Get ready to overindulge.
>> Insider's guide to Strawberry Fest: What to know before you go
Credit: Tom Gilliam
Credit: Tom Gilliam
1. Strawberry donuts: The most popular treat at the festival, the strawberry donuts are simply a must. You won't regret the long line you will surely have to stand in over at Troy Memorial Stadium (visitor's side) to get these goodies. Trust us, they are worth it. These donuts are perhaps one of the greatest Troy Strawberry Festival traditions. The donuts will be sold by the Troy Music Boosters for $10 a dozen and will help benefit Troy schools music programs.
>> Where to find a strawberry donut-inspired sundae this weekend
🍓🍓🍩🍩 It is Troy Strawberry Festival time and we finding about how those 👅 donuts are made. http://on.dayton.com/2rYRV4O
Posted by Dayton.com on Thursday, June 1, 2017
2. Homemade strawberry shortcake: These yummy treats will be sold at the Troy Senior Citizens Center, 133 N. Market St. Get your shortcake one of three ways: shortcake with a biscuit, angel food cake or a standard shortcake shell.
Credit: Tom Gilliam
Credit: Tom Gilliam
3. Strawberry salsa: Think of the flavor as sweet heat. The salsa is always a big-seller and will be sold by the Future Begins Today, which helps to offers scholarships to high school students.
4. Chocolate-covered strawberries: It's a classic combination that never gets old with festival-goers. Post 43 Troy American Legion Baseball will be selling them.
Credit: DaytonDailyNews
5. Strawberry cheesecake: This delicious, simple dessert available at the St. Patrick's booth is another festival favorite.
6. Strawberry lemon shakeups: These classic cool-down drinks (with a berry twist) will be available at the Troy Rotary Club booth.
Credit: DAVID MOODIE
Credit: DAVID MOODIE
7. Deep fried strawberries: Try the delicious berry after its been coated with light batter and deep fried until golden, served by All-American Missions.
8. Strawberry kettle corn: A strawberry twist to this festival classic will be sold by His Hands Extended Sanctuary.
9. Strawberry Philly cheese-steaks: Interested in trying this seemingly crazy combination? The Troy Recreation Association will be handing them out.
>> Your guide to festivals in 2019
Credit: Lisa Powell
Credit: Lisa Powell
10. Fresh berries: If you're simply craving plain strawberries, you can find those as well. The Newton Music Boosters will be selling fresh-picked strawberries from Fulton Farms.
>> PHOTOS: Troy Strawberry Festival 2018
GETTING THERE
Take the shuttles and bring plenty of cash (There will be 6 ATM machines available: four downtown and two on the levee, one on each end). Festival organizers prefer patrons take the free shuttles, as parking downtown will be few and far between. Shuttles, which will run continuously both days of the festival, transport from the following locations:
- WACO Field, 1865 S. County Road 25-A, Troy. Take I-75 to Exit 69 and follow the signs).
- The Miami County Fairgrounds, 650 N. County Road 25-A, Troy. Take I-75 to Exit 78 and follow the signs to the shuttles).
- Hobart Corp./ITW Food Equipment (handicap accessible parking, only handicap accessible pickup), 701 South Ridge Ave., Troy. Take I-75 to Exit 73 and follow the signs to the shuttles.
- Shuttles will also travel to and from the Troy Courthouse and Troy Memorial Stadium.
The shuttles are free and will drop off near the courthouse. Shuttle hours are 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Saturday and 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Sunday.
Credit: Tom Gilliam
Credit: Tom Gilliam
HOW TO FIND YOUR FAVORITE FOOD
With the festival split between downtown and the river levee, your best bet, if you can't find what you're looking for, is to stop by the information booth for a brochure or to ask for help. The festival's Facebook page and website also offer tips for making the most of your day.
Credit: Darion Brickell
Credit: Darion Brickell
BEYOND THE BERRIES
In an effort to become more handicap accessible, the festival will provide handicap parking and shuttle services from ITW/Hobart Headquarters on Ridge Ave. Interpreting will be provided free for many of the staged events by Community Services for the Deaf.
Expect traditional festival food and drink as well as the strawberry sensations. Sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, pork chops and any other festival food you can think of can be found.
There will also be live music throughout the weekend. Visit the festival website for information on who is playing and when.
Every food vendor represents a non-profit serving Miami County. Over 70 non-profits are represented this year. Most of the restaurants and businesses downtown will be open for business, so stop by and try something new. Many restaurants will offer special items in honor of the berry.
>> MORE: 4 reasons to visit Troy
WANT TO GO?
What: Troy Strawberry Festival
When: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, June 1; and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, June 2
Where: Troy downtown and Great Miami River levee Admission: Free. Parking, shuttle service available (watch for signs).
Festival location: Beautiful historic Downtown Troy and along the Great Miami River Levee, Troy.
Cost: Free to attend.
More info: 937-339-7714 or www.gostrawberries.com
Social media: Facebook Page | @troyberryfest on Twitter and Instagram | Share your photos using the hashtags #troyberryfest #tbf and #strawberrypalooza
About the Author