Stilwell celebrates 75th Annual Strawberry Festival
By RENEE FITE Westville Reporter
In a contest , many would wager the tastiest strawberries are grown in Adair County , which will soon celebrate its 75th Strawberry Festival this May .
The festival is always the second weekend in May , which is usually Mother ’ s Day weekend . It holds the title of oldest , continuous festival in Oklahoma and the Kiwanis Club volunteers work hard to make it the best – or at least better every year . Thousands of locals and visitors usually pack the downtown throughout the day .
Having grown up in Stilwell , Mayor Jean Ann Wright hasn ’ t missed many festivals , and this year , she is welcoming everyone to participate in all events .
“ My favorite things are seeing many friends , new and old , and of course all the laughter and hugs . I enjoy the arts and crafts tremendously and the parade of course . It ’ s fun bringing my grandkids and letting them enjoy the sights and sounds . Strawberries and ice cream are always their favorites ,” said Wright .
For many , it may be difficult to choose a favorite aspect of the festival .
“ I do look forward to Stilwell ’ s Got Talent this year ,” Wright said .
It ’ s all about the berries , which wouldn ’ t be available for delicious desserts or salads , without the growers buying , planting , caring for and picking the red fruit . Pickers are up at daylight on festival day bringing in berries to sell , as well as gathering the best to enter the contest .
The berries look promising this year , according to Bryce Miller , one of the younger growers .
“ We should have a decent crop ,” Miller said .
The old growers can tell the variety of berry by its flavor , size and color , such as Camino Reale and San Andreas . While the fruit may be smaller than its
California cousin , it ’ s considered well worth its $ 40 a flat cost , because all growers sell out early that Saturday , so anyone intending to purchase that day will want to call ahead to reserve or come early , by 10 a . m . berries are usually available daily from mid May for about three weeks and sometimes longer . A list of growers and contacts can be found at strawberrycapital . com .
Kiwanis President Tyler Davis said the Strawberry Festival comes each year , generating a great deal of excitement for Stilwell and the surrounding communities .
“ This year , however , brings the added elation that we ’ ll be celebrating the diamond anniversary of the Stilwell Strawberry Festival . Some notable things that are under way would include that we already have more arts and crafts vendors than we have had historically . We will have in attendance
Renee Fite | Democrat Journal The 2021 Strawberry Festival Queen Molly Helm takes her first walk .
10 Tahlequah Daily Press | Green Country Scene • Good Eats • April 2022