36th-annual Baldwin County Strawberry Festival is set to bring sweet treats and lively entertainment to Loxley Municipal Park on April 12-13.
The two-day festival, a cherished tradition since …
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36th-annual Baldwin County Strawberry Festival is set to bring sweet treats and lively entertainment to Loxley Municipal Park on April 12-13.
The two-day festival, a cherished tradition since 1987, offers family-friendly fun while raising funds for local causes.
The festival runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. Admission and entertainment are free, but food, carnival rides and other activities vary in price. A free shuttle service will run continuously throughout the festival, transporting visitors from the Baldwin County Board of Education Building at 1901 B Avenue directly to the park.
Proceeds from the event benefit two local organizations: Loxley Elementary School and the ARC Baldwin County, which supports individuals with developmental disabilities. Each year, the festival raises more than $48,000 for these causes.
The festival began as a collaboration between Loxley Elementary and the ARC in 1987. Originally held downtown, it moved to the more spacious municipal park in 1999, allowing it to expand into a two-day event with more attractions.
Festivalgoers can enjoy fresh strawberry shortcake, along with other fair favorites like funnel cakes and roasted corn. The festival features more than 180 arts and crafts exhibitors, a dozen food vendors and live music performances throughout the weekend.
10 a.m.-noon: Brandie Spradley
Noon-3 p.m.: Mario and the Marvelous
3-5 p.m.: Wes Loper Duo
10 a.m.-noon: Brandie Spradley
Noon-2:30 p.m.: Hip Pocket
2:30-5 p.m.: Gretch and The Modern Eldorados
The festival's popular car show will be held both days on the north side of the Loxley Civic Center. Car enthusiasts can check out vintage and modern vehicles, with judging classes ranging from pre-war models to present-day cars.
Car show schedule:
Registration: 8 a.m.
Show hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Trophy presentation: 3:30 p.m.
Registration: 9 a.m.
Show hours: 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Trophy presentation: 3 p.m.
Trophies will be awarded each day for Best of Show, Best Paint, Best Engine Bay, Best Body and Best Interior.
The festival's carnival will offer rides and classic midway games, such as ring toss and balloon pop, with prizes ranging from stuffed animals to goldfish. Ride tickets will be available for purchase on-site.
While pets are discouraged due to large crowds, those in attendance must remain on a leash or in a kennel, and owners are responsible for their behavior and cleanup.
While many have already signed up, volunteers are still needed for the event. Those interested can sign up on the festival's website to support the festival's fundraising efforts.
For more details, visit www.baldwincountystrawberryfestival.org.
