The N.C. Strawberry Festival in Chadbourn is back on track after two years. The first activities start this weekend, with the big events coming next week.
After a two-year hiatus due to Covid, the North Carolina Strawberry Festival in Chadbourn is back and promises to be a showstopper.
The Strawberry Wine Social is Saturday from 5-9 p.m. Stan James Gregory will provide live music at this new part of the event. Gregory is a singer, songwriter, musician and artist from Myrtle Beach, but his roots are in Nashville.
The social will feature both adult and non-alcoholic drinks, as well as food and a casual atmosphere. Tickets are $30 per person. The social will be held at Brown Street Station.
The big weekend kicks off with the annual chicken bog fundraiser on Thursday, May 5, at 5 p.m. Dine in for a good cause while being entertained by Columbus County’s own Dustin Chapman and America Idol contestant Ryleigh Madison on the main stage. Stay for the opening ceremonies at 7 p.m., and listen to the musical stylings of Gary Lowder and the Smokin’ Hot.
Chicken bog blates will be $7 each and will be served throughout the evening. Strawberry shortcake will also be available for purchase. 50/50 raffle tickets will be up for grabs, and the winner will be announced at 9 p.m. Be sure to stick around for the drawing. Prizes must be claimed while at the event.
On Friday, May 6, R&D Amusements will be at the Brown Street event field. The mini fair will feature rides, food, and games for folks of all ages and will be open from 5- 9 p.m.
The Strawberry Encounters will also be happening that evening from 6-9 p.m. This event will feature food, entertainment, and berry fellowship at the Chadbourn Pentecostal Holiness Church Family Life Center. The cost is $30, and tickets must be purchased in advance. Get yours today by dropping by United Bank or Worthington Funeral Home.
Saturday, May 7, is Strawberry Day. Registration for professional arts, crafts, and food vendors will be from 7:30-9:00 a.m. Registration forms can be found on the festival website. This year’s good eats will feature Mediterranean style cuisine, blooming onions, funnel cakes, pizza, subs, BBQ, and old-fashioned hot dogs and hamburgers. Crafters from all over will bring candles, jewelry, handcrafted woodwork, handmade glassware, and art for the public to purchase.
Gardeners can also enter their berries to be judged in the Strawberry Quality contest from 8 – 10 a.m. that morning. Those interested showing off the fruits of their labor can contact Densil Worthington at 910.654.3518.
If you can’t garden but have a knack for cooking, then the Food Products contest may be for you. The competition will be divided into adult and youth categories, and strawberry themed foods for judging can include breakfast foods, breads, cooked and uncooked syrups, preserves, sauces, jelly and jam. Cakes, pies, tarts, ice cream, and other desserts are also acceptable.
Recipes are to be written on 5×8-inch index cards and left with the dish. The correct ingredients and method for preparing should be listed. The recipes become the property of the Chadbourn Extension and Community Association. Entries will be received between 8:30-10 a.m. Judges will make their decisions from 10 – 11 a.m. The event will be held at the Chadbourn Methodist Church fellowship hall. For more information and contest rules, call Barbara Larrimore at 910.654.4540.
If you have a love of cars, then you’re in luck.
The inaugural Brotherhood Racing Foundation car show will take place during the festival on Strawberry Boulevard from 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. The cost to enter is $25 per car, and prizes will be awarded for the top three in each category. All proceeds for the event will go to the organization.
In 2017, Myrtle Beach Speedway racer Terry Evans was critically injured in an accident on his way home from practicing for a race at the track. He ultimately succumbed to his injuries. As a result, the Racing Brotherhood Foundation was established.
The foundation now looks to assist members of the racing community with needs in their lives. The foundation helps racing family members with burial costs, hospital bills, aids children with scholarships, and so much more.
Just when you think all the events are over, at 2 p.m. the real fun begins with the Strawberry Parade.
Come out and see the beauty queens, the Shriner go-carts and clowns, and the ever-popular giant shopping cart. If you would like to participate in the parade, it’s not too late to enter your float or vehicle. Those interested are asked to contact Danny Long at 910.654.5244.
Brown Street Station will wrap up the evening with the Michael Winslow Comedy Show.
Winslow is famous for his role in the Police Academy movies, and still continues to entertain with his unique voice talents. Tickets are being sold in advance, and the cost is $25 per person or $150 per table. Go to www.brownstreetstation.com to reserve your seat.
There is so much to see and do during North Carolina’s oldest running agricultural festival. For a full schedule of times, events, and entry forms for the North Carolina Strawberry Festival in Chadbourn, visit http://ncstrawberryfestival.com.
