CULLMAN, Ala. – Celebrating its 83rd year, The Cullman Strawberry Festival has organizers excited to return to full strength for this year’s event to Downtown Cullman and Depot Park. The festival will be held May 7 from 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
“This year’s Strawberry Festival will include our annual event favorites—featuring our local farmers and their fresh strawberries, The Strawberry Festival Baking Competition, the Doggy Paw-geant and After Party, a Kid’s Area with games and inflatables, local arts and crafts vendors, as well as the largest and most diverse selection of food and beverage offerings—guaranteeing something delicious for everyone,” said Leah Waldrop, director of Marketing Cullman City Parks Recreation and Sports Tourism.
Don’t forget about the Miss Strawberry Festival Pageant, which will take place on April 23 beginning at 10:00 a.m. at Desperation Church.
The pageant will be held so the Strawberry Festival Queen may enjoy the events of festival day.
The Strawberry Festival itself is free of charge along with all official events. No tickets are required for families to enjoy the music and vendors; however, a nominal fee will be charged by attraction vendors for certain rides and aspects of the Kid’s Activity Zone.
“Arts and crafts vendors, food and beverage vendors, as well as local businesses providing games or services will be charging their own individual prices for their goods, food and drink items and services,” said Waldrop. “This festival can be considered more family-friendly as there is a dedicated Kid’s Activity Zone with rides and inflatables, Mr. and Mrs. Berry photo opportunities, several arts and craft vendors specializing in kid-friendly products and services, as well as additional events that families will love including the Doggy Paw-Geant and the Farmers Market with fresh and local strawberries!”
One of Cullman’s historical facts is the county’s strawberry fields helped to attract visitors once the railway was completed.
“It all started with some local farmers and their passion for strawberries! In 1898, strawberry farming put Cullman, Alabama on the map thanks to increased railway lines and the ability to ship produce further distances,” she said. “Cullman hosted their first Strawberry Festival in May of 1939, and this community event has continued to be one of the state’s largest and longest-running Strawberry Festivals to date.”
Over the past few years, CPRST has helped elevate the level of entertainment for those attending the festival. Previous acts have included the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Eve 6 and this year will be no different according to organizers.
The live music will begin at 4:00 p.m. and conclude by the festival’s closing of 10:00 p.m.
With families watching their expenses with rising costs due to inflation and fuel increases, Waldrop said the whole family can have a great time at the Strawberry Festival without having to break their savings.
“We are proud to offer the Cullman Strawberry Festival as a free event and we have worked to choose a variety of food and beverages vendors who have a diverse offering in terms of foods offered as well as price points,” she said. “Our local shops and restaurants will also be open and could provide more economical options for those who are sticking to a budget. Outside food and drink items can be enjoyed at the festival as well.”
Waldrop wanted to remind both residents and visitors to grab a copy of the festival’s magazine, containing many delicious recipes and interesting stories.
“Our Strawberry Festival Magazine will be located at local shops and restaurants prior to the festival,” she said. “We encourage everyone to pick up a copy as it will be full of Strawberry Festival facts, stories, recipes and more!”
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