St. Philip’s Church will be holding its 63rd annual Strawberry Festival on Saturday, June 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m.

As part of the event, there is a craft fair with booths both inside the hall and on the grounds at 12 Hodge St. in Wiscasset. St. Philip’s encourages crafters wanting to make their wares available to the public to take part. Both inside and outside spaces are available. 

For an inside space, the charge is $35, while an outside space is a bargain at $25. Crafters are responsible for their own tables and awnings. Electrical outlets are available for both inside and outside spaces.

Definitely an institution at 63 years and counting, the Strawberry Festival is viewed by some as the unofficial beginning of the area’s summer season.

The star of the event, of course, is the very generous helping of luscious native strawberries dished up on a big, beautiful homemade biscuit and topped off with either locally made ice cream or real whipped cream. Who could resist?

The outdoor hot dog stand will again be in operation. It always does a brisk business, but save room for the shortcake!

Quarts of strawberries to take away, as always, will be available; let us do the picking for you. A bake table full of scrumptious homemade items, entertainment, a children’s area, plant table, the ever-popular Bargain Basement, and a silent auction event will help to make the day a merry one for the whole family.

Be sure to time one’s visit to be there at noontime when the attendee can take part in the good old-fashioned Pie Auction: great fun and with delectable, homemade pies going to the highest bidders. Last year, one group proudly walked away with four pies!

The Strawberry Festival is a major fundraiser that aids St. Philip’s in sustaining its presence in the community and its outreach programs. The Help Yourself Shelf Food Pantry, the Feed Our Scholars students’ weekend food backpacks initiative, the Bargain Basement where those suffering disruptions are able to outfit themselves for little or nothing, as well as being a meeting space for local groups, all are beneficiaries of the church’s Festival event.

To reserve a space, crafters should call St. Philip’s at 207-882-7184. Leave name, address and phone number where to be reached for Cathy Tyler or Gretchen Johnson, crafter coordinators.