Countdown to The 2024 Strawberry Festival
Imagine this — you’re holding a bowl piled high with whipped cream and strawberries while listening to familiar tunes from a 16-piece band serenading the courthouse square.
From 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, June 7, downtown Kokomo is set to welcome 10,000 people for The 2024 Strawberry Festival, where you can experience the highly-anticipated annual event for yourself.
For event organizers, it’s more than just one day where 6,800 servings of strawberry shortcakes are served to the masses of Kokomo. It’s about the long-term effect the massive event has on the downtown.
“They come for a strawberry treat but they walk around and explore other businesses and vendors downtown while they’re there,” said Susan Alexander, manager or downtown initiatives at the Greater Kokomo Economic Development Alliance. “Sometimes it’s just the boost that some of these small businesses need to get going or keep going.”
For $7, you can support local businesses while enjoying a huge strawberry shortcake from Tastefully Indiana, piled high with strawberries from Moore’s Pie Shop, Scoops ice cream and whipped cream from Meijer of Kokomo.
With more than 140 food trucks and vendors, attendees can indulge in various dishes and unique products.
Last year, The Artsapalooza Art Market expanded the festival’s footprint a block north on Main Street.
This year, Buckeye Street heading South to Superior Street is also being added to the map, allowing 30 more vendors at the festival as well as an interactive vintage firetruck from the Kokomo Fire Department.
“Everybody wants to be part of the Strawberry Festival or we hope anyway,” Alexander said.
Sixteen food trucks including Still Smokin BBQ & Seafood, The Local Catering Company, Zaika Indian Cuisine, Hawg Heaven and The Filling Station will be parked throughout the downtown square.
On North Main Street, as a continuation of the recent addition of the Artsapalooza Art Market, you can browse through an array of artwork, crafts, and interactive art installations including a Pool Noodle public art station. Banner Flower House will also let you experience a behind-the-scenes look at the artistry behind their floral arrangements with demonstrations from their expert florists.
Live music will fill the air during the festival with performances by Rhum Academy of Music, the Kokomo Men of Note male voice choir, Kokomo Park Band Street Fair Band and a celebration of Sound of Music’s 40th Anniversary.
“It should be a lot of good music vibes all around, I think,” said Alexander. “I think that always sets the tone, it’s really nice to hear the music wafting through the grounds.”
Rhum Academy of Music Stage Line-up:
• 11 a.m.: Festival welcome and national anthem
• 11:05-11:55 a.m.: Sami and James Lightsey
• Noon-12:30 p.m.: Zion, Darren and Darnell Smith
• 12:30-1 p.m.: Tim Edwards
• 1-1:30 p.m.: Averie Stone
• 1:30-2:30 p.m.: Jewel Jasay with Shayden, Aerie and Vivian
• 3-3:30 p.m.: Kristen Flowers Band
• 3:30-4 p.m.: Ione Wallsmith
• 4-4:20 p.m.: Jen Bird
• 4:20-4:40 p.m.: Arden Brittain
• 4:40-5:10 p.m.: Bekah Cripe
• 5:20-5:50 p.m.: Kokomo Park Band Street Fair Band
• 5:55-6:20 p.m.: Erin Soutar
• 6:25-7:15 p.m.: Student bands
• 7:30 p.m.: Lineage
Sound of Music 40th Anniversary:
Sound of Music will celebrate its 40th anniversary with a ceremony at 6 p.m. followed immediately by a performance from Johnny & The Remotes. This will take place on the stage in front of the store at 106 W. Walnut St., Kokomo.
T-Shirt and Pre-Sale Ticket Locations:
First Farmers Bank & Trust, 101 W. Sycamore St.
Greater Kokomo Downtown Association, Inventrek, 700 E. Firmin St., Suite 102