Leonard’s Strawberry Festival is over and done with for another year, but that doesn’t mean souveniers from the fun-filled event aren’t still available.
T-shirts ($15) and aprons ($20) commemorating the 53rd annual event can be purchased from festival committee member Marie May.
Between 100 and 125 t-shirts are waiting for owners. Normally, about 100 shirts are sold the morning of the festival, however, due to the steady rain and low attendance, none were sold, according to May.
She said it’s very important the shirts sell because the revenue they generate typically accounts for about a fifth of the festival’s funding.
The money helps pay for things like the kids? rides, clown, magician and advertising, all of which are ‘very expensive,? she said.
‘There’s no profit. All the money goes right back into the festival.?
Without money from the t-shirt sales, May said prices on the kids? rides might have to be raised next year, something the festival committee doesn’t really want to do.
‘We try to keep the costs down so people will come out,? she said.
In addition to t-shirts, May also has about 20 cooking aprons bearing a colorful Strawberry Festival logo available for $20 each.
Included with each apron is a cookbook featuring mouth-watering recipes from local folks who appreciate home-cooking.
To purchase a Strawberry Festival t-shirt or apron call Marie May at (248) 628-5653.