Fest in Belleville has strawberries at tart

Belleville

For all of the strawberry lovers out there looking to indulge in an array of delectable delights, the Belleville National Strawberry Festival kicks off this weekend.

Celebrating its 40th anniversary, the three-day event features carnival rides, games, art, crafts, a car show, beer tent and all things strawberry. People will get a chance to show off their singing skills in the karaoke contest, new to the festival this year.

The festival is being held at Trinity Episcopal Church, St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, Belleville Presbyterian Church and around Belleville’s downtown.

“We are really excited for this weekend because it’s an event that a lot of people look forward to each year,” said LeAnna Dickerson, office manager at Trinity Episcopal Church. “Sometimes it starts out slow, but by the time Saturday comes, we are running out of strawberry cheesecakes.”

Prices range from $2 to $12, and festivalgoers can feast on strawberry cheesecake, smoothies, shortcake, muffins, pie and bread, but Dickerson said the strawberry pie is the most sought-after.

“While the strawberry bread is also a favorite, we sell out of the strawberry pie very fast,” Dickerson said. “The pie weighs about 5 pounds including the crust, strawberries and glaze. Our sloppy Joes go fast, too, but that doesn’t have strawberries in it.”

Throughout the weekend, an estimated 1,500 pounds of strawberries are served and eaten, with most of the foods created by Trinity volunteers. Half of the proceeds from the festival are donated to parish projects, Girlstown and Detroit Soup Kitchen.

“It’s a great atmosphere for people to come out and enjoy the weather and the food,” Dickerson said. “There is something for everyone and fun for the entire family.”

If you go

Belleville National Strawberry Festival

Friday: 4 p.m.-9 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

Sunday: Noon-6 p.m.

Free parking at Trinity Episcopal Church, 11575 Belleville Road

www.nationalstrawberryfest.com or call (313) 383-8920