When it comes to unique Midwestern destinations that are catered to tourism, few can stack up to the accommodations and activities of Cedarburg, Wisconsin. Just over 20 miles from Milwaukee and five miles west of Lake Michigan, Cedarburg is easily accessible and ready to make your dream vacation a reality.
Founded in 1840 by German and Irish immigrants, early settlers were drawn to the natural beauty and abundant resources of the Cedar Creek area. As the 19th Century rolled along, mills sprang up all along the water. This helped the community to grow and attract new people. During the first half of the 20th Century, Cedarburg continued to be a major mill center and people began to discover it as a vacation destination as well. As the 1970’s began, the town was moving away from milling and many of the historic buildings sat unused. Local investors and developers began to revitalize the old buildings, turning them into restaurants, wineries, studios and more. Currently Cedarburg has over 11,000 residents and is one of the top tourist destinations in the state.
For an impressive 31 years, the Cedarburg Strawberry Festival has been a leading Wisconsin family themed festival. The event attracts nearly 100,000 people from all over the state, region and country, during the two-day event. Regardless of what you like to do, the festival has something for everyone, from a 5K run, to an assortment of strawberry flavored foods. If you're traveling with your kids, this is the perfect event with games, rides, and treats. A few other popular activities you’ll find here include a car show, live music, art vendors, wine tasting and much more. There aren’t many festival experiences like the Cedarburg Strawberry Festival. Take your vacation to the next level and see for yourself! We got the chance to interview BJ. Homayouni, Executive Director of Festivals of Cedarburg, Inc., to talk about this great event for the entire family.
RAL: Tell me a little bit about the event.
BH: The 31st Annual Strawberry Festival will be taking place on June 25-26, 2016. It’s an annual celebration of the fruit of the season located in downtown historic Cedarburg. At this annual event you can enjoy everything strawberry, from strawberry shortcake to strawberry wine. Last year there were over 100,000 in attendance over the two days of the festival. Festival goers can stroll along our historic Main Street and find that perfect treasure at our arts and crafts fairs called “Arts on the Avenue.” There is so much to do: live music, unique shopping, children’s activities, demonstrations, fun-filled contests, festival food and much more. Strawberry Festival is a fun-filled festival for the whole family.
RAL: Take me through a typical day at the festival.
BH: Wander down Washington Avenue and you’ll see why “Art is a Tradition” in Cedarburg. Fondly referred to as Arts on the Avenue, Strawberry Festival highlights more than 300 of the best local and Midwestern artists who bring their combined perspectives, skills, and thousands of works of art to the streets of Cedarburg, including paintings, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, fiber art, fine glass, woodwork, mixed media, and photography. Arts on the Avenue is a combined effort of four local organizations: the Cedarburg Cultural Center, Cedar Creek Settlement Merchant's Association, the Ozaukee Art Center and the Cedarburg Art Museum. It offers one-of-a-kind works of art from functional to surreal, from witty to the elegantly decorative, as well as the opportunity to meet most of the artists in person.
The Strawberry Festival’s many food vendors are a huge draw to the festival, and sure to please any palate. Festival food court favorites include the “original” strawberry brat, strawberry shortcake and strawberry chicken wrap. Throughout the festival, foodies will find strawberry pie, strawberry crepes, strawberry slushes and chocolate-covered strawberries, as well as many other locally made delicacies.
For attendees with a taste for wine, Cedar Creek Winery’s Strawberry Blush Wine is a must – this and the winery’s other award-winning wines can be purchased by the glass throughout the festival.
Live music all over the Festival’s Historic District satisfies every music lover. The best place to enjoy the music is at the Gruber Law Office Main Stage - Festival Food Court which will feature rockin’ fun cover bands (Bryn McCardle, Our House, Life in a Tree, and The UnXpected) with shaded seating and is in close proximity to the main Festival Food Court. Cedar Creek Settlement events at the north end of town include live bands (including the Rhythm Kings, Generation Z and Bobby Way and the Fabulous Wayouts), food booths, and a merchant’s marketplace as well the all-you can eat Sunday Morning Strawberry Pancake Breakfast.
For our littlest strawberry-lovers, Henry’s Kids Korner at Cedar Creek Park offers pony rides, a petting zoo, inflatable bounce houses, food vendors, dancers, clowns and lots of other activities. One of the most popular events is the CedarQuacker 500 sponsored by Port Washington State Bank, where hundreds of rubber ducks are launched into the creek in a race to the finish Saturday and Sunday at 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm. New this year is the crowning of the Strawberry Princesses on Saturday – fun for kids of all ages!
Members of the Greater Milwaukee Model T Ford Club will be showing off a nice selection of all types and ages of Model T’s from roadsters and touring vehicles to pickup trucks and speedsters on Saturday. The club is dedicated to preserving these wonderful automobiles, helping members get their cars repaired, and enjoying the pure fun of driving a Model T, also known as “the car that put the world on wheels.”
Want to see a little more of beautiful Historic Cedarburg? The Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Ozaukee County’s “Berry Big” 5K Run/Walk kicks off Saturday at 8:15 am and circles through the neighborhoods that surround the downtown area. Or, take a ride on the Tractor Hayride Shuttle that travels around the festival route, sponsored by Habush, Habush & Rottier, S.C. Off the festival footprint, the Wisconsin Museum of Quilts and Fiber Arts will feature exhibits and fun family activities.
RAL: What can an attendee expect to find for local lodging?
BH: We are proud to have two historic bed and breakfast inns located in downtown Cedarburg.
The Washington House Inn offers elegant lodging right in the middle of historic Cedarburg and its festivals. Built in 1886, our Cedarburg Bed and Breakfast has been completely updated to provide an oasis of relaxation and pampered comfort as a romantic Wisconsin weekend getaway.
The Stagecoach Inn is a period-correct restored stone building is a genuine stagecoach hotel built in 1853 on an actual route between Milwaukee and Green Bay. The Stagecoach Inn Hotel offers nine comfortable guest rooms (three suites), all furnished with period antiques, private baths and a continental breakfast. Located in the heart of historic downtown Cedarburg, you will enjoy walking to art galleries, antique shops, fine restaurants, parks, wineries, and the Cedar Creek Settlement.
RAL: What does the event mean to the community?
BH: Festivals of Cedarburg, Inc. was organized for the purpose of planning festivals and events in the City of Cedarburg which enhance the vitality and economic well-being of the City while fostering civic, cultural and educational interests. The corporation is organized exclusively for charitable purposes as a 501(c)(3). The Festivals began in 1973 and have been successful in bringing thousands of visitors and residents alike to celebrate the charm and beauty of this beautiful downtown.
RAL: Why should people come to your event?
BH: Many families make Strawberry Festival a yearly tradition because it has something to offer family members of all ages. If you are planning a class or family reunion, a wedding proposal, or are traveling with a group, we would love to help you make it an extra special occasion by assisting you with your plans. Family and friends can enjoy the festival, walk through the park and enjoy the beautiful outdoors, then gather at a tented meeting place to continue to have a great time. Just contact our office to coordinate your event.
For more information about the Cedarburg Strawberry Festival, please visit their website.