In the middle of July, Chassell’s town livens up with hundreds of people volunteering before the festival even begins. The strawberry festival officially starts on July 11th. But this evening, some of the hard work started with families and Chassell Lions cutting strawberries for shortcakes.
The work to plan any festival takes a full year. But for the Copper Country Strawberry Festival, the dedication to bringing the sweet event to the community takes a few extra steps. Starting in the strawberry fields, five of the region’s berry farms still grow delicious fruit.
Seems like it’s been an exceptional berry year. We’ve had a lot of rain. Typically, it’s a little bit drier. Some of the farms have irrigation, some don’t. I’m whining that it’s too dry. I’m not whining right now because we’ve had 10 inches of rain in the last month. So far, so good.– Dan Crane, Secretary, Chassell Lions Club
During the past few days, berry farms have harvested thousands of berries. For the shortcake alone, the Chassell Lions will use more than 1500 quarts of berries.
We brought about 200 quarts from our farm. One of the farms brought 100 flats, which is 800 quarts. So it varies depending on how large the farms are and how many plants they plant every year. So it varies, but we get enough support from all the farms. Try to get everybody involved. – Dan Crane, secretary, Chassell Lions Club
Lions’ member Erica Bates’s aunt and uncle own a berry farm. Since she was a kid, she has helped cut berries for shortcakes and enjoyed making memories under the pavilion.
I get to see my family and hang out with a whole bunch of community members. I mean, it’s just fun. Just gab with people. It’s just a great community that’s here. – Erica Bates, general member, Chassell Lions Club
Friday starts with a craft and artisan fair in Centennial Park in the morning. And Saturday, US-41/Wilson Memorial Drive will be filled with families enjoying the annual strawberry parade.
The children’s parade tomorrow is a fun event where kids get all dressed up and participate. I think there’s something for everybody here, with vendors, food, activities, and music. – Erica Bates, general member, Chassell Lions Club.
We’ve got a queen pageant going on tomorrow night. There’s live music. On Saturday, there is a big parade in town at 11 a.m. And then we’re serving shortcake all day, both days. The Chassell sports boosters are serving hot dogs, brats, and food. We’re going to have a food court here, so there will be options for people to eat. So lots of fun. – Dan Crane, secretary, Chassell Lions Club
Activities inside Centennial Park will begin at 9 am on Friday and Saturday. The strawberry queen crowning and the strawberry auction will begin at 7 pm Friday. The parade on Saturday will begin at 11:00 a.m. All proceeds raised during the strawberry festival support Chassell Lions’ scholarships, grants, and programs throughout the year.
Learn more about the 77th annual Copper Country Strawberry Festival here.
