TROY, Ohio — The Troy Strawberry Festival is returning after a two-year hiatus because of the pandemic.
Melody Gingerich and her grandson, Boston Fitzgerald, 3, are on the hunt for some strawberries at Fulton Farms in Troy.
“I’ve always liked to bring the grandkids out to teach them how stuff is grown and how we can pick stuff,” Gingerich said.
Picking strawberries is a family tradition for Gingerich; her daughter, Cassie Johnson; and her nieces, Shayla Fitzgerald, 8, and Emery Fitzgerald, 6.
“I’ve been coming to this strawberry patch since I was Boston’s age with my grandpa and my mom,” Johnson said. “So, bringing them to the strawberry patch is just carrying on family tradition.”
Fulton Farms Vice President Jim Fulton said right now, people have strawberry fever.
“During this time of the year, they have strawberries on their mind,” Fulton said. “They wanna see strawberries. We’re gonna do the best we can to get strawberries in their hands.”
The excitement Fulton is referring to is sparked by the return of a fan favorite The Troy Strawberry Festival. It hasn’t happened full scale for the last two years due to the pandemic. Strawberry Festival Entertainment Chair Tammy Walkup said that’s exactly why a lot of people are excited it’s coming back this weekend.
“People have been so tired of being cooped up in their houses from the lovely COVID pandemic,” Walkup said. “They’re ready to see some great bands and eat some great strawberries.”
Walkup said she’s excited to see people return to celebrate.
“I’m just looking forward to seeing all the smiles of all the people that have waited for two years to see the full festival in its entirety.”
Children compete in the Little Miss and Mr. Strawberry pageant each year. (Photo: The Troy Strawberry Festival)
As the excitement builds, so do the baskets of berries for families at Fulton Farms.
“It’s just something we’ve always done as a family this time of year is strawberry season,” Gingerich said.
The Troy Strawberry Festival runs from June 4-5 featuring more than 100 arts and crafts vendors and more than 60 food vendors along the banks of the Great Miami River in Downtown Troy. More information can be found here.
