The S.C. Strawberry Festival celebrates its 10th year with even bigger and better surprises. Here are several ways to enjoy Fort Mill’s award-winning event.
Downtown Jam. The fun begins at 6 p.m. Wednesday at the Inaugural S.C. Strawberry Festival Downtown Jam on Main Street in Fort Mill. Enjoy downtown shopping, fun and great music, featuring Funn. E. Bizz and “Monday Night Live.” The jam ends at 9 p.m.
Pig Races. These racing pigs are born and raised locally and are trained by Nation Ford High School’s award-winning Future Farmers of America. Each year the pig races on Saturday are a highlight of the festival with many gathering to root on their favorite. The pig races benefit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. The pigs are also a big hit with the festival queens, who each year pucker up for “Kiss the Pig” photos. Race times are at 11 a.m., 12 noon, 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday at Walter Y. Elisha Park, 345 N. White Street in Fort Mill, S.C.
Car Show. Sponsored by the Dixieland Cruisers, the car show is expected to have a record number of cars this year. Awards are given to Top 40 for Best Car, Best Truck and Queen’s Choice. Come and enjoy Street Rods, Classics, Hot Rods and Modern Muscle Cars. The show is held from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday on the festival grounds.
Pancake Breakfast. The Strawberry Festival Pancake Breakfast on Saturday morning features delicious pancakes with fresh strawberries. The breakfast allows festival-goers to have a great start to the day at the SC Strawberry Festival. And the best part: Proceeds support the Nation Ford High School Football program. Parking is free for those enjoying breakfast! It is held from 8-11 a.m. Saturday at the Nation Ford High School Cafeteria. The cost is $6 per person for all you can eat.
Wrestling for a Reason. Don’t miss your chance to meet 6 WWE Hall of Famers at the wrestling event on the festival grounds. Plus, there will be lots of local and surprise guests. Sponsored by American Air Heating & Cooling, show times are 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Friday and 12 noon, 3 p.m., 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Saturday. This is a free event, but the sponsor is accepting donations for the American Cancer Society.
Family Trust Fun Zone. This area will live up to its name with several exciting events on Friday and Saturday, including a Strawberry Ice Cream Eating Contest, Cupcake Eating Contest, Hottest Wing Eating Contest and more. And don’t miss the magician, DJ and fruit-carving Ninja! Find the full schedule of events at www.scstrawberryfestival.com
Berry’s Birthday Bash! Celebrate Berry B. Good’s 10th Birthday at 10 a.m. Saturday on the Strawberry Jam Stage with birthday singing, mascot hugging and cupcakes! And don’t be late. The first 400 children will enjoy cupcakes provided by the Peach Stand.
Rides & Games. Rides include giant slide, Berry Go Round, swings, Ferris wheel, merry-go-round and much more. On Friday ONLY, enjoy an unlimited rides wristband for $20. On Saturday, enjoy tickets for $1 each, or $25 for 30 tickets, or $50 for 70 tickets.
A Community of Heroes. Piedmont Medical Center, a presenting sponsor, will have an exhibit of first responder vehicles on White Street as part of “A Community Built on Heroes.” Festival-goers will have the chance to experience what it’s like to sit behind the wheel of vehicles driven by local heroes. A fire truck, ambulance, SWAT BearCat and police car will be on site, along with first responder uniforms that will be available as props in the family photo booth. PMC representatives will be sharing free giveaways and sharing plans to expand services to the Fort Mill community.
Strawberry Jam Stage. The National Anthem will kick off the festival’s rocking stage at 4:45 p.m. Friday, followed by two days of amazing performers. On Friday, there is Carolina Rhythm, Rivermist, Radio Revolver and Carolina Soul. On Saturday morning, performers include several children’s groups and the Fort Mill Church of God. At lunchtime Saturday, Sonic Rewind hits the stage followed by Matt Tucker’s Veteran Tribute and the Chunky Daddy. The Saturday night concert with feature back-to-back tribute bands honoring Bon Jovi, Journey, REO Speedwagon and Survivor!
For full information on the festival, go online to: https://www.scstrawberryfestival.com/