Festival Schedule:

May 13, 2023

10:00 am: Opening Ceremonies & Lighting of the Festival Flame

Carrying on the tradition, the Opening Ceremonies and Lighting of the Festival Flame. Strawberry Festival Board Members, community members, and local officials, and festival royalty join to celebrate the ‘official’ kick-off to the area’s favorite event!

Location: Courthouse Plaza, Buckhannon, WV

11:00 am: Pet Show

The Strawberry Pet Show is such a fun event for animal lovers! Held in the Buckhannon Dog Park (located within the Riverwalk), this tail-wagging event will have multiple categories to enter your loved pet! You may bring any kind of pet you’d like!

A charge of $5 per category will be applied, and proceeds will be donated to a local animal rescue. Vendors will be set-up outside of the park, too.

Registration of pets begin at 11 AM. There will be prizes and ribbons for the winners of each category listed below. The King & Queen Winners will receive a crown, sash and be able to be in the Jr. Royalty parade. They can walk or ride but will have to provide their own ride!

-80’s Costume
-Golden Girl or Guy – Pet 7 or Older
-Most Unusual
-Totally Tubular Tricks
-Bodacious Betty (Queen)
-Fantabulous Fella (King)

Cost: $5

Location: Buckhannon Dog Park, 20 Randolph Street, Buckhannon, WV 26201

1:00 pm: Horse & Carriage Parade

To the delight of thousands of spectators, the clip-clop of hooves will echo off the streets of downtown Buckhannon as the Fourth Annual Horse and Carriage Parade rolls down the 1.5 mile Strawberry Lane this coming May 14th, 2022 at 3 PM.  Dozens of carriages, individual riders and equestrian teams with well-groomed horses of a wide variety will participate from throughout West Virginia and surrounding states. Music will fill Main Street as open case performances showcase the area talent of singers and musicians and concessions will be available throughout Main Street.  Visitors are urged to make plans now for attending the 2023 Horse and Carriage Parade!

Location: Strawberry Lane, Buckhannon, WV 26201

6:30 pm: Coronation

Coronation of the 2023 WV Strawberry Festival King-Elect and Queen-Elect. West Virginia Strawberry Festival guests and the public are cordially invited to attend the Coronation of Queen elect and King elect as they receive their official crowns.

The Minor Court, all first graders, will be in attendance along with all of the winners of the Junior Royalty Pageant. The coronation and reception are open & free to the public.

Coronation will take place in the chapel at West Virginia Wesleyan College.

Location: WV Wesleyan Chapel, Camden Avenue, Buckhannon, WV 26201

May 15, 2023

2:00 pm: Gospel Sing

Each year the Festival brings together the top names in southern gospel. Local groups as well as national acts have entertained large crowds. There is no admission charge but a free-will offering will be accepted.

Location: Way of Holiness Church, 2337 Old Weston Road, Buckhannon, WV 26201

May 16, 2023

5:00 pm - 8:00 pm: Family Fun Night

Get the FAMILY ready for a fun event with lots to do for all ages. We will have crafts, demonstrations, contests, music, games, and more! Watch for a Facebook event for Family Fun Night that will highlight all the activities.

Activities will be located at Stockert Youth Center and the surrounding outdoor spaces.

Most events will be free; however, some vendors may have a slight fee for activities at their booth.

Location: Stockert Youth Center, Buckhannon, WV

May 17, 2023

5 PM to 10 PM: Live Music at Jawbone Stage

The Strawberry Festival fun isn’t complete without some live music by some of the most talented bands in the region.  Hang out around Jawbone Park for the Carnival and Food Vendors while listening to the bands play!

Location: Jawbone Park, Madison Street, Buckhannon, WV 26201

6:00 pm: Carnival

No festival is complete without a carnival, and the WV Strawberry Festival doesn’t disappoint! Setting up at the height of the Strawberry Festival, visitors flock to the Gambill Amusement Carnival to ride the Ferris wheel, take a chance on the games and stroll the Strawberry Festival grounds.

Along with the Carnival, you’ll find classic treats including cotton candy, corn dogs, chili cheese fries and of course chocolate covered strawberries. Gambill Amusements is a family oriented carnival traveling in West Virginia, Western Maryland, and Southwestern Pennsylvania. It is owned and operated by the third and fourth generation of the founding Gambill family. They offer a complete carnival including rides, games, shows and food and are very proud to have played many locations for over thirty years.

Location: Downtown Buckhannon, Buckhannon, WV

May 18, 2023

10:00 am: Diaper Derby

Babies are divided into two groups and will crawl on padded mats. Group One will consist of children ages 6 months to 12 months; Group Two will be children ages 13 months to 2 years. Babies must crawl and have two coaches – one at the starting line and one at the finish line. A $1 Entry Fee is charged for each baby.

Awards are given to first, second and third place in each age group.

