My family and I have been living in Williamsburg for nearly 15 years now, and we still enjoy discovering something new. This spring, our hope is to take part for the first time in the long-standing tradition of the Matthew Whaley Strawberry Festival, which has become just as synonymous with the season as the opening of Busch Gardens and the birth of new baby lambs at Colonial Williamsburg.
This year marks the festival’s 39th anniversary at Matthew Whaley Elementary School in downtown Williamsburg. Though it’s a major fundraiser for the school’s PTA, it’s become a family-friendly community celebration — no matter where your kids attend school. Here’s what’s in store for the event, slated this year for May 12th, smack in the middle of prime strawberry season:
Carnival Fun
The festival features carnival-style food like pizza, hot dogs, popcorn, cotton candy, snow cones and fresh-scooped strawberry sundaes; bowls of strawberries will also be available. Popular children’s activities returning this year include inflatable bounce houses, karaoke, face painting, Frisbee spin-art, a soccer shootout and a dunk tank.
“I believe the community and community businesses anticipate the Strawberry Festival every year because it offers good, clean affordable family fun,” said Nicole Heavilin, festival chairperson. “I enjoy seeing children and their families together and watching friends meet up to do the activities, particularly karaoke, where kids can show off their musical skills where they might not otherwise.”
PTA Favorites
No school fundraiser would be complete without a bake sale, so expect plenty of sweet treats during the event. The PTA is also planning a cake walk, book walk, arts and crafts, and carnival games such as the lollipop pull, the duck pond and mini putt-putt for kids of all ages to enjoy.
“The Strawberry Festival is a mutual win-win for community businesses and the school PTA,” said Heavilin. “The festival offers business for local vendors and advertising for its sponsors. Most importantly, proceeds from ticket sales and the auction support Matthew Whaley Elementary School’s other various events, plays, educational classroom materials,
mini-grants and scholarships throughout the school year. It is truly a wonderful thing to see how such a strong partnership between the community and the school can positively impact the education of our future, all while having fun.”
As the mother of two school-aged children, I couldn’t agree more. Sign us up. We’ll see you there. My kids can’t wait to play the games, and I look forward to making jam, soup and shortcake with all the juicy strawberries.
There is no cost to attend the festival, though you’ll need tickets for the food and attractions. Tickets can be purchased in advance at a discounted rate and will also be sold during the festival. The Matthew Whaley Strawberry Festival will be held rain or shine on May 12, from 4:15 to 7 p.m.
