In Marion county, for eight years, the first Saturday in March plays host to the largest festival in our area known as Habitat for Humanity of Marion County’s Strawberry festival. This last Saturday, March 5, 2022 was no different!
This year’s strawberry festival saw 35,000 +/- visitors enjoy strawberry treats of all kinds, local entertainment on two stages, a car show, a strawberry pie eating contest, a chance to shop over 250 vendors and a giant kid’s zone with fun for kids of all ages! The 8th annual strawberry festival was located at the McPherson Government complex on NE 25th Ave where plenty of parking and open spaces allow this festival to grow year after year.
The Habitat strawberry festival in Marion County represents a piece of American history when county fairs and festivals brought communities together. All proceeds made at the festival go towards building a home for a Marion County family in need. A Habitat home is built with mainly volunteers, including the future homeowner. The strawberry festival also is alive with volunteer spirit and known for uniting people from all parts of the county. When the habitat homeowner completes their required volunteer hours (averages 250 hours) and is handed the front door keys to their new home, their first mortgage payment is likely to be sweeter than the strawberries sold at this year’s festival. Only for that habitat family, the safety and security they receive from the new home lasts longer than any of the sweet treats enjoyed at the festival.
If you missed Habitat’s strawberry festival this year, be sure to save the date for next year. It’s always the 1st Saturday in March and thousands of festival goers will tell you that a good time is had by all!
Elizabeth B. Chryst
Chair-Habitat for Humanity of Marion County, FL