Location: Courthouse Plaza, Buckhannon, WV

10 AM-7 PM: Photography Exhibit

You don’t want to miss the Photography Exhibit – This is an interactive event, where your vote counts!

Photos by the talented members of the Buckhannon Upshur Camera Club will be on display, inviting you to walk through the MIB Gallery. Catch the exhibit during the evenings after the parades. The Photography Exhibit  is managed by the Buckhannon Upshur Camera Club.  This event will be held at the Colonial Theatre.

Location: Colonial Arts Center, 48 East Main Street, Buckhannon, WV 26201

10 AM to 6 PM: Arts & Craft Show

Don’t miss the Craft Show during the WV Strawberry Festival! Held at Stockert Youth Center, you’ll see hand-made items from West Virginia crafters. From custom signs, homemade soaps, jewelry, kids items and more, the Craft Show is a great place to connect with the heritage of the area.

Location: Stockert Youth Center, Buckhannon, WV

10:30 am: Strawberry Blonde

This competition is for children ages 6 years and younger. Children are judged on the color of their “Strawberry Blonde” hair!

The WV Strawberry Queen, her court and the Strawberry King have the hard job of selecting the winners at this event. A $1 Entry Fee is charged for all Strawberry Blonde contestants.

Prizes are awarded and the winners are invited to participate in the Junior Royalty Parade Thursday evening. Eligibility Requirements: Children 6 years old and younger.

Location: Courthouse Plaza, Buckhannon, WV

6:30 pm: Junior Royalty Parade

The Junior Royalty Parade is the ultimate Youth parade that attracts thousands of spectators and participants each year. The Parade is an Open Statewide Invitation for groups supporting children activities.

We feature West Virginia community groups and bands, twirling groups, dance teams middle school bands, FFA Groups, Boy Scouts, Girls Scouts and community floats! All Junior Royalty Pageant participants are a part of the Junior Royalty Parade, too. An award ceremony follows at the Courthouse. Top honors perform in Saturday’s Grand Feature Parade.

Location: Strawberry Lane, Buckhannon, WV

7:30 PM to 10 PM: Live Music at Jawbone Stage

The Strawberry Festival fun isn’t complete without some live music by some of the most talented bands in the region.  Hang out around Jawbone Park for the Carnival and Food Vendors while listening to the bands play!

Location: Jawbone Park, Madison Street, Buckhannon, WV 26201

8:30 PM: Strawberry Idol

With an 80’s theme this year, come out and sing your favorite 80’s songs during Strawberry Idol! The singing competition will be Thursday (18th) & Friday (19th) at 8:30 PM, with the finals set for Saturday night at 6:30 PM.

Singing competitors will be split in a youth division (14 and under) and an adult division (15 and up). Entry fee for all participants is $15.

May 19, 2023

7 AM-1 PM: Strawberry Pancakes

One of Buckhannon’s most loved events, the First United Methodist Church is serving up the best Strawberry Pancakes! This is a fun event that truly brings the community together.

Location: First United Methodist Church, 52 South Florida Street, Buckhannon, West Virginia 26201

9:00am-6:00pm: Quilt Show

The 44th Strawberry Festival Quilt Show, sponsored by the Quilters at Heart Guild, the Upshur County CEOS, and our prize sponsor, Mountain State Quilting, will be held at the Rockefeller Center Gymnasium on the WV Wesleyan College campus. You’ll find quilts on display, along with a boutique where hand-made items can by purchased.

There will be prizes for the top winners, generously provided by Mountain State Quilting of Philippi. A gift certificate for $100 will awarded to Best in Show, $50 to Judge’s Choice and $50 to People’s Choice. In addition to the Quilt Show, there will be a Boutique where hand-made items may be purchased, as well as the opportunity to buy raffle tickets for the charity quilt made by Guild members. This year’s recipient of the proceeds from the raffle quilt will be Ruth’s House, and the drawing will be held in October.

10 AM to 6 PM: Arts & Craft Show

Don’t miss the Craft Show during the WV Strawberry Festival! Held at Stockert Youth Center, you’ll see hand-made items from West Virginia crafters. From custom signs, homemade soaps, jewelry, kids items and more, the Craft Show is a great place to connect with the heritage of the area.

Location: Stockert Youth Center, Buckhannon, WV

10 AM-8 PM: Photography Exhibit

You don’t want to miss the Photography Exhibit – This is an interactive event, where your vote counts!

Photos by the talented members of the Buckhannon Upshur Camera Club will be on display, inviting you to walk through the MIB Gallery. Catch the exhibit during the evenings after the parades. The Photography Exhibit  is managed by the Buckhannon Upshur Camera Club.  This event will be held at the Colonial Theatre.

