Latest news with #StrawberryFest
Chicago Tribune
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
Long Grove's Annual Strawberry Fest sees romance with strawberry-infused cups of comfort
It was indeed the summer of love at Long Grove's signature Strawberry Fest this year. Over the three consecutive-day weekend starting on Friday, June 27, people celebrated birthdays or got engaged in Long Grove. One couple made tentative plans for their wedding to be held outside at next year's Strawberry Fest. Dressed in strawberry-themed clothing on June 28 and dancing in front of the main stage on Robert Parker Coffin Road in the same spot where they met at Strawberry Fest 2023 were Kimberly Kushlakus of Round Lake Beach and Jay Goeppner of Hoffman Estates and Chicago. Goeppner said it is, 'Strawberry Fields forever, and it's called being in love and finding that right person in life and making sure that you honor the places and people that were there for you. 'It was an amazing night,' Goeppner recalled of meeting Kushlakus. 'You never know, some very mystical and magical things can happen,' Goeppner added. It was 'absolutely' love at first sight, confirmed Kushlakus, who first saw Goeppner using an ATM machine near the stage midway. 'I fell in love. 'I loved him before he even saw me,' Kushlakus said with a smile. 'My friend and I, we came here to this spot and we were watching the band and the next thing I know, he (Goeppner) was right beside me,' Kushlakus recalled. 'And we danced all night. We want to get married right here in this spot,' Kushlakus said while standing in front of the main stage. After meeting the two lovebirds in person who had revealed their hope for a 2026 outdoors wedding at Strawberry Fest, 'We're going to figure out how to make that work,' said Ryan Messner of Barrington, Long Grove insurance business owner and president of the Historic Downtown Long Grove Business Association. On Saturday afternoon, one other couple got engaged at Strawberry Fest, Messner confirmed. 'It's always that small city charm that people want to come to, and they find romance here as well,' Messner said. 'It's exciting because even like in the winter, when we did our carriage rides, we had three couples get engaged. 'And they all want to do it at the (covered wooden) bridge (Historic Robert Parker Coffin Road Bridge),' Messner said. 'We're part of it, we want to be part of the community, if there are things like this (weddings) that we can create, we're going to do it.' The iconic covered bridge continues to take recorded hits by oversized vehicles since its reopening in August 2020. Clear height restriction signs are posted on the bridge (at 8'6'). A newer metal frame has protected the bridge's driveability, and the green wooden part gets replaced. The covered bridge would experience no accidental hits over Strawberry Fest, among Long Grove's roster of main fundraiser festivals, since the main stage is situated in front of the bridge, and the event closed off Robert Parker Coffin Road. Strawberry Fest is held on the fourth weekend of June and features strawberry-infused cuisine such as strawberry donuts, strawberry sangria and chocolate-dipped strawberries. Enjoying a fresh strawberry treat with her grandparents from Long Grove, Michele and Joel Polakoff, was Mia Lasko, 6, a rising first-grader of Buffalo Grove. Mia wore pink and had a pink balloon. 'We come to all the fests because they're wonderful, every one,' Michele Polakoff said. In the spring of 2024, scenes were filmed in Long Grove for the Great American Family channel production called 'Once Upon a Christmas Wish,' released late last year. The movie features Mario Lopez of 'Access Hollywood' and 'Saved by the Bell' fame, along with spouse Courtney with their son Dominic. Joel and Michele Polakoff were extras in that holiday film. 'Long Grove was a perfect town for that kind of a movie,' Michele Polakoff said. 'Long Grove is romantic.' Also pretty in pink at Strawberry Fest with her pink balloon was Alice Voigt, 18 months, of Inverness. 'This is our first time here, it's great, the music,' said Alice's mother Laura Voigt, who had plans to try some Strawberry Fest barbecue plus chocolate dipped strawberries. Going for a spin on a carnival ride were the Dean siblings of Long Grove, Miranda Dean, 14, a rising high school freshman and Alexander Dean, 11, a rising sixth-grader. 'It's adorable,' said their parent, Suzi Dean, about their family hometown of Long Grove. According to all festival proceeds help to fund improvement projects including street lighting, Covered Bridge Park maintenance, road signage, banners and free activities such as yoga and music in the park, plus winter holiday attractions. Messner estimated that at least 35,000 people attended the paid-entry Strawberry Fest 2025 with the sunny, warm weekend weather. 'We appreciate everyone coming out,' Messner said. 'We love to provide a great experience.'
