Thank You Berry Much!

Great fun for all! Carnival rides by McGinnis Amusements kept the midway bouncing and the traditional fireman’s parade was grand as usual! A variety of live music, local and vendor food, contests and more make for a fantastic three days of strawberry fun every year! Thank you to all our sponsors, vendors and attendees who make this festival a success. We are hoping to see you at the 20th Annual Strawberry Festival in downtown Bolivar 2026 –  June 2026

Bands and beer in the adult tent
Bolivar Idol
Queen Reunion
Miss Berry Princess Pageant
Little Miss Shortcake Pageant
Bolivar Bicentennial Crock Auction
Strawberry Eating Contest
Carnival Rides
Food and drink concessions
Vendors and crafters
Firemen’s Parade
Seedling Scamper/5k Run
STRAWBERRIES!

From 1974-1980 our little village of Bolivar held a Strawberry Festival downtown on Canal Street (then Central Avenue). The town merchants sponsored this event which, according to the local newspaper, brought in approximately 40,000 people at its highest point.

The Festival started with a Queen’s Ball on Friday night. Each year would bring a new Strawberry Festival Queen at the end of the ball. Queens must have been nominated and be at least 65 years old.

The Strawberry Festival resumed bright and early Saturday morning with a Raft Race on the Tuscarawas River. The race finished at the Route 212 Bridge in Wilkshire Hills. The Strawberry Festival continued downtown on Central Avenue with crafters, entertainment, dancing, a parade, a strawberry eating contest, and lots of food.

In 2005, Richard (Dick) LeBold revived the Bolivar Strawberry Festival under the Bolivar Renaissance Association. The event was held on Father’s Day weekend every June, and began with the Queen’s Ball and a new Strawberry Festival Queen and ended with a parade and strawberry eating contest.

Canal Street construction prohibited holding a festival in 2019. Following Dick’s passing in late 2019, the Renaissance Association was changed to Bolivar Main Street Association in 2020. Again, Strawberry Festival was not held that year, this time due to Covid19.

Since 2021 we’ve been able to continue many of the events held under the Renaissance. Additionally, each year we offer new events along with lots of yummy strawberry treats. Area businesses and clubs also provide different types of food and activities.

Rides, entertainment, a brew tent, and crafters round out the festival. A Little Miss Shortcake Pageant for 4-6 year old girls and a Miss Berry Princess for 7-9 year old girls as well as a 5-K Run and a Fireman’s Parade tops off the festival to make it a “Berry” great experience for the whole family.

Each year brings something new to the festival… you never know what will be added next. Come join us and see for yourself!

Special Thanks to our 2025 Corporate Sponsors
• Eleet Cryogenics
• Bell Stores/Marathon
• Harris Battery
• SLiCK31
• Massillon Materials
• Willandale Golf Cart and Sales
• Bolivar Fire Department
• Village of Bolivar
• Bolivar Main Street

• LeBold-Smith Funeral Home
• Lockport Brewery
• Graef Family/Empire Realty
• Canal Street Diner
• Chempure
• Bolivar Lions Club
• Bolivar Army/Navy
• Towpath Tavern Bolivar
• Commercial & Savings Bank
• Wallace & Associates
• Aultman Orville Bolivar Center

Thank You to Our Blossom and Seedling Sponsors
• McDonalds – G.A. Cecchini Ventures, Inc.
• Kimble
• USA Labels
• Apex Herbals, LLC
• Tuscarawas Valley Ruritans
• Ragon House

Thank You to Our Bicentennial Sponsors
• Mary Locy – Howard Hanna
• LeBold-Smith Funeral Home