SHIRLEY — If you’re ready for a taste of something sweet this spring or just want to spend a few hours outside, the Shirley Strawberry Festival on Saturday, May 15, should be a breath of fresh air.
Visitors to the festival can stop by to enjoy fresh strawberries with ice cream and strawberry shortcake and stay for a day of live music and other entertainment.
The annual festival celebrating Indiana’s strawberry season, organized by the Shirley Community Visionaries organization and sponsored by the town government along with local businesses, is returning after a cancellation in 2020 due to COVID-19. Teresa Hester, the town manager in Shirley, said it’s set to be a triumphant return for the outdoor event.
“We’re all on track, and getting excited about it,” Hester said.
The event will be held in downtown Shirley near the Jane Ross Reeves Octagon House and will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission to the festival is free.
Live music performers will take the stage throughout the event. Music will start with the Sean Moore Band from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., followed by the Willow Branch Band from 1:30-2:30 p.m. and closing with John Gilmore and Rod Schindler from 2:45-4 p.m.
There will be a variety of other options for entertainment at the festival. Twenty-six local vendors will be on hand selling their wares. Shirley’s local police and fire departments will also be holding demonstrations of equipment.
Starting at 1 p.m., children’s entertainers at Silly Safaris will be on hand to introduce children to exotic animals. Both children and adults may also want to check out the gaming vehicle from Gamestar Mobile that will be on the scene, equipped with consoles that will let those in attendance try playing a variety of video games.
Hester also plans to show off the marked layout of a planned walking and biking trail between Shirley and Wilkinson, which will be funded by the Stellar Communities program.
“We’ve gotten a lot of support from the community,” Hester said. “We really missed having the festival… COVID has put a damper on all events not only for the county but for the state and the entire country.”
The historic Octagon House will be open for free tours, as well as serving lunches for a fee and accepting donations. Virginia Harrell, a member of the Octagon House board, said she’s anticipating a big turnout at this year’s event.
“People want to get out, because they’ve been in so long,” she said.
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What: Shirley Strawberry Festival
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 15
Admission: Free
What to expect: More than two dozen vendors will be set up for shopping. There will also be live music starting at 10:30 and running through the end of the festival. Tours of the historical Octagon House will be offered, and food will be available.
More information: www.townofshirley.com
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