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* REVIEW: 2011 Belleville Strawberry Festival was an enormous success *

PHOTO BY JASON RZUCIDLO / AMERICAJR.com

The Hep Cats performed at the 4th Street Square during the 35th Annual Belleville Strawberry Festival.

by Jason Rzucidlo americajr@americajr.com

WATCH: Interviews with attendees at the 2011 Belleville Strawberry Festival WATCH: Interviews with BSF Executive Director Joan Bodnar and artists

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BELLEVILLE, Mich. -- This year's Belleville Strawberry Festival returned to Main Street for the third year in a row, after being held behind the Belleville High School three years ago while the road was being repaved. Every vendor space and sponsorship opportunity for this year was completely sold out, according to Joan Bodnar, the festival's executive director. The weather was perfect--partly cloudy all weekend long with temperatures around 85 degrees. Oscar Mayer brought its Wienermobile and offered free hot dog samples. The Travel Channel's Man v. Food competition returned in 2011.

"Basically, we have more diverse crafters this year and we have a lot more vendors than we've had in the past," Bodnar said. "We have the Pistons hoop truck, strawberry treats, vendors, lots of food and inflatables. The economy has not affected the festival in the sponsors or vendors, but possibly in the attendance. Wendy's is a cash sponsor. Applebee's is a in-kind sponsor. They provide the food for my hospitality room. The ice rink was canceled at the last time. Everyone come out and have a berry good day at the festival."

There were a lot more carnival rides this year, particularly for teenagers and young adults. In addition, there were more art booths on Main Street than last year. Originally, there was talks of having an ice skating rink, but those plans never came to fruition, due to a lack of space. Entertainment took place at the 4th Street Square and was provided by the Bayou Grill. Some of the churches also offered entertainment during the festival.

Oscar Mayer changed its presence at the festival. Last year, the company featured a huge kids area with a rock climbing wall, school bus and an orange tree. This year, they parked the popular Weinermobile along Main Street and offered free samples of its signature hot dogs. It was a cool idea for those who were needed a free snack.

"The parade is my favorite part because I'm part of the marching band and I get to march in it," said Belleville High School swim and dive athlete Stacy Storms. "This will be my second year. We're selling strawberry jam and I also think we're selling water. All of the money is going towards the team to help us buy supplies and all of the things that we need throughout the season. I like going on the rides. I like the zipper, because I like going up and down."

The Travel Channel brought back its popular Man v. Food competition to the Strawberry Festival. Attendees were able to participate in eating competitions during each hour of the festival. The winners received t-shirts that read, "Man: 1, Food: 0" while the runner-ups took home shirts that said, "Man: 0, Food: 1." It was a great way for attendees to get free food as well as compete for a prize. A large crowd gathered around that stage each hour. However, it was not open on Friday, opening day of the festival.

The best place to get strawberry treats was the Myrtle Lodge #87. Attendees could purchase the works for $4, which included a strawberry shortcake with lots of ice cream and whipped cream on top. They also served strawberries with just ice cream or strawberries with just whipped cream. It was a great value when compared to some of the booths along Main Street.

"I've been coming ever since 1986," said Krystal Griffin, an attendee from Ypsilanti, Mich. "The first day is usually kind of slow, but it will get better. I like all of the food, I don't have a particular favorite. I don't go on the rides, I let the kids do that. Hopefully, it will be continued through the next few years again."

There were many art booths at the festival. Artists sold paintings, sculptures, lawn ornaments and signs, wine art pieces, stepping stones and much more. Many of the artists have been coming to the festival for many years while others displayed their works for the first time. Artists reported good sales over the three-day weekend, mainly due to the good weather.

The hours of the festival were shortened in 2011 for the first day, Friday. It opened at 4 p.m. and ran through 10 p.m. In previous years, the Strawberry Festival began at noon. The reason for the change is not clear, however it could be that most people are not off work until 5 p.m. on Friday. That gives all of the vendors and sponsors more time to set up their booths and get ready for the post-work crowds.

"I make wood yard art," said artist Christy Bartle of Livonia, Mich. who showed her works at the festival for the very first time. "Everything is made out of plywood then I paint it and seal it. One piece will probably take me two, three hours. I've been working a while. Prices range from $10 to $40 and everything in between. I just got started doing this in November. I think this is my sixth show, my first major three-day show. I'll be at the Farmington Founders Festival and after that the Allen Park Street Fair."

The Trinity Episcopal Church hosted a bakery, craft show and a restaurant during the festival. Creative bird houses, blankets, purses, doll clothes, paintings, kitchen towels and more were available for purchase. It was a popular spot for sloppy joes. In addition, the church offered free face painting for the kids.

The annual parade took place on Saturday at 11 a.m. The Cinnamon Father's Day Car Show occurred on Sunday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Strawberry Idol competition took place on Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Wyandotte Trolley provided shuttle rides on Saturday and Sunday of the festival.

"I am selling oil paintings and we have some soy candles," said artist Gail Gier from Hillsdale, Mich. "We've been doing it for about three years, but this is our first time here. My wood pieces it takes a little while longer because they are kiln-dryed and they have to be treated. My paintings and my saws are a little bit. My husband sandblasted all of the saws. It takes me a day or so to do a painting. All of my canvas paintings are $30. My hand saws run anywhere from $18 to $28. My wood pieces averages around $35-$40. I'm headed to Wauseon, Ohio at the Threshers Convention."

AmericaJR.com was proud sponsor of the 35th Annual Belleville National Strawberry Festival. We offered complete coverage of the festival including a preview story, a schedule of events and two videos with highlights and interviews.

For more information on the Belleville Strawberry Festival, visit www.nationalstrawberryfest.com.

Related Story: PREVIEW: 35th Annual Belleville Strawberry Festival returns, June 17 - 19

 

PHOTO BY JASON RZUCIDLO / AMERICAJR.com

A larger, expanded art fair at the 35th Annual Belleville Strawberry Festival.

 

PHOTO BY JASON RZUCIDLO / AMERICAJR.com

The Oscar Mayer Wienermobile made a stop at the festival and offered free samples of hot dogs.

 

PHOTO BY JASON RZUCIDLO / AMERICAJR.com

Local author Barbara Aimone "Grami B." signed autographs of her new book along Main Street.

 

PHOTO BY JASON RZUCIDLO / AMERICAJR.com

Making a strawberry shortcake at the Myrtle Lodge No. 87.

 

PHOTO BY JASON RZUCIDLO / AMERICAJR.com

Two girls made their way down the fun slide on Friday afternoon.

 

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