Location: Colonial Arts Center, 48 East Main Street, Buckhannon, WV 26201

1:00 pm: Strawberry Capping & Crowning

Who can cap the strawberries quickest? Watch the competition take place to see who wins the championship! Then, the official Crowning of the Lord and Lady will happen at the Upshur County Senior Center!

3:00 pm: Sweetest Berry Competition

Any strawberry grower may enter. There will be 12 judges, 6 boys and 6 girls, all 12 years old (6th Graders). Two quarts of the same variety must be entered, one to be judged and one to give to the judges. As many varieties as desired may be entered.

Location: Courthouse Plaza, Buckhannon, WV

4:00 pm: Strawberry Auction

The best of the farmer’s produce is auctioned off to the highest bidder. All the money raised goes back to the farmer.

Location: Courthouse Plaza, Buckhannon, WV

4:00 pm - 6:00 pm: Antique Engine & Tractor Show

This unique show features all kinds of antique engines and tractors. Participants from all over the State bring their antique units for your viewing pleasure. They also have demonstrations of corn grinding machines and other exciting events taking place Friday and Saturday at the Side-Yard of the Stockert Youth Center.

Location: Stockert Youth Center, Buckhannon, WV

6:30 pm: Firemen’s Parade

Everyone loves to see the variety of fire trucks and equipment that come from our beautiful state to compete in this parade. Some might say that this is probably the largest Fireman’s Parade in West Virginia with over 100 units including the fire trucks and emergency squads.

The parade begins at 6:30PM with bands, floats, dignitaries and the Fire Trucks will start down Strawberry Lane at 7:00PM. The Buckhannon Fire Department is proud to serve as the official Host Department for the Fireman’s Day Parade in conjunction with the WV Strawberry Festival.

Location: Strawberry Lane, Buckhannon, WV

7:30 pm: Strawberry Contests

After the Fireman’s Parade, make your way to the Courthouse Plaza for some *FUN* strawberry contests!

Enter for any of the contests for a chance to win bragging rights: 80’s Costume Contest, Strawberry Blonde (adult) Contest, Best Legs (men) Contest and the Pie Eating Contest!

Location: Courthouse Plaza, Buckhannon, WV

8:00 PM to 11 PM: Live Music at Jawbone Stage

The Strawberry Festival fun isn’t complete without some live music by some of the most talented bands in the region.  Hang out around Jawbone Park for the Carnival and Food Vendors while listening to the bands play!

Location: Jawbone Park, Madison Street, Buckhannon, WV 26201

8 PM-11 PM: Party Gras

This will be another GREAT year for this exciting event as bands, performers and entertainment groups fill Main Street for the 2022 WV Strawberry Festival Party Gras!!  Special groups provide a variety of entertainment including pop, rock, bluegrass, country and other types of music that makes this event unique to other festivals.

Location: Main Street, Buckhannon, WV

8:30 PM: Strawberry Idol

With an 80’s theme this year, come out and sing your favorite 80’s songs during Strawberry Idol! The singing competition will be Thursday (18th) & Friday (19th) at 8:30 PM, with the finals set for Saturday night at 6:30 PM.

Singing competitors will be split in a youth division (14 and under) and an adult division (15 and up). Entry fee for all participants is $15.

May 20, 2023

7 AM-1 PM: Strawberry Pancakes

One of Buckhannon’s most loved events, the First United Methodist Church is serving up the best Strawberry Pancakes! This is a fun event that truly brings the community together.

Location: First United Methodist Church, 52 South Florida Street, Buckhannon, West Virginia 26201

9:00 am - 1:00 pm: Courthouse Entertainment

The Upshur County Courthouse is a hub of activity during the Strawberry Festival. Be sure to swing by for loads of entertainment, including live music, local celebrities, contests, announcements, exhibits and more!

Location: Courthouse Plaza, Buckhannon, WV

9:00am-6:00pm: Quilt Show

The 44th Strawberry Festival Quilt Show, sponsored by the Quilters at Heart Guild, the Upshur County CEOS, and our prize sponsor, Mountain State Quilting, will be held at the Rockefeller Center Gymnasium on the WV Wesleyan College campus. You’ll find quilts on display, along with a boutique where hand-made items can by purchased.

There will be prizes for the top winners, generously provided by Mountain State Quilting of Philippi. A gift certificate for $100 will awarded to Best in Show, $50 to Judge’s Choice and $50 to People’s Choice. In addition to the Quilt Show, there will be a Boutique where hand-made items may be purchased, as well as the opportunity to buy raffle tickets for the charity quilt made by Guild members. This year’s recipient of the proceeds from the raffle quilt will be Ruth’s House, and the drawing will be held in October.

9 AM-1 PM: Photography Exhibit

You don’t want to miss the Photography Exhibit – This is an interactive event, where your vote counts!

