This month’s Rock Hill Coca-Cola Bottling Company Picnic Trip takes us just up the road to Fort Mill’s Walter Elisha Park. The added bonus this time around? Fort Mill’s 13th Annual South Carolina Strawberry Festival!
Directions
Take US 21N out of Rock Hill. In Fort Mill, take a left onto White Street. There you are.
What to Do
The park itself is a pleasant municipal park with the typical park amenities. You can stroll the .6 mile walking trail. Give the kids a chance to goof around on the playground. Relax in the swings. Then spread your picnic blanket out somewhere on the abundant green space.
But all of that changes during the end of April and the beginning of May. That’s when Walter Elisha Park turns into the South Carolina Strawberry Festival.
Lead Up Week
In the week leading up to the South Carolina Strawberry Festival proper, visitors to Fort Mill will find a fun activity each day of the week.
Friday, April 29th: The poster for this year’s festival will be unveiled. Also, the winners of the festival pageants will be crowned.
Saturday, April 30th: Saturday is busy will several events. Athletically minded folks can run/walk the 5K or jump into the Fun Run. The more historically inclined can participate in the Strawberry Scavenger Hunt hosted by the Fort Mill History Museum. Dog owners can dress up their pooches for the Strawberry Doggie Fashion Show. And don’t forget your free Strawberry Snocone!
Sunday, May 1st: Join others for the Strawberry Festival Brunch.
Monday, May 2nd: Got a cute baby? Take a pic for the Strawberry Baby Photo Contest.
Tuesday, May 3rd: Fore! Take a swing at the Golf Tournament.
Wednesday, May 4th: Get your groove on at the Downtown Strawberry Jam.
Thursday, May 5th: Show of your vocals in Strawberry Idol. The winner gets the opportunity to perform a song at next year’s Festival.
Festival Weekend
Friday, May 6th and Saturday, May 7th: The festival itself will fill the park with a dozen different musical performances, carnival rides, strawberry ice cream and cupcake eating contests, a car show, and professional wrestling. Grab some food at one of the many food vendors. Peruse the goods from one of the arts and crafts booths.
Strawberry Pie
After the festival, you can still indulge in strawberries with this great pie!