Strawberry Fest is back

St. John's Episcopal Church, overlooking the Niagara River on Main Street in Youngstown, will hold its annual Strawberry Fest on Saturday and Sunday, June 15 and 16, from noon to 4 p.m. Homemade strawberry shortcake along with grilled foods and salads will be served and a theme basket auction will be held.

A special tribute to active duty members, reservists, and veterans of the U.S. Armed Services and the National Guard will be held Saturday at 3 p.m., featuring the music of the Lockport Community Band.

The Strawberry Fest dates back to World War II when the congregation hosted a "strawberry social" for soldiers stationed at nearby Fort Niagara. St. John's is located near the south entrance to the fort, and many of its founding members were part of the fort's post-Civil War garrison.

The church, built in 1878, will be open continuously throughout the event for self-guided tours.