Strawberry shortcake to take center stage at festival May 23

The strawberry shortcake will be king when the Happy Valley Strawberry Festival commences Saturday, May 23 at the Happy Valley Elementary School at 17480 Palm Ave. in Happy Valley. Aside from the $6 portions of strawberry shortcake with ice cream, the event boasts barbershop quartets, a magician, horse and train rides, classic cars on show, bluegrass music, Belles and Beaus, and over 60 vendors.

The festival runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with strawberries served from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Grilled tri-tip will be served later in the day.

Also on the bill is a pancake breakfast at 7 a.m. The event boasts free admission and free off-street parking.

The event boasts a stage with amplified sound this year for the entertainment, and the final schedule is still being prepared - not that attendees have to be at the stage for a good time.

"Half of the entertainment moves around, so it comes to you," treasurer of Happy Valley Community Foundation Gary Jackson said.

The foundation, which funds the festival, ordered enough strawberries for 5,000 people.

"We use so many, we can't rely on local growers," Jackson said.

Approximately 60 volunteers last year including a variety of Happy Valley agencies.

Started as the Strawberry Social in the early 1800s. Then it started to honor World War I vets after the war, Jackson said.

Proceeds from the festival go toward next year's festival and for funding events that enrich Happy Valley schools.

The rain date for the event would be May 30.

Advance tickets for strawberry shortcake can be purchased from Country Market, Valley Market, Happy Stop, Discount Feed and H.V. Elementary and Primary Schools, all in Happy Valley.

For more information, 357-7449.