COLDWATER, MI — The annual Strawberry Fest Saturday, June 20 will draw crowds and vendors downtown, but don’t expect many strawberries.
Winter cold and heavy spring rains left few good berries for sale.
Floyd Tucker of Showcase Gardens usually sells a truckload of berries at Strawberry Fest.
“I’m going to try,” Tucker said, noting that some Amish backup suppliers are not selling this year. “We don’t have enough strawberries. Usually, you can pick up some strawberries from the Amish, but not this year.”
The 2026 strawberry season was poor because a harsh winter damaged the plants, and then excessive rain and heat left the berries small and mushy. Some producers had better crops than others, but prices show supplies are limited.
Area-advertised U-Pick prices range from $3.50 to $4 per quart. Advertised farm strawberry prices range from $6 to $6.75 a quart.
Rose Harvey from Tekonsha’s U-Pick Farm said the April freeze damaged their strawberry crop as it did most southern Michigan farmers. Harvey’s has a waiting list for the two acres remaining.
The city said strawberries are expected, so if you want some, get there early when the festival opens at 9 a.m. and runs until 3 p.m.
Downtown Development Authority data analysis showed that over 10,000 visitors attended this event and Fall’s Apple Fest in past years.
City Manager Keith Baker told the council on June 8, “We are full of vendors, and there’s a waiting list. We’ll have to look at expansion in the future.”
The 200-plus vendors, organizations, community groups, politicians, and produce and food vendors are spread along South Monroe Street, the Tibbits Plaza parking lot, and Four Corners Park.
Live musical performances are in front of the Tibbits Opera House.
There is an array of children’s entertainment, including a bounce house and petting zoo.
Parking is a premium downtown, and vendors will use the county parking lot on East Pearl Street.
Strawberry Fest is the start of Coldwater’s summer season with plenty to see and do, socialize, and enjoy the expected mostly sunny skies and 72-degree high temperature.
Contact Don Reid, dReid@USATodayCo.Com
This article originally appeared on Coldwater Daily Reporter: Few berries, big crowds expected at Coldwater Strawberry Fest
Reporting by Don Reid, Coldwater Daily Reporter / Coldwater Daily Reporter
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By Don Reid, Coldwater Daily Reporter | USA TODAY Network
