All had a berry, berry good time at the Strawberry Fair

AMENIA — There were miles of smiles at the United Presbyterian Church Saturday, June 14, at the 35th annual Strawberry Fair.

The fair offered activities including a petting zoo, demonstrations by the Amenia Fire Department, a flea market, musical performances, and, of course, strawberries.

"We had around 500 people attend the event and we sold around 350 strawberry sundaes," organizer and church member Helen Cook said. "We were very busy and we ran out of ice cream, hamburgers and hot dogs. We had to get some more during the fair. It was definitely a success and it was wonderful because it was a beautiful day. It was kind of hot and humid but the rain showers held off."

Resident Betty Rooney was a vendor Saturday and sold "Keep Amenia Green" shopping bags from her space.

"It’s great because I’m seeing people I haven’t seen all winter," Rooney said. "This is what’s great about a day like this. Everybody is so busy but at an event like this you run into all of them."

Town Councilman Norm Cayea said that the turnout for the event was impressive.

"It’s great. It’s a nice place to meet a lot of people and to try out the ice cream," Cayea said. "I think there is a lot out here and it has nice tables to look at. It’s a great day to support our local people."

Rebecca Johnson said the fair is a wonderful event for children.

"Kids get to play and see the animals and it’s great to see the kids interact with each other," Johnson said. "It’s grown since last year. A lot more vendors are here."

Lori Hale, who had a booth representing Little Professors Daycare, said the turnout for the event was impressive.

"I think the weather helped today," Hale said. "It’s been a good solid crowd all day long."

Resident William Wheeler and his wife, Cindy, painted their own birdhouses.

"We really love it here," Cindy Wheeler said. "It’s a really fun event."

"We come here every year," William Wheeler said.

Lesley Rohan of Freshtown sold strawberries at the fair.

"Strawberries means the start of summer," Rohan said. "We’ve been here for seven years and we are looking forward to being here another seven."

Church pastor and organizer Tom Marshall said the fair was a fun time for all.

"It’s a great day and everyone is having a good time," Marshall said. "Everyone is scooping up strawberries on their ice cream."

Cook said she wanted to thank everyone who attended.

"We had a lot of fellowship and community spirit," Cook said. "We are so fortunate and blessed. I would like to thank everyone."