You don't have to love strawberries to love the Chassell, Michigan, Strawberry Festival. Sometimes called the Copper Country Strawberry Festival, this is the Upper Peninsula town's salute to a vital area industry. The two-day event is held each year at Centennial Park on the first weekend following the Fourth of July. Packed with family-friendly events, this hometown tribute to the strawberry draws up to 5,000 people annually.
Festival Roots
- The Chassell Strawberry Festival proves that some things never go out of favor - like the delicious strawberry. In years gone by, 200 growers produced strawberries in the Chassell area. Important to the economic strength of the community since the 1920s, area growers were first honored with a Strawberry Festival in 1949. Organizers claim it's the oldest continuously running festival of its kind in the state. The Chassell Lions Club founded the event and still organizes it, donating proceeds to local charities. The festival's original events, including a queen coronation, parade and berry judging, continue to represent the celebration's core schedule.
Getting Involved
- A big chore awaits organizers on the Thursday prior to festival kickoff. About 1,500 quarts of strawberries need to be cleaned and prepped to fill up to 3,000 bowls of strawberry shortcake served. In small-town fashion, Chassell holds a strawberry cleaning bee. Townsfolk are joined by the Strawberry Queen and candidates in cleaning, cutting and sugaring the berries, all of which come from local farms. Everyone is welcome to volunteer and participate in an enduring Upper Peninsula tradition.
- More Than Strawberries
- While the humble strawberry takes center stage at the festival spanning Friday and Saturday, there's a bounty of family-oriented activities to enjoy. Browse vendor displays to see arts and crafts, including fine art, antiques and collectibles, flea market items, homegrown products and foods. Fill up at the pancake and sausage breakfast, dive into a delicious meal at the fish boil, or enjoy a chicken dinner presented by Chassell Fire Department and First Responders. Friday's children's parade and Saturday's main parade give citizens a chance to shine and strut their stuff. Local music talent takes the festival stage presenting folk, country, children's and old-time tunes. The queen coronation, a dance, children's games and horse-drawn wagon rides keep the good times rolling throughout the two days.
Past Strawberry Festivals Remembered
- Learn more about festival history and how the strawberry industry shaped the community at Chassell Heritage Center. Located in the old Chassell elementary school, the Center is a Keweenaw Heritage Site and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It opens its doors every year for festival goers. A permanent exhibit called "Lumber Kings to Strawberry Kings" showcases past Strawberry Festivals and the Lions Club with photos and memorabilia. Museum exhibits also showcase the history of Chassell Township, children's toys, vintage clothing and French-Canadian and Finnish heritage of local families.
