Flashback Friday – All For the Berry

A girl and her dog eat strawberry shortcake.
From the Harold Putnam Photograph Collection, a young girl and her dog enjoy some strawberry shortcake.

Today’s Flashback Friday celebrates local strawberries…and all the sweet delights they help us create. What better way to kickoff Strawberry Festival weekend!

Strawberries have been an important part of the Chassell economy since the early 1920s. Strawberries became such an important part of the local economy that it was decided to recognize the local Growers Association with a festival in 1949. This became the first Chassell Strawberry Festival. The event has been sponsored by the Chassell Lions Club and is traditionally held during the 2nd weekend in July.

The annual Copper Country Strawberry Festival consists of events such as: Arts and Crafts in the park, open house at the Chassell Heritage Center, boat rides on the Agassiz, children’s games, a children’s parade, queen coronation, a large parade on Saturday, live music at the Pavilion, a fish boil, berry judging, berry auction, baked goods, jams, etc., and of course the famous strawberry shortcake throughout the festival! The queen coronation, Saturday parade and Strawberry shortcake are still the highlight events. For more information about the 2021 festival, check their website: https://www.coppercountrystrawberryfestival.com