TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Terre Haute’s way of kicking off the summer took place Thursday with the annual Strawberry Festival.
Put on by First Congregational Church, the event took over downtown Terre Haute for the 38th annual year.
For just $10, people can purchase a ticket for “The Works.” That includes biscuits, topped with strawberries, ice cream, and whipped cream.
While enjoying that treat, there are tables with tents and live music.
Gwen Hicks is a co-chair of the festival. She said the event was almost cancelled, but residents are sure glad it continued.
“It’s just an annual event and we just feel that it means so much to so many”, Hicks said. “Today, I’ve had so many people tell me that they’re so glad we’re back and that we didn’t cancel. It just means so much for me to be here this summer.”
The event had been cancelled this year until Chances and Services for Youth, or CASY, stepped up to help out.
CASY’s Chief Operating Officer, Brandon Halleck, said they provided some much-needed financial support and helping hands for the day.
“When they made the announcement that they weren’t going to have it after 37 years, we kind of sat back and thought how can we let this happen when it’s such a staple in our community”, Halleck said. “Everybody looks forward to the strawberry festival, it kind of kicks off summer for us. As an agency, we were kind of kicking around the idea then made a couple of phone calls to the church and now we’re here today.”
The festival took place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., where Hicks said a huge crowd had been enjoying the weather and treats all day.
