Newark Strawberry Fest

If you love strawberries, then Newark may be the place for you this weekend.

The 32nd annual Newark Strawberry Festival kicked off today and has been a fun tradition for years. Goodies featuring strawberries will of course be the main attraction, including signature shortcakes and fresh berries dipped in chocolate. Festival chairman, Lynn Fawcett, said the festival will feature other activities as well.

"They can expect rides and entertainment, good carnival type food, and shortcakes," he said. "I mean it’s a family event for kids."

Fawcett said the festival has always been a favorite summer event for the community, and now folks from all over the state and even outside of the state are coming to see what it’s all about. Last year the event raised about $35,000 for charity. Proceeds go to youth events in the community and Camp O’Bannon.

"Being part of Newark Kiwanis and knowing what it does for the kids in the community, I mean it’s a lot of work for by club, but it’s kind of fulfilling knowing at the end it’s going to make a difference with some kid that gets to go summer camp that might not necessarily get that chance normally," he said.

Due to construction, the festival has a new location this year. You can find it on Locust Street between Third and Fourth streets. It runs all weekend long until 6 p.m. on Sunday.