Bellevue Strawberry Festival: History, Fun & More!
Could a single fruit, bursting with summer sweetness, truly encapsulate the spirit of a community? The Bellevue Strawberry Festival, once a vibrant annual event, proved that it could, weaving itself into the very fabric of the city's identity and becoming a beloved tradition for generations.
The Bellevue Strawberry Festival, a celebration of the city's agricultural roots, was a revitalization of an old tradition, dating back to when strawberry farming was a cornerstone of the region's economy. The Eastside Heritage Center, in cooperation with and support from the City of Bellevue, brought this beloved event to life, transforming Crossroads International Park into a hub of activity, joy, and, of course, an abundance of strawberries. Featuring family entertainment, an auto show, vendors, and countless opportunities to indulge in the sweet, juicy fruit, the festival drew thousands of guests every year, creating lasting memories for families and friends. By the 1920s, Bellevue had become famous for its delicious strawberries, a chief crop cultivated by many Japanese families. The festival, in its prime, was a testament to the community's spirit, attracting an impressive audience of 50,000+ people diverse in age and cultural backgrounds.
At its heart, the festival offered a vibrant tapestry of experiences. Entertainment, an auto show, vendors, food, and family fun were all highly visible components of the festivities. And, attendees were almost guaranteed to encounter a strawberry or twoor perhaps even more. Shortcake eating contests, strawberry flats, chocolate-covered strawberries, and an array of other strawberry-themed delights were readily available, adding to the festival's festive atmosphere. The event provided an immersive experience that celebrated the region's agricultural history and fostered a sense of community. For the families, the festival held a special appeal and was a good way to spend time with their loved ones. This was a tradition that was held every year in the fourth weekend of June. In 2003, the festival moved to Main Street, going back to its roots, as the first Strawberry Festival was held there in 1925. This move was celebrated, but sadly the last one was held in 2019.
In the 1920s, Bellevue was already gaining fame for its strawberries, a primary crop for numerous Japanese families. The festival, during its peak, attracted 3,000 visitors, a noteworthy number for the small Bellevue community. The Bellevue Strawberry Festival was more than just an event; it was a symbol of the community spirit and a celebration of local heritage. The festival was able to make new friends on the eastside. The festival, which had been held at Crossroads International Park, first started at Bellevue Downtown Park back in 1925. In the beginning, Bellevue was a very bucolic town, where under 1,000 people lived in it. Every year the festival took place during the fourth weekend of June, and it would celebrate community and strawberries. On Father's Day, dads could enjoy free strawberry shortcake. The festival was a revitalization, and it was held every year.
The Bremerton Blackberry Festival takes place over Labor Day weekend on the picturesque waterfront boardwalk in downtown Bremerton. The Bellevue Strawberry Festival was a community event. In 2019, the Eastside Heritage Center board decided not to host the Bellevue Strawberry Festival. In 2019, the board of the Eastside Heritage Center (producers of the event) made a difficult decision. With sadness, they permanently closed the festival. Hundreds of people came out to Crossroads Park last weekend for the 16th annual Strawberry Festival hosted by the Eastside Heritage Center. The event featured live music, several food trucks, and fresh strawberries. The festival featured over 100 craft, business, and food vendors. The festival was held on Sunday at Crossroads International Park. Event details can change, and anyone planning to attend the event should review the official website or consult with the event organizer.
Regrettably, the Bellevue Strawberry Festival is no longer an annual occurrence. The board of the Eastside Heritage Center made the difficult decision to permanently close the festival in 2019. However, its legacy as a beloved community event, a celebration of Bellevue's agricultural history, and a source of joy for thousands of visitors remains. The memories of the festival, the taste of fresh strawberries, and the sense of community it fostered will continue to live on in the hearts of those who experienced it.
