The annual United Methodist Church Women's Strawberry Festival came through with another sweet turnout Saturday for the United Methodist Women of the Boca Grande United Methodist Church.
Luscious strawberry shortcakes and sizzling brats fortified the crowd for browsing the Bargain Sale, Bake Sale and Boutique Shoppe. The breezy, sunny and warm island day was perfect for the event.
The United Methodist Church Women's Strawberry Festival was held for the eighth consecutive year at the Crowninshield House on Second and Railroad.
Article Photos
The star of the show that is the Strawberry Festival.
The outdoor men's grill and auction tent offered art, furniture, boat trips, fishing guides and a weekend at a private retreat for bid.
The Strawberry Festival raises funding for the children's acting program, Community Center children's programs, the Boca Grande Child Care Center and the Children's Room at the Fust Library as well as others off-island listed below.
Some slight adjustments were made this year to the Strawberry Festival. The bake sale featured favorite recipes and goodies of all flavors instead of exclusively strawberry recipes, said Blanche Johnson.
Fact Box
To Go
What: 2013 Strawberry Festival
Who: Ladies of the Boca Grande United Methodist Church
When: 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 2
Where: Crowninshield House and Boca Grande Community center grounds
For more info: Call Blanche Johnson, 964-0697
Strawberry Fest leaders
Co-Chairs: Sara Moll, Beth Paxton, Kathi Hustedt
Treasurer: Barbara Greene
Strawberry Shortcake: Kay Billman, Jan Myers, Judy Sandbo
Bake sale: Bebe Wesselman
Bargain Sale: Dian Klepser, Jane Caple
Boutique: Nancy Lyons
Community Outreach: Marilyn Witt
Dazzling Digs: Marjorie Moore, Judy Thomas
Furniture: Lindy Hustedt, Richard Klepser
Grilled Food and Drinks: Ed Paxton
Publicity: Blanche Johnson
Set-up/Tear-down: Curt Moll/Martin Lyons
Silent Auction: Gloria Mitchell, Madelaine McCrady
Volunteer Coordinators: Candy Rost, Joan Senior
The "Dazzling Dig" for jewelry buried in sand returned for a second year, and dozens of valuable items were offered to bidders at the popular silent auction.
Proceeds benefit the following charities, a reduction from 21 a year ago:
2012 Strawberry Festival charities
ON ISLAND
Boca Grande United Methodist Church Youth Programs
Boca Grande Child Care Center
Boca Grande Samaritan Fund
Friends of the Community Center children's programs
NEIGHBORING COMMUNITIES
Arcadia After School Program
Children First
For the Love of Kids in Port Charlotte
Grace Place Mission for Children and Families
Kids Needs of Greater Englewood
INTERNATIONAL
Dominican Republic - Los Rieles
ECHO in Fort Myers
Hope for Haitians
Hope International
Living Compassion
