Enjoy strawberries, field days

Niagara Wheatfield Tribune, June 11, 2009

Two annual events return to the area this weekend, providing plenty of family fun - the Town of Niagara Lions Club Niagara Strawberry Festival and the Shawnee Volunteer Fire Co. annual Field Days.

The Lions are inviting everyone to the Niagara Strawberry Festival on Sunday, June 14, at the old St. Leo's Church at 2748 Military Road, Town of Niagara.

This year there won't be a Niagara Idol competition, but there will be a basket auction extravaganza from noon to 5 p.m., a Chiavetta's chicken barbecue from 1 to 5 p.m., a performance by the Niagara Experience Players at 2 p.m., split club, hot dogs, and of course, strawberry shortcake.

Shawnee's annual Field Days starts at 6 p.m. today, June 11, and ends with a bang of fireworks at 10 p.m. Saturday, June 13, at the fire company grounds, 3747 Lockport Road, Wheatfield.

Today's schedule includes a ride special, and the food, beer and gambling tents will be open.  On Friday, grounds open and a fish fry is offered at 4 p.m. At 8 p.m., there's a tractor pull and performance by East of Eden. On Saturday, grounds open at noon and there's a ride special from noon to 4 p.m., a Chiavetta's barbecue from 4 to 7 p.m., a firemen's parade at 6 p.m. and a performance by Rip and the Bandogs at 8 p.m.

The annual field days is a good community event, said Chairman Frank Banks.

"There's not too many of them left. It gives you a chance to see your neighbors and say hello. There's a little something for everybody."