The Berries, Bluegrass and BBQ festival is Anderson's celebration of the local heritage of the strawberry industry.
During the early to mid 20th century, the area was known as "the strawberry capital of the world," because fruit growers from in and around Anderson shipped more strawberries and fruit out of the area than any other place in the world.
This is the festival's sixth year and it is rapidly developing into one of the most popular events in the area with abundant fresh strawberries, funky bluegrass and delicious BBQ available all day on Saturday, June 2.
- - - -
Activities kickoff (or run) at 8 p.m. on Friday, June 1, with the Berry Glow 5k Night Run.
This family-friendly event features a night-time 5k run and walk in which participants are encouraged to wear all kinds of glow-in-the-dark items. From glow sticks to bracelets to necklaces -- if it glows, wear it!
Participants will run the dark streets of Anderson, starting at City Hall, with their best glow wear. The first 75 entrants earn a free T-shirt, goody bag and two glow sticks. All money raised goes to support the Anderson Playground Project, which is an effort to provide new playground equipment to the parks in Anderson.
Registration fee is $20 prior to event day and $25 the day of the event. Applications may be picked up at Anderson City Hall, Rags to Riches Flea Market or Farmer's Insurance.
- - - -
Vendors offering a selection of food, retail items, arts and crafts will open for business in Town Hole at 8 a.m.
- - - -
Notably, quick donut eaters have a chance at bragging rights during the Donut Eating Contest at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 2, at Poppy's Daylight Donuts on Main Street in Anderson.
There are three age groups -- 6 years and younger, 7 to 12, and 13 and older. Winners earn a T-shirt, trophy and a plaque declaring them the fastest donut eater in town. An entry fee of $5 is required for participants ages 6 years and younger, and $10 for participants ages 7 years and older.
Applications can be picked up at Poppy's or Rags to Riches Flea Market. Forms can also be downloaded and printed from andersonbetterment.org.
- - - -
Miss and Little Miss Strawberry pageants will take place, beginning at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 2, at Town Hole Park in Anderson.
Girls from 0 to 13 years of age are welcome to enter. There will be four age group divisions -- 0-2, 3-5, 6-8 and 9-13 -- with contestants being judged on poise, audience appeal, overall appearance and verbal response (for contestants 3 years and older). Cost is $10 per contestant.
Applications can be picked up at Rags to Riches Flea Market or Shagadelix Hair Salon. Forms can also be downloaded and printed from andersonbetterment.org. For more information on the pageant, contact pageant director Mackenzie Mathews at 417-342-4902.
The pageant will be held outside. Contestants should arrive by 9:30 a.m. dressed in pageant attire and appropriate for their age in either their "Sunday best" or in a dress with a strawberry theme.
Pageant winners will be invited to participate in the McDonald County Homecoming Parade and the Winterfest Parade.
- - - - -
Beginning at noon, guests will enjoy performances from seven of the best bluegrass bands from across the region.
Greenland Station takes the stage first, followed by The Flyin's Buzzards, The Finley River Boys, Possum Trot, Roving Gamblers and Borderline Bluegrass. Southern Tradition will play guests out.
Entertainment will jam until 7 p.m.
- - - -
For more information or questions about the Berries, Bluegrass and BBQ Festival, please contact Ken Schutten at 417-845-6939 or Gary Wasson at 417-223-4896.
Community on 05/31/2018