Wesley Strawberry Festival Benefits Camp Able

Wesley United Methodist Church has been hosting a Strawberry Festival at its South Barfield campus for the last 15+ years. This weekend’s festival was a popular family spot with guests looking to sample the delicious Strawberry Stand menu. It also hosted an array of craft vendors selling their wares.

According to University of Florida IFAS experts, we’re at the height of the Florida strawberry harvesting season – a time when the state’s growers are doing all they can to make sure consumers can choose from among the best of their favorite fruit at the market.

“It has been an incredible Florida strawberry season in terms of flavor and quality,” said Kenneth Parker, Executive Director of the Florida Strawberry Growers Association. 

The festival is also a fundraiser for Camp Able, a weeklong camp where diverse abilities are not barriers but avenues for exploration and celebration. With a focus on what individuals can achieve rather than limitations, Camp Able cultivates a community that embraces differences with open arms. The five-day long camp is filled with fun activities for participants such as movies, special trips, arts and crafts, and water-related recreational activities and the evenings include skits, dances, and sing-a-longs.

The Strawberry Festival offered Strawberry Crumble Cake, shortcake, parfaits, fresh strawberries, and pie. They also offered gluten-free and vegetarian options. According to Pastor Matt White, they used over 100 pounds of strawberries for the festival.

Pastor Matt would like to thank all the contributors to the festival: Marco Lutheran Church, New Life, San Marco Catholic Church, United Church of Marco Island and Marco Presbyterian Church. In addition, thanks to AL’s Pals offering a free cup of minestrone soup to all visitors. 

If you missed the Strawberry Festival and would like to make a donation to Camp Able, or want to sponsor a camper, please go to: info@wesleymarco.org or call 239-394-3734.