St. John's Episcopal Church, overlooking the Niagara River on Main Street in Youngstown, will hold its annual Strawberry Fest from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, June 23.
Homemade strawberry shortcake made with local berries, freshly baked shortcake and real whipped cream will be served. Grilled foods will be prepared and served by the Youngstown Lions Club, Donuts D. Clown will be on hand from noon to 3 p.m. for children of all ages, and the Red House Band will perform at 2 p.m. A basket auction to raise funds for the Youngstown Porter senior van will also be available.
The Strawberry Fest dates back to World War II when the congregation hosted a "strawberry social" for soldiers stationed at nearby Fort Niagara.
The church, built in 1878, will be open continuously throughout the event for self-guided tours. St. John's is one of only a few remaining board-and-batten carpenter gothic churches with an active congregation in Western New York, and is listed on the State and National Registers of Historic Places.
