HARTFORD, Mich. (WOOD) — A decades-old festival in Van Buren County is a sweet celebration of a locally grown fruit.

The Hartford Strawberry Festival dates back to 1988.

"A committee got together and wanted to create this festival because of the local strawberries that we grow here, making people more aware of them, and to promote a family-friendly town," Stephanie Daniels, vice president of the Greater Hartford Area Chamber of Commerce, told News 8.

This year's event is scheduled for June 13 and 14 at Ely Park just off Main Street. The festival includes parades, rides, a petting zoo, craft vendors, live entertainment — and, of course, strawberries.

"We sell strawberries, strawberry shortcake, strawberry pies," Daniels said.

The morning of June 14 will feature a pancake breakfast, als

See Full Page