Thank You Berry Much!

The 2024 festival was a great success – with no rain and absolutely perfect temperatures. A record crowd participated in the 5k Run and Seedling scamper – great fun for all! Carnival rides by McGinnis Amusements kept the midway bouncing and the traditional fireman’s parade was grand as usual! A variety of live music, local and vendor food, contests and more made for a fantastic three days of strawberry fun! Thank you to all our sponsors, vendors and attendees who make this festival a success. We are hoping to see you at the 19th Annual Strawberry Festival in downtown Bolivar 2025 –  June of 2025!

Bands and beer in the adult tent
Bolivar Idol
Queen Pageant
Miss Berry Princess Pageant
Little Miss Shortcake Pageant
Bolivar Plate Auction
Strawberry Eating Contest
Carnival Rides
Food and drink concessions
Vendors and crafters
Firemen’s Parade
Seedling Scamper/5k Run
STRAWBERRIES!

 From 1974-1980 our little village of Bolivar held a Strawberry Festival downtown on Canal Street (then Central Avenue). The town merchants sponsored this event which, according to the local newspaper, brought in approximately 40,000 people at its highest point.

The Festival started with a Queen’s Ball on Friday night. Each year would bring a new Strawberry Festival Queen at the end of the ball. Queens must be nominated and be at least 65 years old.
The Strawberry Festival resumed bright and early Sunday mornings with a Raft Race on the Tuscarawas River. The race finished at the Route 212 Bridge in Wilkshire Hills. The Strawberry Festival continued downtown on Central Avenue with crafters, entertainment, dancing, a parade, a strawberry eating contest, and lots of food.

In 2005, Richard LeBold revived both the Bolivar Main Street Assoc. and the Bolivar Strawberry Festival to its current status on Father’s Day weekend in June. Since then we’ve brought back the Queen’s contest and the Strawberry eating contest. Additionally, each year we offer new events along with lots of yummy strawberry treats. Area businesses and clubs also provide different types of food and activities.

Rides, entertainment, a brew tent, and crafters round out the festival. A Little Miss Shortcake Pageant for 4-6 year old girls and a Miss Berry Princess for 7-9 year old girls as well as a 5-K Run and a Fireman’s Parade tops off the festival to make it a “Berry” great experience for the whole family.

Each year brings something new to the festival… you never know what will be added next. Come join us and see for yourself!

Special Thanks to our 2024 Corporate Sponsors
• Eleet Cryogenics
• Bell Stores/Marathon
• Harris Battery
• Lebold/Smith Funeral Home
• Slick31
• Wallace and Associates Insurance
• Massillon Materials
• Willandale Golf Cart and Sales
• Bolivar Fire Department
• Village of Bolivar
• Bolivar Main Street
• Lockport Brewery
• Graef Family/Empire Reality​

• General Insurance Adjusting, LLC
• Canal Street Diner
• Chempure
• Addicts at the Cross
• Bolivar Lions Club
• Bolivar Army/Navy
• Mary Locy – Howard Hanna
• Towpath Tavern Bolivar
• Commercial & Savings Bank
• SSB Community Bank
• Tow Path Realty
• Aultman Orville Bolivar Center
• Apex Herbals, LLC

Thank You to Our Blossom and Seedling Sponsors
• McDonalds – G.A. Cecchini Ventures, Inc.
• Kimble
• USA Labels
• Towpath Rotary
• Tuscarawas Valley School District
• Babik, LLC
• Sarchione Ford
• Cassie’s Candies & Creations