Strawberry Festival features surprises

Kody Harris (left)and Victoria Durward enjoy delicious strawberries over the weekend at the LaSalle Strawberry Festival.

It’s been 37 years since LaSalle opened the gates to the Strawberry Festival and it’s getting better each year and with more surprises.

Making an appearance and making the rounds throughout the annual four-day event was FEO, the stuffed, loveable cow.

“He is the mascot of Festivals and Events Ontario (FEO). He’s been in Clearwater Township the past couple of years. At the conference in February LaSalle was selected for him to come to all of our events,” explained LaSalle supervisor of recreation Jordyn Rafuse.

From Thursday to Sunday visitors came to the Vollmer Centre to experience the thrill of the mid-way rides from Robertson Amusements, enjoy some great food, and listen and see top-notch music and entertainers.

This year the festival was laid out a bit differently and those who wandered through Strawberry Lane and Berry Blvd probably noticed it was a little easier to get around.

“We noticed last year it was a bit difficult for people to get through, so we made it more accessible and gave them space,” said Rafuse.

A big part of the local festival continues to be the musical acts, and this year certainly did not disappoint. On Thursday, it was Fresh Breath and Adam Butcher followed up the next night with Mathew Holtby, Rebekah  Stevens and Essex County’s Slim Pickerel Band.

Saturday had a well-attended parade down Front Road and then Petals of Gold hit the stage followed by Molly Ferdinand, Chris Bolister and headliner Jody Raffoul from Leamington.

“I think it is great to have local musicians. It brings in local vendors,” said Rafuse.

Entertainer Kobbler Jay was part of Thursday night’s opening ceremonies under the big main tent and he was very visible throughout the weekend.

The River Town Times caught up with the world-traveler just before his show Sunday and he is a big crowd pleaser.

“It’s been 21 years now that I have been doing this. I’ve always been an entertainer ever since I was a kid.”

Prior to his show, Jay walked effortlessly around the festival grounds, bending down to talk to young visitors and even juggling while on stilts.

“I try and make people anxious. What makes me different is the improv stuff, It’s not scripted. Not a lot of entertainers can do that.”

Throw 2 Catch brought their unique brand of circus-style fun to the festival and once again, for the 37th year, there were lots of delicious strawberries.

Strawberry Festival features surprises

By Fred Groves