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* 2007 Festival Preview *

PHOTO BY JASON RZUCIDLO / AMERICAJR.com

The Company of Strangers performed at last year's Strawberry Festival. The band will make a return performance on Saturday at 5 p.m. on the Main Stage.

by Jason Rzucidlo

americajr@americajr.com

 

 

AmericaJR.com is proud to sponsor another great summertime event, The Belleville National Strawberry Festival. This year's festival will be just as big as last year's. It is a great event to share with family and friends over Father's Day weekend.

In 2006, The Belleville Strawberry Festival celebrated it's 30th Anniversary. There was three stages of musical entertainment for each of the three days. The festival included a NBA Rhythm 'n Rims exhibit where people could practice taking shooting hoops while meeting NBA players and legends.

The 2007 edition will also feature three stages of musical entertainment. One stage at Main and 4th Street; another at Main and 3rd Street and the other at Frosty Boy on Main Street. All types of music will be performed from classic rock to soft rock to Motown to R&B and country. A Strawberry Idol contest will be held on Sunday at the Main Stage. The Junior Division starts the competition at 1 p.m. with Teens following at 3 p.m. and adults wrapping up the Idol contest at 5 p.m.

Saturday is home to the Country Strawberry Jam. A full day of nothin' but country music on the Main Stage. It all begins at 1 p.m. with Fiddler ReStrung, a fiddle group. Next, is "Young Stars of Country" which features Lynnae Winnie, Cody Thodes and Molly Svrcina at 2 p.m. Country group Yankeeville takes the stage at 3 p.m. Next up is Vicki Talbott, a vocalist at 4:30 p.m. The Company of Strangers will perform at 5 p.m. (see above photo). Local country singer Sarah Lenore will perform an acoustic set at 6:30 p.m. This will be her first performance following the Downtown Hoedown. April Gibson and Wildfire will perform with Chris Solano at 7 p.m. Nashville-based Broken Bow recording artist Crossin Dixon will headline the Main Stage at 9:30 p.m.

The Detroit Pistons / Shock Year-Round Hoops Truck will be on hand. It will be located at Main and 3rd Street. If you can shoot a basket, you will win a prize!

There will be two midways at this year's Belleville Strawberry Festival. Click here to Win Two Free Ride Tickets. One midway will be at the Belleville High School and the other on Main Street. The midway opens on Friday at noon and runs until 5 p.m. The midway opens on Saturday at 10 a.m. and runs until 11 p.m. It will be in operation from noon to 7 p.m. on Sunday (Father's Day).

Get your faces painted at Main and 3rd Street. Derby & Lovely will be painting faces at the festival. They are the official face painters of the Detroit Tigers and Detroit Lions. They have won an endless amount of awards for their work. They have over 15 years experience.

Take your dad to the 6th Annual Cinnamon Father's Day Car Show. It will be held at Shady Victory Park on Sunday from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. There will be a Live DJ, music trivia and more. The top two cars will win trophies and door prizes will be given away to everyone else.

Do you love animals? You need to see Mark Rosenthal's Animal Magic show. He will be performing along with exotic animals several times during the festival at the corner of Main and 4th Streets. Bring the kids for a great time!

Like to eat food? Who doesn't? The official Pancake Breakfast is being hosted by the Rotary Club. It will be held inside the Belleville High School cafeteria just before the parade gets underway. Come hungry for pancakes and sausage on Saturday from 8 a.m. until 11 a.m. Tickets are $6.50 for those older than 10 and $5.50 for those younger than 10. Click here to Win Two Free Passes to the Pancake Breakfast.

Are you BOLD? Do you like to take chances? Come watch the Rise Above BMX Stunt Team. They will be performing bicycle stunts and courageous jumps at the Frosty Boy stage several times during the festival. Bring your cameras and the kids and prepare to be amazed!

The Belleville Fire Department will participate in a water ball competition with other area fire departments. It will be held on Saturday just after the end of the parade at 11 a.m. Go to Main and 3rd Street to see the competition.

We are looking forward to meeting you at the Belleville Strawberry Festival...

FREE ADMISSION!!

 

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