Strawberry Fest not chilled by cold weather

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What: Strawberry Festival

When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 6

Where: Crowninshield House, 131 Banyan St.

Cost: Free

You need to know: Bargain donors can drop off their gifts until 3 p.m. Friday.

The cold snap that frosted tourism and chilled Florida motel and beach operations was unable to cool the enthusiasm building for this week's annual Strawberry Festival on Boca Grande.

"So far we think it's just going to make the strawberries better," said Ellie Young, festival public relations. "It's really incredible. We learned today the weather outlook is spectacular. We need that."

Gloria Mitchell, festival co-chair along with Sue Eddy, said suppliers have promised they will have the 40 flats of strawberries they've ordered although the price has yet to be set.

"It has affected our price but we still, as of today, have three suppliers," Mitchell said. "None of them can give us exact price per flat but they can give us the amount we want."

Mitchell said the higher price could be offset by the even higher sugar content of the chilled strawberries.

"Cold weather has made them more flavorful," she said. "They are so good!"

Last year the Strawberry Festival raised more than $75,000 for its charities.

Dozens of valuable items will be offered to bidders at live and silent auctions during the annual United Methodist Church Women's Strawberry Festival opening at 10 a.m. Saturday.

The Strawberry Festival attracts hundreds of residents with bargain items at the Crowninshield House at Second and Railroad on the Boca Grande Community Center grounds.

The smells of grilled bratwurst, hot dogs and homemade strawberry shortcake will be in the air.

The Boutique shop will offer new and cared-for merchandise, and the craft table will feature local artisans. Other attractions include the face-painting booth operated by the Methodist Youth Group and the UMC Ladies Bake Sale, which always sells out quickly.

Nearly 100 silent and 18 live auction items will be moved with the help of auctioneer Ron Thompson, back for a third year.

"He makes the whole auction what it is," Young said. "He's entertainment in itself. The way he gets the emotions stirred is incredible."

Proceeds benefit the following 21 children's and women's charities:

Strawberry Festival island charities

Boca Grande United Methodist Church Youth Programs

Boca Grande Child Care Center

Friends of the Community Center children's programs

Johann Fust Community Library Children's Room

United Methodist Church scholarship aid program

Barrier Island Parks Society children's programs

Island School music programs

Neighboring communities

Charlotte County Homeless Coalition

Chara House

Florida United Methodist Children's Home

Catholic Charities in Arcadia

ECHO in Fort Myers

For the Love of Kids in Port Charlotte

Medical aid; M. Oliver

DASH support for women and children

Grace Place Mission for Kids in Naples

Jim Russo Prison Ministries

International

Cuba - three missions

La Vega School in Dominican Republic

Hope International

Samaritan's Purse

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