2 days ago
Troy preparing to welcome thousands during Strawberry Fest weekend
TROY, Ohio (WDTN) — The start of summer is tasting sweet as the annual Troy Strawberry Festival returns this weekend.
Returning for its 49th year, Troy is gearing up to welcome thousands of visitors. For many in the city, this is an opportunity to show off Troy and raise funds for the coming year.
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Strawberry donuts have been a staple at the Troy Strawberry Festival since the early 80s, but they are so much more than just a sweet treat — these donuts have a real impact on the Troy Schools community.
'This is just like the biggest one that supplies us through the year, for any needs that we have,' said Dhriti Patel, Troy High School student.
Working 24/7 for the next two days, students will be hard at work making and selling donuts, all to fund their music program.
'The donuts are made by Troy Music Boosters, and so that supports the band, choir and orchestra students of Troy City Schools in grades six through 12,' said Molly Venneman, Troy Music Boosters director of bands. 'Without this fundraiser, it would really cut on what we could do.'
The goal: to make and sell around 200,000 strawberry donuts in a single weekend.
'It goes to buy music, instruments, instrument repairs, helps pays for summer specialized instruction, helps with transportation costs,' said Venneman.
This is all the motivation these students need to keep showing up every year.
'Since seventh grade. I think it's a really good opportunity to volunteer and help raise some money for the band, because some of the instruments and stuff that we buy are expensive. I don't think our school has a lot of like of money for the band,' said Patel.
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Organizers say this is the reason the Troy Strawberry Festival was created in the first place.
'So all of our food vendors that participate in the festival agreed to share, some of their proceeds with their nonprofit partner,' said Jessica Silvers, Troy Strawberry Festival general chair. 'Some of our nonprofits, we hear that we are their main, if not only, fundraiser for their entire year.'
The festival expects to see around 150,000 people from the Miami Valley and beyond throughout the weekend.
'It's really important for us to be a welcoming and hospitable city for that,' said Silvers.
Silvers says the festival is a great way to showcase the entire city and support the community.
'Some people stay overnight, so we know that hotels are booked and restaurants are being visited. It's really important that we not only help our nonprofits, but also our local businesses,' said Silvers.
The Troy Strawberry Festival runs Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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