By BREE BRAGG

The Kokomo Post Staff

It’s almost here! The return of the Strawberry Festival to downtown Kokomo. This annual event is one that seems to get bigger and better every year and we can’t wait to experience everything offered at the festival. You may be wondering what sort of things will be offered for children at the Strawberry Festival this year. Well, that’s what we are here for! Here are 10 things you can do with your kids at the Strawberry Festival.

Get a Face Painting

Ask any kid and they will probably tell you that a festival staple activity for them is getting a cool face painting! Sandra Villafan will be returning to the Strawberry Festival offering face paintings your kids will be proud to sport around town. Sandra is sure to provide some Instagram-worthy art!

Ride an ABATE Tiny Tot Motorcycle

American Bikers Aimed Toward Education of Howard County will be setting up track for your kids to ride around on the tiny motorcycles with training wheels. Volunteers will be on site to outfit your children with helmets and teach them how to operate the motorcycles before they take off. ABATE of Indiana is a nonprofit, safety, educational, charitable and advocacy motorcyclist organization. Its aims are to promote safety, protect rights and help others.

Pet a Furry Friend at the Crown Haven Center Petting Zoo

While the Strawberry Festival will be packed full of awesome attractions and activities, we’re certain that this one will be the most adorable! Crown Haven Center will be returning to the festival this year offering a free petting zoo. This has be a fan favorite in the past where your family can pet and feed some adorable furry friends!

Participate in the Guided Macrame Workshop

Local artist Sheila Haworth, also known as the “Knotty Mama,” will be on sight at the Strawberry Festival hosting a macrame workshop. You’ll be able to learn macrame with a free make-it-and-take-it keychain while supplies last.

***Photo provided | Fired Arts Studio***

Get Creative at Fired Arts Studio

Fired Arts Studio will be getting in on the Strawberry Festival fun this year by offering a 25 percent off special on their selection of ice-cream cone dishes/bowls! The studio conveniently located downtown in the mix of all of the action will be the perfect pit stop from the festival to stop in and get creative!

Celebrate the Summer Reading Program Kick-Off Party at the Library

The Kokomo-Howard County Public Library is gearing up for another summer packed full of fun! And, as always the library will be hosting its Summer Reading Program Kick-off Party during the Strawberry Festival. You can join them for free activities, crafts, entertainment and food on each floor of the main branch location and the first 1,000 people to sign up will get a free tote and a free book! So, when you’re out and about at the Strawberry Festival and need a break from the heat, be sure to stop by the library to participate in tons of fun!

Dunk a Local Celebrity

If you’ve ever been to the Strawberry Festival, you probably know there is a long-standing tradition of dunking local public figures in the dunk tank. The tradition carries on and your child will have the opportunity to dunk whoever has decided to brave the waters! Could it be our very own mayor? A Kokomo Bobkat? You’ll have to wait to find out!

Make Pool Noodle Art

While you’ll be seeing lots of strawberries downtown during the festival, something you’ll also see a lot of is art! You can stop by the IU Kokomo New Media, Arts & Technology Department partnered with the Downtown Association to make public art out of pool noodles!

Celebrate National Donut Day with the Salvation Army

While all of Kokomo will be celebrating strawberries on Friday, nation wide others might be celebrating donuts for National Donut Day. Why not celebrate both at the same time?! Stop be the Kokomo Salvation Army booth for a donut giveaway. Which flavor will you choose? Strawberry?

Eat All of the Strawberries!

Did you think we were going to forget the most important activity of all? EAT. ALL. OF. THE. STRAWBERRIES! It would be a crime if you went to the Strawberry Festival and didn’t get your hands on that infamous strawberry shortcake! For just $6 you can those delicious fresh Strawberries, Moore’s Pie Shop Shortcake, Glover's Ice Cream & Whipped Cream. But, that won’t be the only delicious strawberry treat you can pick up on Friday. There will be tons of local businesses and vendor serving up all kinds of strawberry concoction. Just to name a few… The Coterie will be serving up their strawberry mac burger and strawberry ciders and beers. The Filling Station will be on sight offering strawberry funnel fry sundaes and MoJoe’s will have Strawberry Festival-inspired drinks! Your strawberry options will be endless!

So, there you have it Kokomo! The Top 10 things you can do with your littles at the Strawberry Festival this year!

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