When the annual festival takes over Sky Meadows State Park for its 23rd year this weekend, it will bring with it live music, raffles, antique cars, pony rides, a flea and medicine show and, of course, tons of juicy, delicious strawberries.
When the Delaplane Strawberry Festival takes over Sky Meadows State Park for its 23rd year this Memorial Day weekend, May 28-29, it will bring with it live music, raffles, antique cars, pony rides, a flea and medicine show and, of course, tons of juicy, delicious strawberries. Entrance to the Emmanuel Episcopal Church-hosted festival costs $20 per car in advance or $25 per car upon arrival to the park. In the past, those proceeds have benefited a laundry list of local charities and organizations ranging from Salvation Army of Fauquier and the Fauquier Community Food Bank to Friends of Sky Meadows and the Marshall Fire Department. From there, you have access to the festival’s many family-friendly activities and Sky Meadows’ breathtaking views.
8 a.m. While the festival promises plenty of strawberries to be had, you will want to grab a hearty meal before you make your way to the grounds. Enamored patrons have described Marshall Diner as a hidden gem, so head here for a steak omelet, corned beef hash or sausage and biscuits with gravy—and don’t overlook the diner’s excellent cup of coffee. From this cozy spot, it’s a 14-minute drive to Sky Meadows.
9 a.m. The festival opens at 10 a.m. sharp both days, but on Saturday, visitors can help kick off the weekend by participating in the annual 5K Trail Run/Walk. On-site registration costs $30.
10 a.m. As the festival gates open for all, treat your ears to the celebratory sounds of bagpipe ensemble City of Winchester Pipes and Drums on Saturday. If you’re heading to Delaplane on Sunday, stop by traditional folk singer Mike Vinson’s set.
11 a.m. Now it’s time to get lost in the festival’s sprawling Craft Village. With more than 40 vendor booths, you can pick up one-of-a-kind items: handmade clothing and accessories, gourmet foods, spices and herbs, woven baskets, copper sculptures, wooden toys and more.
Noon Likewise, there will be plenty of food vendors, so you won’t have to travel very far when your stomach starts grumbling. You will have your choice of hamburgers, bratwursts with sauerkraut and fresh-squeezed lemonade. Oh, and did we mention there will be strawberries? 6,000 pints to be exact. Take home a carton (or a few) for later or grab strawberry shortcake for dessert.
12:45 p.m. On Saturday, both kids and parents can go for gold during the potato sack race. If you’re attending the festival on Sunday, however, don’t worry—there will be plenty of kid-friendly activities both days. Little ones can visit the petting farm, go on a hay ride or try out other games, including tug-of-war and water-balloon tosses.
2 p.m. If your feet need a break, revisit the stage for more performances by the Imaginary Blues Band on Saturday or Virginia Country Music Hall of Fame bluegrass outfit Nothin’ Fancy at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday.
3 p.m. Get back on your feet for a guided tour through Sky Meadows’ historic, 18th-century Mount Bleak farm house that overlooks the lush, rolling landscape.
4:30 p.m. In addition to the animals you will encounter at the petting farm, the Raptor Conservancy of Virginia will be at the festival with their majestic wild birds of prey. The conservancy’s staff will teach visitors about their work dedicated to rehabilitating the injured or orphaned birds and eventually re-releasing them into their natural habitat.
6 p.m. The festival closes both nights at 5 p.m. When you hop back in your car, take an 8-minute drive to Hunter’s Head Tavern, a charming 1700s-era home that’s been converted into a British-style pub. Order heaping portions of the tried and true fish and chips, bangers and mash or Guinness beef stew.
