Strawberry Daze this weekend

By SHEILA SELMAN
sheila.selman@goshennews.com

June 19, 2008 10:15 am

— LIGONIER, Ind. — In the hopes of drawing more artists of all genres to downtown Ligonier, a new festival has been born. Although it has a familiar taste to it.
Strawberry Daze kicks off Friday and will continue through Sunday. Joining in the celebration will be the Ligonier Public Library, which is also having a celebration marking its 100th year of service to the community.
Organizers Gary and Sherry Clemons, owners of Parties N’ More in downtown Ligonier, are part of Future Ligonier Alliance. The Alliance is a group of concerned residents who are working to improve the city.
The Clemonses said that the basic concept of the festival is to clean up the downtown and give it some culture.
And the theme of the festival — strawberries — harkens back to a former Labor Day festival, Strawberry Valley Days. Today that festival is known as the Marshmallow Festival.
“With all the other positive things going on with our community now,” Gary said, a festival drawing culture to the downtown seemed in order.
Artists have been invited to show and sell their works along downtown sidewalks. Gary said these are artists of various mediums and genres — painters, crafters and musicians.
“We will find a place for people,” Gary said.
Those who are interested in setting up a booth downtown still can register by calling the Clemonses at (260) 894-7599.
Sherry said that since it’s the first year, all of those involved are not expecting “a whole lot this year.” But they are hoping it will grow.
Some of the events (all in the downtown area unless noted) scheduled include:

Friday
• A Future Ligonier Alliance fund-raiser from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Library concert with the classic rock group In Denile starts at 7 p.m.
• Library 100-year celebration fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
Saturday
• The Joe Vargas band will perform at 7 p.m.
Both days will feature the following vendors:
• LeCount’s Strawberry Farm will have sweet treats for sale.
• Cavin Street Cafe will have pizza by the slice.
• Leti’s Tacos will be having specials.
• Ligonier Presbyterian Church will have a strawberry bake sale. To reserve a strawberry pie, call (260) 221-1990.
• Jennies Bakery will have pastries.
• Parties N’ More will offer strawberry shortcakes.
• Creps Bakery will offer cookies and doughnuts.
• La Michoacana will have ice cream popsicles.