The 53rd annual Strawberry Festival kicks off this weekend with the “Sweet Sounds of Comedy” on display and Goofy as the theme grand marshal. Admission is always free.
Sister and brother actors Raini and Rico Rodriguez are the parade’s grand marshals. Raini is starring in the recently-released Disney movie “Prom.” Rico is a regular on ABC’s “Modern Family.”
The parade is Saturday at 10 a.m. and includes several more celebrities like Miss Garden Grove Leah Cecil, Anneliese van der Pol from “That’s So Raven” and “Vampires Suck” and Snoopy. Visitors can meet these celebrities and more during the VIP Breakfast on Saturday from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at the Community Meeting Center. A breakfast of eggs, pancakes, ham, sausage, and bacon is $5.
Many local bands will also take their talents to the Festival. Saturday afternoon features music from Southland Mega Groove and 3rd Degree Blues Band. On Sunday Full Spectrum, The Guardettes and Cougrzz will take the stage with The Dreams closing out the festival on Monday.
Of course the Strawberry Festival wouldn’t be complete without an abundance of carnival rides. There are 35 at the Festival, including several just for children.
Rides not your thing? Festival goers can also sample and enjoy strawberry-based foods like strawberry shortcake and strawberry sundaes as well as traditional carnival foods like corn dogs, cotton candy and funnel cake.
Several contests for both children and adults will also be held throughout the weekend. The Tiny Tots King and Queen contest for kids 3 to 6-years-old is Friday at 4 p.m. Also on Friday is the Ooey Gooey Pie in the face contest at 7:15 p.m.
The Strawberry Idol Karaoke Contest is Saturday at 7:30 p.m. The Berry, Berry Beautiful Baby Pageant for children three months to three years is Sunday at 11 a.m..
Finally, the Redhead Roundup is Monday at noon.
The Festival is held at the Village Green, between Euclid and Main streets.
