Email
Print
Feed
Belleville National Strawberry Festival
The Father's Day weekend southeast Michigan tradition returns June 15-17, 2012 with tigers, crafts and, of course, berries galore for kids and crew
Tigers and berries and rides – oh my! Check all of that, and more, at The Belleville National Strawberry Festival, happening June 15-17, 2012.
For its 36th year, the festivities will take place at five different locations throughout Belleville, and times vary depending on location. Park your car at the Meijer on Belleville Road and hop onto the free trolley that goes to and from festival locations. The trolley runs 2-10 p.m. Saturday and noon-7 p.m. Sunday.
New this year to the festival is the White Tiger Discovery Exhibit that has been seen on Animal Planet, Late Night with David Letterman and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. This entertaining and educational exhibit gives young ones the chance to see rare adult Royal White Tigers up-close. Also new for this year: Steve Kostan, from classic rock station 94.7 WCSX, will be broadcasting live from the festival on Saturday from 6 to 10 p.m.
Strawberry treats, 200 pounds of sloppy joes and a large indoor and outdoor craft fair with over 60 vendors will take place at Trinity Episcopal Church on Belleville Road. Satisfy your sweet tooth with fresh strawberry shortcake, strawberry pie or strawberry cheesecake. Kids also can get their face painted at this location, open 4-9 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday – and half of the proceeds here will be donated to charities like the Detroit Soup Kitchen and Habitat for Humanity.
How about a different ethnic themed dinner each night? That's what you'll find at St. Anthony's Church on West Columbia Avenue – open 4-11 p.m. Friday, noon-11 p.m. Saturday and noon-8 p.m. Sunday. There's also a beer tent with live entertainment, along with free parking, at this location.
Meanwhile, Belleville Presbyterian Church will host crafts, food and entertainment – as well as a tour of the chapel, which is one of seven that was built by Henry and Clara Ford. The downtown area will be teeming with crafts, food and entertainment on three different stages too.
And, of course, don't miss the carnival rides and games!
There's more to this festival than just strawberries, and it will keep your family busy all weekend long. Check out the Metro Parent listing for more information on the 2012 National Strawberry Festival in Belleville.
