Thousands of visitors will descend upon downtown Kokomo from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, June 5, for the 28th Annual Strawberry Festival featuring more than 220 vendors, live entertainment, and strawberry shortcake.

The free festival is organized by the Greater Kokomo Downtown Association and serves as the organization’s lone fundraiser to support revitalization efforts throughout the year. It began as a small two-hour gathering organized by Bell Telephone retirees before the association took over in 1998. Today, it is one of Kokomo’s largest annual events and welcomes more than 10,000 people each year.

Of the over 220 vendors this year, 27 of them will serve food and beverage. The vendor lineup is the largest and most diverse in the event’s 28-year history, offering everything from fair food, international cuisine, and strawberry desserts to handmade art, boutique shopping, live experiences, home services, kids activities, and local organizations.

Strawberry-themed offerings including strawberry shortcake, strawberry lemonade, chocolate-covered strawberries, and more.

Artsapalooza Art Market is once again part of the festival lineup, bringing local artists, plein air painting, and interactive art activities.

There are also two dedicated kids activity areas featuring bounce houses, face painting, games, fitness activities, hands-on experiences, and opportunities to meet local first responders. The Kokomo Police Department will show off its SWAT vehicle, and the Kokomo Fire Department will have family-friendly demonstrations and vehicles displayed.

Festival by the Numbers

• 7,500 shortcakes will be baked by Tastefully Indiana

• 4,500 pounds of strawberries will be supplied by Moore’s Pie Shop

• 375 gallons of vanilla ice cream supplied by Scoops