NORTHUMBERLAND—The St. Stephen’s Strawberry Festival will be held from 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. May 23 on the St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church grounds at 6801 Northumberland Highway, Heathsville.
NORTHUMBERLAND—The St. Stephen’s Strawberry Festival will be held from 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. May 23 on the St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church grounds at 6801 Northumberland Highway, Heathsville. 
The festival is the largest community fundraising event in the Northern Neck and draws thousands of people throughout the region and beyond, reported festival coordinator Ellen Kirby. Proceeds from the festival and other St. Stephen’s events fund the church’s outreach efforts and financial donations to local charitable organizations.
“We are thankful for the continuing support of the community who make the Strawberry Festival truly a community event that brings locals and visitors together for what is always an enjoyable day,” said Kirby.
The festival will open with a color guard and a community prayer by the Rev. David Jutsum. The festival will feature more than 100 craft artists and exhibitors, displaying original work including jewelry, fine art, woodwork, stained glass, clothing, leatherwork, textiles, basketry, soaps, lotions, garden art and specialty food items.
Local business sponsors include Miller’s Heating & Air Conditioning, band stand; Lilian Lumber Company, strawberry shortcakes; Primis Bank, bulk strawberries; and Allison’s Ace Hardware, strawberry boutique. “They do so much for the community and give back in many ways, and we are very grateful for their support of the Strawberry Festival,” said Kirby.
Participating community groups will include the Tavern Woodworking Guild, Northumberland Mobile Library, Smith Point Sea Rescue, Mid-County Volunteer Rescue Squad and Callao Volunteer Fire Department. WRAR radio will broadcast from the festival from 8:30-11:30 a.m.
Fresh, local strawberries will be sold by the quart. Strawberries are also sliced and sugared to top 1,400 homemade shortcakes. Strawberry-themed items and festival t-shirts will be available.
A variety of food vendors will offer seafood, barbecue, burgers, grilled hot dogs, frozen treats and beverages. The “St. Stephen’s Bakery” will offer Meade’s famous rum cakes, assorted pound cakes, cupcakes, cookies, pies, muffins and homemade preserves.
A plant sale will feature hundreds of herbs, vegetables, annuals and native plants. There will be perennials, succulents and a number of unusual specimens.
The historic St. Stephen’s sanctuary will be open for tours and noon prayer, docents will provide history of the building. Built in 1881, it is a fine example of the Carpenter-Gothic construction of the time, said Kirby.
Children’s activities will include story reading, a strawberry-themed scavenger hunt and face painting. Troop 250 Scouts will assist.
Music will again be provided throughout the festival by On Water’s Edge. Seating will be provided.
The St. Stephen’s Trifles and Treasures Thrift Shop will offer a variety of women’s, men’s and children’s spring and summer clothing and housewares.
