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* 2007 Festival Review *

PHOTO BY JASON RZUCIDLO / AMERICAJR.com

A look down Main Street at the Belleville Strawberry Festival.

by Jason Rzucidlo

americajr@americajr.com

 

 

The Belleville Strawberry Festival was a great time. It was my third time attending the festival, which is held over Father's Day weekend. AmericaJR.com was proud to be a sponsor of the 31st Annual Belleville Strawberry Festival.

Vendors were lined up on both sides of Main Street. Everything from strawberry pie to strawberry shortcake to strawberry jam. There was a lot of 50/50 raffles for various organizations in the area. You could purchase t-shirts, candles, temporary tattoos and many other things at the vendor tents.

The first band that I saw perform was Aerodogy. It was a classic-rock group, that was singing on the Main Stage. A few minutes later, I saw April Gibson, a local country artist. She performed a lot of cover songs that were originally recorded by Gretchen Wilson, Carrie Underwood and JoDee Messina, among others.

On the Frosty Boy stage, I saw the BMX Stunt Team perform. One guy was driving his bike up the curved platform and he was making jumps in the air. They were very courageous to make those stunts for the crowd. Everyone seemed to enjoy it because they were applauding very much.

The festival also includes a fun and games area where kids can play for prizes. They can win stuffed animals, photos of celebrities or other gifts. Most of them only cost a dollar or two to participate. Bring your friends to have a competition with them.

While everyone was getting of work at 5 p.m., Steve Berkemier was performing on the Main Stage. He is a classic and contemporary soft rock singer. He did a great job on the stage for over two hours.

Then, I checked out Mark Rosenthal and his Animal Magic show. It seems that this guy has gotten more exotic and is willing to take more risks now than before. He brought his animals that he tames down as pets. He also brings them to house parties and other events. At the festival, he had a huge porcuopine and he took one of the quills and stuck it in his arm. After removing it, blood went everywhere. He also showed a sloth and several other animals.

After that, I listened to Outta the Belly perform on the 4th Street stage. They are an acoustic duet. They sounded very good.

Click here to watch a special video featuring highlights from the festival. (MPEG)

I am looking forward to the 32nd Annual Belleville Strawberry Festival in 2008. AmericaJR.com is proud to be a sponsor of this great summertime event.

 

PHOTO BY JASON RZUCIDLO / AMERICAJR.com

Mark Rosenthal along with a porcupine during his Animal Magic show.

 

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