Thousands celebrate community, creativity and all things strawberry at annual Morristown festival The sweet scent of strawberries drifted across West Economy Road Saturday as thousands of people gathered for one of Morristown’s most anticipated spring traditions, the 20th Annual WCRK/Country Legends Strawberry Festival.

Hosted by WCRK Radio on the station’s studio grounds at 510 W. Economy Road across from Manley Elementary School, the free event transformed the area into a sea of tents, music, food and strawberry-themed fun as families spent the day celebrating the strawberry harvest and the community itself.

By midmorning, crowds already stretched across the festival grounds as visitors explored more than 150 vendor booths and food trucks from throughout the Lakeway area and beyond. Shoppers browsed handcrafted jewelry, boutique clothing, candles, soaps, woodworking, artwork and home décor while children darted between activity areas with snow cones and strawberry sweets in hand.

The strawberry theme could be found almost everywhere visitors looked.

Vendors offered strawberry sodas, strawberry macarons, strawberry pies, cupcakes and candies while others leaned into the theme with strawberryinspired soaps, earrings, T-shirts, hats and handmade accessories. Booths decorated in reds and pinks added even more color to the already lively festival atmosphere.

Long lines formed throughout the day at food trucks and dessert stands as festivalgoers sampled barbecue, lemonade, funnel cakes and fresh strawberry treats while music played continuously from the entertainment area nearby.

Children crowded around one of the day’s most popular attractions as members of the Lakeway Shriners Club Elmo Engineers gave rides on the Elmo trains. “We love coming to this event every year. The kids’ faces light up when they see Elmo,” said Elmo Engineers President Danny Whit. The miniature train circled through the festival, carrying smiling children while whistles echoed through the crowd. Parents lined the area taking photos as kids waved excitedly from the brightly colored train cars.

Live music and entertainment continued throughout the afternoon, giving visitors a chance to sit, relax and enjoy the atmosphere while others continued shopping and visiting with local businesses and organizations.

For many attendees, the festival has become more than simply a community event. It has become a yearly tradition marking the beginning of summer activities, school break and warmer weather.

Families could be seen reconnecting with friends, browsing vendor booths together and stopping for photos throughout the day. Children danced near the music stage while others gathered around games, bounce houses, and activity stations spread throughout the grounds. “I’m having fun!” said 4 year old Morristown resident Abigail Eboh while standing in line to get her face painted.

Many vendors said the Strawberry Festival remains one of their favorite events of the year because of the steady crowds and strong local support. Some sold out of popular items before the festival ended.

Now celebrating its 20th year, the festival continues to grow while maintaining the small-town community feel that has made it popular for two decades. The event brings together local artisans, businesses, nonprofits, entertainers and families for a day centered around supporting local vendors and simply enjoying time together.

By late afternoon, visitors left carrying shopping bags, strawberry desserts and armfuls of handmade treasures while children made final rides on the Elmo trains before heading home.

Between the music, the smell of fresh food, the rows of handmade goods and the endless strawberry-themed treats, the annual festival once again reminded visitors why it has become one of Morristown’s signature spring traditions.