CBC
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- CBC
Your guide to 2025 summer festivals in the Hamilton area
Social Sharing Even if you clone yourself, you'll probably find it difficult to attend all the festivals in the Hamilton area this summer. From music to theatre to food, there'll be no shortage of things to do. Here's some of what's coming up. This list will be updated throughout the summer. Have an event to share? Email hamilton@ Burlington Sound of Music Festival, June 12 to 15 This free music festival takes place in Spencer Smith Park on the waterfront in downtown Burlington, Ont. There's a varied lineup of musicians and a parade planned for Saturday. There are also vendors and a midway. Taste of Philippines, June 13 to 15 In honour of Philippines Independence Day on June 12, a three-day event at Gage Park in Hamilton's east-end will include live music, street food and a karaoke beer garden. Barton Village Festival, June 14 At Woodlands Park in Hamilton's Gibson neighbourhood, the Barton Village Business Improvement Association is hosting an event including live music, kids' games, activities and a vendor market. Organizers say Barton Street E., will be closed to vehicle traffic from Wentworth Street N., to Sanford Avenue N. Strawberry festivals on James Street N., and in downtown Stoney Creek, June 14 to 15 Some businesses on James Street N., in Hamilton will be participating in a new strawberry-themed event by offering "a special strawberry delight," during business hours, organizers say. In Stoney Creek on June 14, the 10th annual StrawberryFest will include music, games, food, vendors and children's games between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. Something Else!, June 19 to 22 An annual music festival by Zula Music & Arts Collective Hamilton takes place across three locations with ticketed and free events. Attendees can hear live music at St. Cuthbert's on 2 Bond St., at the Hamilton Public Library Central branch and at during the Open Streets event at 399 King St. E. FrancoFEST Hamilton, June 20 to 22 Featuring music, free family activities and food, a three-day celebration of French speakers in Hamilton happens at Gage Park. Festitalia: Hamilton Italian Heritage Festival, June 21 and 22 By Liuna Station on Hamilton's James Street N., a street festival to honour Italians will include a car show, bocce tournament, music and pasta-eating contest. Open Streets On King, June 22 For one Sunday in June, King Street E., will be closed to vehicle traffic from John Street to Gage Avenue between 10 am. And 4 p.m., making space for activities and entertainment. For example, the International Village Business Improvement Area will be hosting a Pride event at Ferguson Station featuring drag performances and a "queer makers market." Waterdown Oh Canada Ribfest, June 27 to 30 The Waterdown and Flamborough rotary clubs are hosting an event in Waterdown's Memorial Park featuring ribs, live music and family activities. Admission is free. It's Your Festival, June 28 to July 1 To celebrate Canada Day, Hamilton Folk Arts Heritage Council is hosting live music at Gage Park. There will be a beer garden, parade and midway. Parking is $10. Admission is free. Because Beer Craft Beer Festival, July 11 and 12 Dedicated to music and craft beer, this weekend event at Pier 4 Park in Hamilton will include goods from 40 local breweries, ciderhouses and distilleries, food trucks, a retro arcade and something called beer yoga. The festival is a 19-plus, ticketed event. Hamilton Fringe, July 16 to 27 Spanning 12 days, the annual Hamilton arts festival includes over 350 theatre, comedy, dance, puppetry and magic performances in venues throughout the city. Festival of Friends, August 1 to 3 The annual Gage Park live music festival has yet to publish a lineup. Hamilton Pride, August 8 to 10 At Pier 4 Park, this pride event will feature vendors and performances. Winona Peach Festival, August 22 to 25 Featuring food, vendors and live music, the annual fair at Winona Park in east Hamilton.
