Strawberry Festival 2015: The big event is upon us
This Saturday, March 7, the grounds of the Boca Grande Community Center and the Crowninshield Community House will be abuzz … not with bees but with patrons full of goodwill, a generous nature and a hunger for strawberry shortcake.
The Boca Grande United Methodist Women will host their annual Strawberry Festival from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., which will include a huge bargain sale, live and silent auctions, grilled food, drinks, handmade crafts, a boutique shop, a book nook, a bake sale and, of course, strawberry shortcake.
There will be activities for children as well (from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. only) such as games, face painting, crafts, a treasure dig and a mini bounce house.
The auctions have become a huge part of the Strawberry Festival. Some of the highlights are featured here, for your pre-emptive perusal. There is also an auction brochure that will be given out the day of the event.
Ron Thompson will serve as auctioneer and he will have the final determination of the winning bids. The live auction begins at 1:30 p.m. Live auction participants must register for a bidding number. Buyers are requested not to ask for refunds or exchanges from donors and to honor all expiration dates. All items must be picked up and paid for no later than the day of the auction.
Preferred payment methods include check, cash, MasterCard or Visa.
The Strawberry Festival benefits women and children in need. Past benefactors of the event’s proceeds include the Boca Grande Child Care Center, Friends of the Boca Grande Community Center, the Good Samaritan Fund, Kid’s Needs of Greater Englewood and more.
Silent auction highlights:
• Voice lessons with Irina Brightly
• Photographer Heidemarie Burke gift certificates
• Four handmade wooden beach chairs
• A manatee painting
• A custom Michigan cedar bowl
• Lunch for four at PJ’s Seagrille
• Massage and nutrition counseling by Edyta
• A one-day boat rental from Gasparilla Marina
• One week of golf cart rentals from Thoroughbred Golf Carts
• Lunch for four at The Gasparilla & Club
• Dinner for four at the Boca Bay Pass Club
… and much more
