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* PREVIEW: Belleville Strawberry Festival returns for 33rd year *

PHOTO BY JASON RZUCIDLO / AMERICAJR.com

Many of the booths and activities will return to Main Street this year.

by Jason Rzucidlo americajr@americajr.com

BELLEVILLE, Mich. -- Lots of fun and excitement are planned for the 2009 Belleville Strawberry Festival, which is the 33rd anniversary of the Father's Day weekend celebration. The festival returns to Main Street this year, after being held behind Belleville High School last year. Many of the festival favorites are scheduled to return this year including the parade and the Cinnamon Father's Day Car Show. Radio Disney will entertain the kids on Saturday for the very first time.

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 citywide festival returns to its roots in 2009. Most of the activities including carnival rides and vendor booths will be located along Main Street. Other 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 Radio Disney, which will be on site on Saturday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

The annual parade kicks off at 11 a.m. on Saturday. Fire departments from Belleville, Van Buren, Sumpter Twp. and Augusta Twp. will be in it. The BHS marching band will perform during the parade. The grand marshal is Richard Dawson. Several area politicians will ride in the parade including U.S. Rep. Thaddeus McCotter, Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano, Wayne County Commissioner Kevin McNamara and representative Dian Slavens. The Red Hat ladies will be walking in the parade as well.

The 8th Annual Cinnamon's Father's Day Car Show will take place on Sunday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Victory Park. The Strawberry Queen Pageant will take place on the Main Street stage at 7:30 p.m. on Friday.

The annual Pancake Breakfast is scheduled for Saturday from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Tickets are $6.50 for adults and children over age 10. Children under age 10 are only $5.50 each. Coupons are available for $1 off at the Chamber Office at 248 Main St.

There will be lots of great music this year. Most of the performances will be on the Main Stage, which is located behind the Administration Building. Look for performances by Sally Arredondo (country), Boots in Motion, TJ Craven (country), Funkee Station (R&B), Teezer (rock), among many other bands. The annual Strawberry Idol contest will take place on Sunday with juniors at 1 p.m., teens at 3 p.m. and adults at 5 p.m. Some other bands will perform on Saturday and Sunday in front of the Belleville Presbyterian Church.

A water-skiing show is also being offered at Horizon Park.

Take a free shuttle from the Meijer parking lot on Belleville Road. It runs from 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Saturday and Noon to 7:30 p.m. on Sunday. The train will run in a continuous loop around the festival.

FREE admission as usual. Pets, skateboards, roller blades and bikes are not allowed at the festival.

AmericaJR.com is a proud sponsor of the 2009 Belleville Strawberry Festival. We hope you'll join us for a GREAT time...

For more information, visit www.nationalstrawberryfest.com.

 

FREE ADMISSION!!

 

PHOTO BY JASON RZUCIDLO / AMERICAJR.com

Midway rides at the 2008 Belleville Strawberry Festival.

 

PHOTO BY JASON RZUCIDLO / AMERICAJR.com

Festival goers are trying to win a goldfish or a reptile.

 

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