March 29, 2024
Annapolis, US 40 F

23rd Annual Strawberry Fest On Tap

 Hannah Ruark and Lillian Malkus, Corresponding Secretary of the Ann Arrundell County Historical Society were serving fresh strawberry shortcake at last years’ Festival.  The Ann Arundell County Historical Society will offer its 23rd annual Strawberry Festival on Saturday June 8.
Hannah Ruark and Lillian Malkus, Corresponding Secretary of the Ann Arrundell County Historical Society were serving fresh strawberry shortcake at last years’ Festival. The Ann Arundell County Historical Society will offer its 23rd annual Strawberry Festival on Saturday June 8.

The Ann Arrundell County Historical Society will host its 23rd annual Strawberry Festival on Saturday, June 8th at the Benson-Hammond House, 7101 Aviation Boulevard in Linthicum. The festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., celebrating the rich agricultural history of Anne Arundel County in the production of fine strawberries for market. Hand churned strawberry ice-cream will be made for kids of all ages to see and enjoy. Other highlights include freshly made strawberry shortcake and hand-dipped chocolate-covered strawberries. The Societies private label strawberry jams, strawberry butter, relishes as well as strawberry wine will be available. Local crafters will offer their wares along with those selling home baked goods.  Folk singer Ed McDade will perform. Free admission and parking. Information at (410) 267-6611 or www.aachs.org and Facebook page.

“Based on last years results we expect to sell over 1000 quarts of sweet, fresh strawberry’s, about 50 pounds of whipped cream and over 700 bottles of strawberry wine” said Pamela Duncan, Society President. “To locate the highest quality exhibitors we sought creative people offering hand-made items,” Duncan concluded.

Local crafters will be spinning and woodworking. Hand-made original needlework, quilts, jewelry, candles, honey, and woodwork will be available as will home-made baked goods and carefully selected used books.  All proceeds benefit the Society’s headquarters, the Benson-Hammond House and its Local Historical and Genealogical Research Center at the Kuethe Library in Glen Burnie MD.

A special presentation of musical cultural heritage will be provided by Pennsylvanian folk singer Ed McDade whose “Rhythms and Rhymes of American Folk Music” is to be performed at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. “His performance will delight and educate festival goers young and old,” said Skip Booth, Society Vice-President and area historian.  Local musicians The Three-4-All Trio will serenade with old tunes at noon.

Buddy’s Pit Beef, ham and turkey sandwiches and hot dogs, strawberry lemonade made on site, and sodas and water will be sold. Festival goers may explore the House and see newly opened exhibits on historic fans and kitchenware molds and visit the refurbished Museum Shop.  The strawberry wine is made for the Society by the Linganore Winery of Mt. Airy using only the fruit of fresh strawberries. Free parking is available within walking distance or attendees may take advantage of shuttle bus service between the lot and the Festival.  The rain date is Sunday, June 9.

The Society’s headquarters, the Benson-Hammond House, is a Greek-Revival style brick farmhouse museum (NR, 1830).  Both the house and outbuildings are listed in the Maryland Inventory of Historic Sites. The Summer Kitchen, recently refurbished by Curators Andrea Frazier and Katy Hayes, will be used to make hand churned strawberry ice-cream.

The Ann Arrundell County Historical Society, founded in 1962, seeks to encourage and inspire present and future generations to preserve and explore the County’s history to foster a greater appreciation for our shared legacy.  Persons interested in joining may visit the website www.aachs.org to download a membership form or contact the Membership Chair at (410) 787-8211.

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