Kokomo Strawberry Festival returns June 5 with food, family fun, and more than 220 vendors
The following information was provided in a press release from the Greater Kokomo Economic Development Alliance.
Downtown Kokomo is gearing up for one of its biggest traditions of the year as the Kokomo Strawberry Festival returns Friday, June 5, for its 28th year celebrating the start of summer.
The free festival will take over 10 blocks of downtown from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., bringing together more than 220 vendors, live entertainment, interactive art, family activities, and of course, the festival’s famous strawberry shortcake.
Organized by the Greater Kokomo Downtown Association, the festival serves as the organization’s only fundraiser and helps support downtown revitalization efforts throughout the year.
“This festival has become such an important tradition for Kokomo,” said Casie Braden, downtown manager for the Greater Kokomo Alliance. “People come for the strawberry shortcake, but what makes the day special is seeing the whole community come together downtown. You see neighbors reconnecting, kids playing, local businesses thriving, and volunteers working side by side. It really feels like Kokomo.”
What started as a small two-hour gathering organized by Bell Telephone retirees has grown into one of Kokomo’s largest annual events, attracting more than 10,000 visitors each year.
This year’s Strawberry Festival features the largest and most diverse vendor lineup in the event’s history. Festivalgoers can expect everything from fair food and international cuisine to boutique shopping, handmade art, live experiences, local organizations, and strawberry-themed treats around nearly every corner.
Visitors will find strawberry lemonade, chocolate-covered strawberries, specialty baked goods, themed apparel, candles, jewelry, artwork, and more throughout downtown.
The Artsapalooza Art Market will once again be part of the festival experience, bringing local artists, plein air painting, and interactive art activities to the streets of Kokomo.
Families can also enjoy two dedicated kids activity areas packed with bounce houses, face painting, games, fitness activities, and hands-on experiences. Local first responders will join in on the fun as well, with the Kokomo Police Department planning to bring its SWAT vehicle downtown during the evening hours and the Kokomo Fire Department offering demonstrations and vehicle displays throughout the day.
There will also be several unique attractions families won’t want to miss, including:
Interactive dunk tank fundraiser supporting local nonprofits
Games and family engagement activities
Strawberry-inspired face painting
Henna body art experiences
Build-your-own stuffed animal station with strawberry scents and themed clothing
And so much more!
At the center of it all is the festival’s signature strawberry shortcake dessert. Organizers expect to serve:
7,500 fresh shortcakes baked by Tastefully Indiana
Nearly 4,500 pounds of strawberries from Moore’s Pie Shop
375 gallons of vanilla ice cream from Scoops
400 large cans of whipped cream provided by Meijer
Desserts will be served from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., or until sold out. Strawberry shortcake tickets are $8 and can be purchased at the event. Both cash and cards will be accepted.
More than 225 volunteers help make the festival possible each year.
“I love how this event reflects the spirit of our community,” said Lori Dukes. “The Downtown Association is part of the Greater Kokomo Alliance, and the Strawberry Festival is one of the best examples of what happens when businesses, volunteers, artists, nonprofits, and residents all come together to support something bigger than themselves.”
Festival organizers encourage attendees to arrive early, wear comfortable shoes, and plan to spend the day exploring downtown Kokomo.
A full list of food vendors, drink vendors, retail booths, activities, parking information, and DORA district information can be found at kokomostrawberryfestival.com.
