The 117th annual Lebanon Strawberry Festival’s “Strawberry Nights” drew hundreds, if not thousands, to the city for the four-day event that included a few new items that celebrated community spirit, including a restored strawberry shortcake float, local entertainment and a coordinated hand jive dance.
On Thursday, the All Hero’s Day event celebrated those who served in the military, and as first responders and linemen, followed by the traditional Queen’s Coronation.
Ruby VandenBos was crowned queen, while Emma Estes won the Miss Congeniality honor.
Actual Size Band was that evening’s entertainment on the main stage.
The Junior Parade officially kicked off festivities in the downtown core on Friday, and the Lebanon Garden Club opened up its doors for its annual Standard Flower show. Queen VandenBos selected Anne Juurman’s “Wild West” flower design for her Queen’s Choice Award.
Main stage entertainment at the Cheadle Lake Park fairgrounds that evening was Ben Rice and the PDX Hustle, and headliner Bryan Martin.
Saturday morning events started early with the annual Lebanon Oregon Legacy’s pancake breakfast, which raises funds for its JOYA student awards, followed by the annual Strawberry Run/Walk for kids and adults.
Then began the two-hour Grand Parade, starting downtown with a featured presentation of a restored strawberry shortcake float with strawberry-themed graphics, the princess courts and float awards. David Gillott was this year’s grand marshal.
The senior princess court served the world’s largest strawberry shortcake at the fairgrounds, where attendees also enjoyed live entertainment, food and retail vendors, and the annual carnival, which was placed for the first time at Cheadle Lake Park on brand new pavement.
Entertainment that evening included performances by Lucas Cole, Brady Goss and Roll On.
Lebanon’s Hollywood Dance Studio presented a hand jive performance on stage, and invited attendees to participate in an attempt to break the record for the largest coordinated hand jive performance. According to Jill Ingalls, member of the Lebanon Strawberry Festival management team, an estimated 320 people participated.
Meanwhile, the Lebanon Square Circlers hosted its annual Strawberry Festival Dance at the Lebanon Senior Center, where the local members dressed in red and strawberry-themed square dance attire.
Saturday’s festivities concluded with a fireworks display over Cheadle Lake Park.
A strawberry shortcake eating contest was not held this year, but in its place on Sunday the Lebanon Strawberry Festival Association invited Hollywood Dance Studio and the Lebanon High School Jazz Band to provide entertainment throughout the afternoon. Also performing on the main stage were Verdant A Cappella and Cherry City Cloggers.
