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Local News - May 2002 |
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Blustery temps chill Strawberry Festival By BETH TOBIN, Correspondent May 22, 2002 - DENVER — It wasn’t the best of conditions for sampling strawberry shortcake, crepes, waffles and pie, but it still pleased those who came out Saturday for the 17th Annual Strawberry Festival at East Lincoln High School. Rock Springs first-grader Jake Edmondson likes strawberries a lot but they weren’t his favorite festival treat. “I like the whipped cream on top the best,” he said. Students in Ms. Johnston’s Foods and Nutrition Class at East Lincoln High School spent all day Friday preparing the batter and making crepes for their strawberry crepe booth. The festival, sponsored by the PTA, is a fund-raiser for school projects. “It’s a lot of work,” said Beth Johnson, a junior. “We were at it from 8:30 in the morning until 3:30.” French teacher Marlene Tatum capped and sliced strawberries all afternoon. “I’m not sure it’s worth all this effort,” she said with a smile. The booth was a combined effort between Food Sciences and the French Club. The Lincoln Squares, a square dance club sold chocolate covered bananas. The booth, members said, is a good way to raise funds and meet new people. “We get to see everybody and listen to good music, and of course eat,” said Bill Parsons. A jazz group from East Lincoln High School performed and other musicians performed. Lots of family and friends came to see the dancing exhibitions put on by Star Struck Studio. There was a karate exhibition and a fun dog show earlier in the day. For sixth-graders Candace Hall and Britt Fisher, the festival is a good time to see friends. “I don’t like strawberries with sweet stuff on them, “ said Candace as she took a bite of funnel cake minus the red fruit. The pony rides, inflatable slide and dragon tunnel beckoned a lot of the younger children and families to the festival. “My two-year-old saw the ponies as we drove by and I decided to stop in and let her ride,” said Megan Palmer. This was the first trip to the Strawberry Festival for the Palmer family who recently moved to Denver from Matthews. There were lines for some of the kids’ entertainment despite the chilly breezes and overcast skies. The vendors felt the chill in their pocketbooks. “The weather killed us,” said David Hedrick. “This time last year I had sold everything I had and I ran back home and got more.” Other booths had some activity, but many staffing them had free time on their hands. This was the first Strawberry Festival for blacksmith Scott Beam. His hot coals were a draw as he hammered out pieces on display. Horseshoes made into key holders, lantern hooks, door knobs and latches were just some of his unique handiwork. “I already had to be here with my cow, she’s going to provide the goods for cow patty bingo,” Beam explained, “So I figured I might as well set up and do some work.” One of the busiest sites was Linebergers trailer, filled with baskets of strawberries for sale. Barry Lineberger says his dad got into the berry-growing business during the Depression to pay his way through college. It’s a family business that takes a lot of work, he said. “You have to tear out about 70 percent of the vines every year, replant all that, put down mulch, apply herbicides, and then you still have to hoe.” Rose Marie Popplar stops by the trailer to ask Lineberger about his berries. “Yes ma’am they’re fresh,” he tells her. She chooses a basket and pays, telling him: “I’m going to make fruit kabobs with them for a party tonight.”
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© 2001 Lincoln Times-News |
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