Summer has officially arrived, and with it a return of St. Philip’s annual family-friendly celebration of the luscious red strawberry that signals the start of summer. Remember the homemade biscuits swimming in minimally crushed berries and piled high with real whipped cream or locally made ice cream? Mmmm. They’ll be waiting for you between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. at 12 Hodge St. in Wiscasset on Saturday, June 29.

Pardon our work in progress on the beloved historic church. Be mindful while walking the grounds. A much-needed facelift is in progress, thanks to a generous benefactor.

While there, wander by the wares of the talented craftspeople in and around the grounds, then check out the Bargain Basement where you might discover items you just couldn’t live without. Plants and fresh flowers from local gardens, antiques and collectables, baked goods, and fresh picked quarts of berries will be available for purchase, as well. 

Not-so-new this year: Strawberry Festival t-shirts will be offered for sale once again. It’s been several years since the t-shirts were available. With a slightly updated design, one can be yours to proudly wear in celebration of the beloved berry.

Spirited bidding at the noontime pie auction is sure to provide some fun entertainment. Auctioneer Suzanne Rankin will work to coax a maximum of money from bidders’ wallets for the homemade pecan, strawberry, rhubarb, blueberry, or who knows what other kind of pies. What might tweak your tastebuds?  

Children’s activities will be available for the young and the young at heart. And, of course, the hot dog stand will again be present while Mat O’Donnell, local troubadour and Renaissance man, will provide music in the air.

Remember that all proceeds go to support St. Philip’s and its outreach ministries: Help Yourself Shelf Food Pantry, Feed Our Scholars Weekend Backpacks of Food, the Set For Success School Supply ministry, and the Bargain Basement where not only patrons are able to purchase items at low, low prices, but also people suffering disruptions are able to begin to rebuild their lives with free goods; not to mention, the Church also provides meeting space for community groups.

For more information on the outreach ministries or the festival, call the church at 882-7184, or check out https://stphilipswiscasset.org. See you at the festival!