‘Berry’ exciting: Kiwanis Strawberry Social is back
After a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the Wooster Kiwanis will be back serving its Strawberry Social, which is scheduled to make its return to Wooster’s Christmas Run Park on Tuesday, June 14 from 4:30-8:30 p.m. at the main pavilion.
The Kiwanis Strawberry Social has been a signature event for the community-service organization in Wooster for over 30 years. Due to the pandemic, the family evening that had turned into a tradition at Christmas Run Park was canceled the past two years.
But even after the forced hiatus, the strawberries — and the social — have returned.
The annual Wooster Kiwanis Club Strawberry Social will be held Tuesday, June 14 from 4:30-8:30 p.m. at the main pavilion in Christmas Run Park, 700 N. Grant St., Wooster.
“We are excited to bring the event back after a two-year hiatus,” said Christy VanSickle, co-chair of the social.
The social has fresh strawberries, Hartzler ice cream, Buehler’s shortcake and water. Linn food truck will be on hand with hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken gyros and homemade lemonade for purchase. Live music will be provided by the local quartet, Standard Time Jazz.
The Christmas Run Park location offers lots of opportunities for food, music and playtime.
The social began sometime around 1979 when the club was looking for a community project to add to its calendar.
“Hosting at Christmas Run Park, one of the oldest and most centrally located parks in Wooster, was a natural choice,” VanSickle said. “Kiwanis has always been passionate about any park or playground in Wooster that allows children to enjoy the outside, play with friends, and enjoy healthy and fun activities.”
The local Kiwanis group built both the pavilion where the event is held and the nearby playground.
The Wooster Kiwanis Club’s mission makes children the first priority.
“Proceeds from the event go to help fund new updates to local playgrounds, provide books to kids, run Safety Town, support Key Club food pantries at the Wayne County Schools Career Center and Wooster High School, and so much more within our Wayne County community,” said Kip Crain, Wooster Kiwanis president.
Food truck proceeds will go toward Kiwanis youth programs.
Wooster Kiwanis also offers scholarship opportunities to graduating high school seniors. Scholarship criteria and application information are available online at www.woosterkiwanis.org/scholarships.
Kiwanis welcomes monetary donations and donations of books for its annual September used book sale. Event sponsors also are needed. Monetary donations are used to purchase supplies for creating playgrounds or to purchase books for children. To sponsor an event, call Linda Brinkerhoff at 330-345-3923 or visit www.woosterkiwanis.org/contactus for more information.
Book donations can be dropped off at the warehouse behind Advance Auto Parts, 210 N. Bever St., Wooster, on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Go to www.woosterkiwanis.org/Booksale for a map or to make arrangements for pickup of a large donation.
Tickets for the Strawberry Social are $5 and may be purchased in advance or at the event. For advance purchase, tickets are available at Murr Printing and Graphics, 201 N. Buckeye St., Wooster, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. People also can reach out to a Kiwanis member or message Kiwanis via Facebook or the website. Purchase 25 tickets for $125 and receive five free.
“Please join us for this delightfully delicious event,” Crain said.