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Yahoo
Suspect in Vacherie teen's shooting death found guilty
ST. JAMES PARISH, La. (WGNO) — The man responsible for the 2021 shooting death of a Vacherie teenager has been found guilty. According to the Office of District Attorney Ricky Babin, on Nov. 4, 2021, deputies with the St. James Parish Sheriff's Office responded to the scene of a shooting in Vacherie where 16-year-old David Harris was found dead in the passenger seat of a car. New report accuses Mayor LaToya Cantrell of improperly halting New Orleans Police Department officer promotions The investigation revealed Harris and other occupants in the car were approached by a man, who reportedly pointed a gun through the window demanding all their belongings. The driver fled the scene as shots were fired into the vehicle. Detectives were able to identify 22-year-old Maurice Honor Jr. as the suspect and obtained a warrant for his arrest. He was booked into the St. James Parish Jail. New report accuses Mayor Latoya Cantrell of improperly halting New Orleans Police Department officer promotions On Friday, April 12, 2025, Honor was found guilty of first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder and attempted armed robbery. Sentencing has been scheduled for a later date. Honor faces a mandatory life sentence for the charge of first-degree cooler tomorrow Family of wrongly deported man calls for his return Big law spends top dollar as Trump takes aim at firms Holy Cross baseball closes out regular season with statement win over Pope John Paul II Ponchatoula PD: Two Strawberry Fest shootings unrelated Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Yahoo
Ponchatoula PD: Two Strawberry Fest shootings unrelated
PONCHATOULA, La. (WGNO) — The Ponchatoula Police Department is investigating two shootings that happened Saturday night at the city's Strawberry Festival. One happened by the ticket window at the festival and the other on the outskirts of the grounds at the Ponchatoula Community Center. As of Sunday, police said the shootings were unrelated. The cases are the latest ones to roll on the Wheel of Justice. New Orleans Police: Car burglars struck 6 times in 1 night Police say around 9:30 p.m. Saturday, they were called to the ticket booth where they found one person shot in the abdomen and another with a graze wound to the leg. Five minutes later, they say they received the call about the second shooting at the outskirts of the festival where they found another victim shot in the leg. According to police, all three victims are teenaged males, and all are expected to be okay. Police are also asking for anyone with video of what happened at either location to come forward. NOPD: Suspects accused of assaulting officers in French Quarter If you have any information that could help solve the festival shootings, call Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa Parish at 800-554-5245. You don't have to reveal your name or testify in court, and you could be eligible to earn a cash reward. So far, more than 475 people have been booked after their cases rolled on the Wheel of Cross baseball closes out regular season with statement win over Pope John Paul II Ponchatoula PD: Two Strawberry Fest shootings unrelated Mississippi River rises above 11 feet at Carrollton Gage, Phase I flood fight activated New report accuses Mayor Latoya Cantrell of improperly halting New Orleans Police Department officer promotions Immigration judges sue over mass firings at DOJ Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Mississippi River rises above 11 feet at Carrollton Gage, Phase I flood fight activated
NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — The Mississippi River at the Carrollton Gage in New Orleans has climbed above 11 feet once again, prompting the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans District, to re-enter Phase I of their flood fight response. That rising water level means stricter rules for residents and contractors: no heavy loads, digging, or subsurface construction within 1,500 feet of a levee unless a waiver has been granted. Even backyard projects like pools are off-limits without approval. Gov. Jeff Landry outlines priorities for Louisiana legislative session 'And then for a lot of residents, you know, people use the levees everyday for recreation,' Matt Roe with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said. 'They live by them, anything like that. If they see anything out of the out of the ordinary, that's unusual, give us a call. We'll send an inspector out to take a look at it.' Currently, the Carrollton Gage has surpassed 11 feet. Forecasts predict the river will crest at 16.5 feet by April 25th, holding steady for about a day before slowly receding. Man accused in Slidell vehicle theft arrested after jumping into Lake Pontchartrain: STPSO 'We've seen quite a few floods over the past decade. At this stage, we're conducting patrols twice a week, along with our local partners, we're in constant, coordination and communication with them to let them know what we're seeing,' Roe said. While there's no immediate flood threat, a continued rise could trigger Phase Two of flood protocol. That would mean daily levee patrols, increased vehicle traffic along recreational paths, and continued enforcement of construction restrictions. 'If Phase Two is activated, our inspectors and local partners will be out daily. We ask the public to stay aware and respect the increased activity around the levees,' Roe Cross baseball closes out regular season with statement win over Pope John Paul II Ponchatoula PD: Two Strawberry Fest shootings unrelated Mississippi River rises above 11 feet at Carrollton Gage, Phase I flood fight activated New report accuses Mayor Latoya Cantrell of improperly halting New Orleans Police Department officer promotions Immigration judges sue over mass firings at DOJ Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
