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 be nominated and be at least 65 years old.
The Strawberry Festival resumed bright and early Sunday mornings 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… Read rest of story
