Gorgeous Weather Predicted for South Windsor Strawberry Fest

A picture-perfect day is predicted for the South Windsor Strawberry Festival on Saturday.

Indeed, after a week of rain and unseasonably cold temperatures, Saturday’s forecast calls for 81-degree weather and plenty of sun, according to Accuweather.com.

Not that Strawberry Fest Chairperson Kathy Daugherty has been checking the weather, or anything.

“There’s always sunshine on Strawberry Fest day,” Daugherty said. “Even if it rains, people’s smiles create the sunshine that day. It’s always a good time. … This is a rain-or-shine event and we just go with it.”

Between 8,000 and 10,000 people are expected to show up at the event, where admission is free of charge.

And about 100,000 strawberries - 2,500 pounds of ‘em, mostly from Dzen Brothers Farm - will pay the ultimate price for the strawberry shortcake that’s served at the festival.

The claim is that it’s “The World’s Best Strawberry Shortcake,” though Daugherty took it one step further.

“It’s the best strawberry shortcake ever,” she said.

And while that claim may be subject to debate - however, from firsthand knowledge, I will say that the strawberry shortcake is very good - the entertainment is not up in the air.

Included this year for the first time there will be a zip line (visit here to register), as well as the annual petting zoo, live music, the Miss Strawberry Pageant, a magician and a tractor-pulled train ride driven by Mayor Tom Delnicki.

Proceeds from the event go to the Republican Town Committee, though Daugherty pointed out that people can enjoy most of the festivities without spending a dime.

Strawberry Fest takes place from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Rotary Pavillion at Nevers Road Park. The craft fair is open from 9:30 to 5:30 p.m., Amazing Face Art takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the grills open at 11 a.m. and magician Joey DiDonna takes the stage from 12 to 3 p.m.