5 insider tips (including parking) if you’re going to the Troy Strawberry Festival

It’s strawberry time!

Always held the first weekend in June, the Troy Strawberry Festival marks the beginning of the region's summer food fests, and it's a biggie, with approximately 175,000 attendees. This is the 43rd year of the festival, and the theme is "A Berry WACO Weekend."

>> RELATED: 25 festivals every Daytonian should experience

Here are 5 things to know before you go:

Thousands of strawberry enthusiasts lined the streets of Troy last weekend to take in the sights, sounds and tastes of the 2015 Troy Strawberry Festival on June 6 and 7.

Credit: Darion Brickell

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Credit: Darion Brickell

1. 200 total vendors will be selling all sorts of goodies. You'll find strawberry pie, of course, as well as shortcake, Philly cheesesteaks, cheesecake, brats, smoothies and chocolate-covered strawberries. But that's only the beginning, so bring lots of cash. Booths will be located both downtown around the Public Square (be sure to check out the "strawberry fountain") and on the river levee just a short walk down the Market Street bridge.

STEVE BAKER/STAFF

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2. Strawberry donuts are the most popular item. Made by the Troy Music Boosters, the donuts are always a hot-seller at $10 a dozen. If you want donuts, go early and stock up (they typically sell out Sunday afternoon. Hint hint: they freeze well. The donuts will be sold on the visitors side of Troy Memorial Stadium, located near the river levee. Grab a festival map at the info booths.

🍓🍓🍩🍩 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
Strawberry donuts. Strawberry shortcake. Chocolate covered berries. All of these sweet treats are part of the charm of the annual Troy Strawberry Festival in downtown Troy. Here is who we spotted on Saturday, June 2, 2018. PHOTOS BY DAVID MOODIE, CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Credit: DAVID MOODIE

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Credit: DAVID MOODIE

3. There will be more than strawberries to eat. Burgers, hot dogs, barbecue chicken and sandwiches will all be on the menu. Any typical festival food you can think of, you can probably find it.

“The most popular non-strawberry items are probably our Black Jack Grill pork chops and Shannon’s Sweet Tea,” said Event Manager Kailey Pour.

The food booths at the festival are run by or in partnership with non-profits throughout Troy, so by eating these treats you are also supporting community groups.

Thousands of strawberry enthusiasts lined the streets of Troy last weekend to take in the sights, sounds and tastes of the 2015 Troy Strawberry Festival on June 6 and 7.

Credit: Darion Brickell

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Credit: Darion Brickell

4. You'll find plenty of non-food items for sale. If you love crafts and handmade goods, you will find TONS of booths with indoor and outdoor home decor, clothing for adults, children and even dolls, things for pets, candles and so much more.

5. Parking. If figuring out parking stresses you out, fear not. Festival organizers prefer patrons take the free shuttles. 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.

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

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