Local businesses prepare for Strawberry Festival weekend

Local businesses prepare for Strawberry Festival weekendThe streets will be filled with entertainment, vendors, food, and activities during the annual Strawberry Festival taking place Friday and Saturday in downtown Owego, N.Y.
Local businesses prepare for Strawberry Festival weekend

Located at 59 North Ave., The Kitchen Store will be serving up traditional strawberry shortcake outside their front door, made with homemade biscuits and sweet cream to top it off.

Local businesses prepare for Strawberry Festival weekend

Music lovers will find multiple music genre’s in three days at one venue at Original’s Bar and Lounge, located at 25 Lake St., including a Strawberry Fest “After-Party” on Saturday evening.

Local businesses prepare for Strawberry Festival weekend

The Black Cat Gallery, located at 190 Front St. in Owego is hosting face-painting sessions during the Strawberry Festival, as well as a special fundraiser by the Owego Dog Owner’s Group.

Local businesses prepare for Strawberry Festival weekend

Live music will start right after the conclusion of the parade at Carol’s Coffee and Art Bar, located at 177 Front St. in Owego. Strawberry shortcake and cold drinks will be available.

Local businesses prepare for Strawberry Festival weekend

The streets will be filled with entertainment, vendors, food, and activities during the annual Strawberry Festival taking place Friday and Saturday in downtown Owego, N.Y.

Local businesses prepare for Strawberry Festival weekend

The streets will be filled with entertainment, vendors, food, and activities during the annual Strawberry Festival taking place Friday and Saturday in downtown Owego, N.Y.

Local businesses prepare for Strawberry Festival weekend

The Owego Kitchen, located at 13 Lake St. will open its doors at 6:30 a.m. on Strawberry Fest Saturday, and will also open the Back Alley Pig during the Friday Night Block Party. Visitors will find a twist from the traditional strawberry shortcake served at The Owego Kitchen on Saturday.

Local businesses throughout the historic village of Owego, N.Y. are preparing for the annual Strawberry Festival weekend scheduled June 17 and 18. With an extensive selection of shops and restaurants to choose from, along with vendors, activities and entertainment, there will be something for every taste at the Owego Strawberry Festival.

The following is a snapshot of what’s in store at a few local businesses.

Music lovers will find multiple music genre’s in three days at one venue at Original’s Bar and Lounge, located at 25 Lake St.

During the Friday Night Block Party, Ultra Vibe with Mike Davis will perform their distinct form of funk/groove and jazz at Original’s starting at 7 p.m.

On Saturday, in front of the Original’s bar and lounge entrance, stop by for a classic mix of Americana, folk, bluegrass, blues and rock by Melanie and the Boys from noon until 3 p.m.

As soon as the festival concludes on Saturday, join Original’s for their “Strawberry Festival After-Party.” Starting at 6 p.m., featured performers include singer/songwriters Dan Pokorak, Kali Cornwell and Mary Tewksbury.

“This weekend lineup really represents what we’re all about,” shared Bradley Crews, Original’s Bar and Lounge manager. The After-Party will offer discounted drinks to festival volunteers.

On Sunday, celebrate Father’s Day with classic rock by Thom Ormsby from 1 to 4 p.m.

The Black Cat Gallery, located at 190 Front St. in Owego, showcases local artists. Two booths will be set up in front of the store during Strawberry Festival weekend. Face painting for children will be created by local artist Melissa Hill.

Also at Black Cat, co-owner Janelle Malia explained that a fundraiser for the Owego Dog Owner’s Group (ODOG) will be set up outside. ODOG will have fun prizes for children, and will be selling tickets for visitors to win a “really big” doghouse. ODOG is a community group who promotes responsible dog ownership and is involved with the upkeep of the Rebecca Weitsman Memorial Dog Park at Hickories Park.

A one-stop boutique and gift shop, Tender Loving Care by Maureen, located at 7 Lake St., sells quality and trendy comfortable fashions and accessories.

During the Strawberry Festival, find tee shirts from the popular clothing line, “Life is Good” for two for $40, which are only found at Maureen’s. In addition, a variety of dresses, tops and skirts will be priced at $19.99.

The Owego Kitchen, located at 13 Lake St., opened last November, and now houses a cool little café’ in its own right, the Back Alley Pig, which owners Ike and Julie Lovelass opened on June 3. Walk through the alley from Lake Street or take the back way in from the municipal lot on Court Street, and you’ll find the Back Alley Pig window and outdoor seating area.

The Back Alley Pig will be open during the Friday Night Block Party, and on Saturday, The Owego Kitchen opens at 6:30 a.m. to accommodate early birds and vendors. Hot coffee, egg sandwiches and other breakfast fare will be served.

Preparing sweet treats on the street during the Strawberry Festival on Saturday, Julie described The Owego Kitchen’s version of strawberry shortcake as, “A twist from the traditional. Our creation is Belgian waffles made to order, and then finished off with strawberries and topping.”

Live music by Greg Neff, a singer/songwriter and guitarist who performs music of the 1960’s and 1970’s, will start right after the conclusion of the parade at Carol’s Coffee and Art Bar, located at 177 Front St. in Owego.

During the festival, owner Carol Livermore Ostrander and strawberry crew will be serving up delicious, homemade strawberry shortcake under a tent in front of the business. Inside, customers will find ice cream, Carol’s signature baked goods and other cold drinks.

Visitors to the Owego Strawberry Festival will find excellent food and sweet treats on every street and at every turn, including North Avenue. Located at 59 North Avenue, The Kitchen Store will be serving up traditional strawberry shortcake outside their front door.

Owner Sue Michaels is gearing up for a super-hungry crowd again this year. A popular draw at last year’s festival, Sue’s strawberry shortcake went quickly.

“I am tripling my recipe this year,” Sue shared, “Our recipe includes fresh home-made biscuits and fresh, home-made sweet cream to top it off.”  And, of course, fresh, sweet strawberries!

For more information, see the Owego Pennysaver’s Strawberry Festival Guide in this week’s print edition of the Pennysaver Press or visit www.owegostrawberryfestival.com.