Saturday, May 26 marked another Strawberry Festival. The location was Davidsonville United Methodist Church, and the festival ran from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The weather was sunny and warm–the weather of strawberries and summer. What better way to celebrate summer than at the Strawberry Festival?

The church dedicated most of their parking lot to the vendors set up in tents, who sold everything from wooden pens to jewelry to pillowcase dresses to pottery. Thirty-One was also there, including Mary Kay, Tastefully Simple, Murano Glass, Scentsy, and others.

Food wise, the Strawberry Festival featured funnel cakes, cinnamon buns, and of course, plenty of strawberries. The baked goods table stretched about 20 feet long and was full of tempting desserts. The smiling ladies behind the table sold cartons of strawberries, mini cheesecakes topped with strawberries, chocolate covered strawberries, glazed strawberries with granola, and strawberry shortcakes. Most of the small treats, like the mini cheesecakes, were only 50 cents. The tiny size and inexpensive cost made it easy to sample all kinds of goodies–a clever trick by the hosts! The larger treats were a few dollars. There was also a table that displayed strawberry daiquiris, which offered respite from the heat and were oh-so delicious.

Because the festival ran through lunchtime, the church stationed their barbeque team, “The Tongues of Fire,” there to prepare BBQ pork, chicken, and beef for hungry guests. Of course, the smell alone made everyone ravenous for smoky meat bathed in spicy sauce. The prices were reasonable too, especially considering platters came with meat and sides like cole slaw and baked beans. Naturally, the friend I went with resolved to consume as much meat as possible. He ordered a platter with chicken, pork, and beef with sides for $14 and ate the whole thing. And apparently the sauce stains around the corners of his mouth made the experience all the more manly.

But I wasn’t in it for the meat; I wanted strawberries! I dipped into my meter parking fund and bought a mini cheesecake topped with a strawberry. The custard part was smooth and velvety, and was only enhanced by the sweet tang of the strawberry. It was the best 50 cents I’ve spent in a while.

To accompany the food, merchandise, and strawberries, the Strawberry Festival featured live entertainment. Singers and smiling musicians played hymns and upbeat church tunes for the crowd below, who watched from rows of seats.

Overall, the BBQ, strawberry treats, music, and vendors made the Strawberry Festival a success. Thanks to Mt. Airy Farms, who donated the strawberries, and Davidsonville United Methodist Church, who hosted the event, kids and adults alike could finally welcome warm weather and the prospect of juicy produce all summer long.

Couldn’t make it to the Strawberry Festival? Purchase your produce from Mt. Airy Farms and make your own mini strawberry cheesecakes!