m. and Adults at 5 p.m. It is not too late to enter. Contestants can sign-up 30 minutes before the start of each division. Performances by past Strawberry Idol winners between divisions. Talent Live sponsors this annual contest and presents winners with studio recording time. Winners also perform at the Michigan State Fair Talent Showcase in August. (Click here to download and print a registration form for Strawberry Idol).

A water-skiing show is also being offered at 3 p.m. at Horizon Park. Mark Rosenthal will be back with his Animal Magic show. He will be located on a small stage near the BHS auditorium. Rosenthal will perform on Friday at 6 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. and on Sunday at 3 p.m.

FREE admission as usual. FREE shuttle service is being provided from Meijer on Belleville Road. Pets, skateboards, roller blades and bikes are not allowed at the festival.

For more information, call the festival hotline at (734) 697-3137.

 

PHOTO BY JASON RZUCIDLO / AMERICAJR.com

Mark Rosenthal performs extremely dangerous stunts with animals on the 4th Street Stage.

 

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