About the Festival
Always held the first weekend in May, rain or shine, the Strawberry Festival brings the community together amid an atmosphere of good, old-fashioned, family fun. We look forward to another spectacular event at Elmwood Park in 2025.
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Background
​Over 40 years ago, parents at Community School went in search of a fundraiser to help keep tuition costs down. Their decision to create an event to celebrate the strawberry has culminated in a beloved yearly event that draws over 20,000 attendees.
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Community School coordinates and sponsors the Strawberry Festival with parents, alumni, staff and community volunteers logging more than 2400 hours to contribute to the various aspects of this event -- from baking the shortcakes and slicing fresh strawberries, to serving up delicious desserts and chocolate dipped berries.

Most of the volunteers are parents, grandparents, staff and students of Community School, although several organizations and businesses help fill out the ranks each year.
Dates and Times
Friday, May 2 from 11 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, May 3 from 10 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Friday
&
Saturday
Location
Large Order Shortcake Kits
Strawberry Shortcakes, Sundaes, Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries, and Berries & Cream
at
Elmwood Park
Downtown Roanoke
Artisan and Sponsor Vendor Areas
Sponsorship
The Strawberry Festival invites businesses that would benefit from being associated with Roanoke’s oldest and most beloved festival to consider becoming a festival sponsor.
Now in it’s 44th year, the Strawberry Festival offers a wide range of sponsorship benefits including website, social media, television, radio and print exposure.
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Businesses and non-artisan vendors interested in having a presence at the Strawberry Festival may wish to inquire about sponsorship opportunities.
If you are interested in building a partnership with the Strawberry Festival, please contact us at MeganL@communityschool.net
Artisan Vendors
Strawberry Festival vendors have access to more than 20,000 people over a two-day period. We ONLY accept artisans and arts and craft vendors who offer creative and unique products.
No direct sales vendors please.