Strawberry Festival

In 1976 a local farmer came up with the idea for a festival that would promote the local strawberry crops. The local farmer then approached the local area community leaders with this idea, and they absolutely loved it! Thanks to the assistance of the Belleville Chamber of Commerce, local strawberry farmers, and the local church, Anthony's Catholic Church, a local farmers' idea was turned into reality, and the Belleville National Strawberry Festival was born that very same year! The strawberry festival has raised funds for over 40 community service programs and organizations. The festival takes place over the course of 3 days, falling on a Friday, Saturday and Sunday. For these three days every year, the Belleville National Strawberry Festival completely transforms the city of Belleville into “Strawberry Fields Forever”; some patrons refer to it as a strawberry wonderland. This festival offers so much, down from every delicious strawberry treat you could ever think of to the free entertainment, attractions, and numerous events that take place over the course of the festival. The events that take place over the course of three days appeal not only to the young but to the young at heart. It is an attraction to people of all ages, and it is the perfect place to be if you're looking to have a berry good time!

The Belleville National Strawberry Festival has a few locations throughout Belleville, the first at the Trinity Episcopal Church. Trinity is the largest and has the most to offer the festival throughout the different locations. Trinity features a large indoor and outdoor craft fair with many delicious strawberry treats! Craft booths are located inside the parish hall and outside on the lawns, surrounded by a beautiful environment of trees, flowers, and, of course, green grass. While browsing through different craft vendors, patrons are drawn by the delicious smell of sloppy joes coming from the restaurant. One day is entirely devoted to making 200 sloppy joes. Here at this restaurant, patrons can feast on sloppy joes and strawberry shortcakes, which are baked fresh each and every day. You can also feast on ice cream sundaes topped with fresh strawberries or a choice of hot fudge, pieces of strawberry pie, or made-from-scratch cheesecake pieces. There are also many other delectable entrees and desserts that you can enjoy! On Saturday and Sunday, patrons, while enjoying their meals, will be able to enjoy free entertainment. Patrons can also stop into the strawberry bakery, which offers homemade strawberry pies, cheesecakes, jam, muffins, tarts, and strawberry bread. Trinity volunteers prepare all of these delicious baked goods. These volunteers prepare 200 pounds of sloppy joes, pie crust, and rolling pies to make 350 strawberry pies, prepare cheesecakes, and bake over 1,000 fresh and homemade strawberry shortcakes. Strawberry freezer jam, however, is made by a very talented group of women who have been making the freezer jam for years and years. Over 1,500 pounds of delicious, luscious red berries will be served over the three-day course of the festival. Trinity Episcopal Church takes one-half of its festival proceeds and contributes those proceeds to parish outreach projects. Trinity Church has been involved in the Belleville Strawberry Festival for 30 years! Trinity is excited and looking forward to meeting the thousands of patrons who come by during the berry weekend!