FORT MILL, S.C. — For more than a decade, the town of Fort Mill has celebrated spring with a sweet celebration – the annual South Carolina Strawberry Festival.
Last year, the week-long festival moved online because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
This year, festival organizers have announced plans to offer the same fun, family-friendly atmosphere as earlier years but with smaller events that will allow for social distancing.
Unfortunately, the traditional festival in Walter Y. Elisha Park will not take place due to the ongoing pandemic, but many activities will return, including the annual Strawberry Pageant, golf tournament and car show. New additions include a 5K race and drive-in movie night.
Here are the highlights for the 2021 festival:
April 23-24 - Tiny Miss, Little Miss, Teen, Miss and Ms. Strawberry Pageants. Four new age categories were added this year.
April 24 - Strawberry Sprint and Stroll 5K. The race begins at 9 a.m. in downtown Fort Mill.
April 25 - Strawberry Pancake Breakfast from 8 to 11 a.m. at Anne Springs Close Greenway’s Gateway Canteen.
April 25 - Strawberry Blossom Car Show and Food Trucks from noon to 4 p.m. in Walter Y. Elisha Park.
April 26 - South Carolina Strawberry Festival Online Photo Contest. Submit photos of your favorite SCSF moments.
April 27 - Strawberry Festival Golf Tournament at Springfield Golf Course.
April 28 - Strawberry Business Showcase. Fort Mill restaurants and merchants will be featured throughout the day on the town’s social media accounts, promoting strawberry-related products.
April 26-29 - Strawberry Idol. Local vocalists compete virtually beginning April 26. Winners announced April 29.
April 30 - Strawberry Flick and Food drive-in movie event.
May 1 - Strawberry Artisan Market at the Gateway Canteen Lawn at Anne Springs Close Greenway from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Ticket required.
May 1 - Strawberry Scavenger Hunt hosted by the Fort Mill History Museum.
May 1 - Strawberry Pet Costume Contest.
Other events throughout the week include the Strawberry Decorating Contests for residents and businesses, Strawberry Cooking Classes and Strawberry Take and Make Projects.
For more information, go to scstrawberryfestival.com.
Cox Media Group