Photos by the talented members of the Buckhannon Upshur Camera Club will be on display, inviting you to walk through the MIB Gallery. Catch the exhibit during the evenings after the parades. The Photography Exhibit  is managed by the Buckhannon Upshur Camera Club.  This event will be held at the Colonial Theatre.

Location: Colonial Arts Center, 48 East Main Street, Buckhannon, WV 26201

10:00 am - 12:00 pm: Strawberry Mile

Go for a Strawberry Mile Run down Strawberry Lane. Begin at Buckhannon Academy Elementary School (across from McDonalds) then run down Strawberry Lane to the Bicentennial Inn where awards will be given to the winners.

Custom made awards for winners of the Male and Female Overall Class, as well as winners in the Male and Female age categories. Participants must submit a completed registration form and pay a NONREFUNDABLE registration fee of to qualify for the race.  Please meet at BAES at 10 AM.  The race will begin promptly at noon.

To register for the Strawberry Mile, visit our Registration Page.

Location: Academy School, Buckhannon, WV

10 AM to 6 PM: Arts & Craft Show

Don’t miss the Craft Show during the WV Strawberry Festival! Held at Stockert Youth Center, you’ll see hand-made items from West Virginia crafters. From custom signs, homemade soaps, jewelry, kids items and more, the Craft Show is a great place to connect with the heritage of the area.

Location: Stockert Youth Center, Buckhannon, WV

12:00 pm: Antique Car Parade

Immediately after the Grand Feature Parade, the Antique Car Parade travels down Strawberry Lane – Visitors will love seeing over 100 classic & antique vehicles travel through the streets of Historic Buckhannon. Vehicles must be at least 25 years old to participate.

Location: Strawberry Lane, Buckhannon, WV 26201

1:00 pm: Grand Feature Parade

This Parade has grown over the years and is considered one of the best parades in the Eastern United States. Many bands and marching units attend from all across the US and Canada and there are many floats and novelty units that have attended nationally known events, such as the Tournament of Roses, Fiesta Bowl, Orange Bowl etc.

The Grand Feature Parade will be live-streamed! The Parade is the highlight of the West Virginia Strawberry Festival.

Location: Strawberry Lane, Buckhannon, WV 26201

4:00 pm - 6:00 pm: Antique Engine & Tractor Show

This unique show features all kinds of antique engines and tractors. Participants from all over the State bring their antique units for your viewing pleasure. They also have demonstrations of corn grinding machines and other exciting events taking place Friday and Saturday at the Side-Yard of the Stockert Youth Center.

Location: Stockert Youth Center, Buckhannon, WV

6:30 PM: Strawberry Idol

With an 80’s theme this year, come out and sing your favorite 80’s songs during Strawberry Idol! The singing competition will be Thursday (18th) & Friday (19th) at 8:30 PM, with the finals set for Saturday night at 6:30 PM.

Singing competitors will be split in a youth division (14 and under) and an adult division (15 and up). Entry fee for all participants is $15.

7:00 PM to 11 PM: Live Music at Jawbone Stage

The Strawberry Festival fun isn’t complete without some live music by some of the most talented bands in the region.  Hang out around Jawbone Park for the Carnival and Food Vendors while listening to the bands play!

Location: Jawbone Park, Madison Street, Buckhannon, WV 26201

7 PM-11 PM: Party Gras

This will be another GREAT year for this exciting event as bands, performers and entertainment groups fill Main Street for the 2022 WV Strawberry Festival Party Gras!! Special groups provide a variety of entertainment including pop, rock, bluegrass, country and other types of music that makes this event unique to other festivals.

Location: Main Street, Buckhannon, WV

May 21, 2023

8:00 am - 4:00 pm: Pistol Matches & Brassmasters

Come out and enjoy the fun of the annual NRA Bullseye / Conventional Pistol Shooting Competition!

Watch or participate in the Mountaineer Strawberry 2700 Championships, hosted at the Brassmasters’ Range at the White Horse Center.  Competitors from throughout West Virginia and many states east of the Mississippi are a part of this annual event for the past 35+ years.

Location: White Horse Center, Buckhannon, WV

9:00am-1:00pm: Quilt Show

The 44th Strawberry Festival Quilt Show, sponsored by the Quilters at Heart Guild, the Upshur County CEOS, and our prize sponsor, Mountain State Quilting, will be held at the Rockefeller Center Gymnasium on the WV Wesleyan College campus. You’ll find quilts on display, along with a boutique where hand-made items can by purchased.

There will be prizes for the top winners, generously provided by Mountain State Quilting of Philippi. A gift certificate for $100 will awarded to Best in Show, $50 to Judge’s Choice and $50 to People’s Choice. In addition to the Quilt Show, there will be a Boutique where hand-made items may be purchased, as well as the opportunity to buy raffle tickets for the charity quilt made by Guild members. This year’s recipient of the proceeds from the raffle quilt will be Ruth’s House, and the drawing will be held in October.

12:00 pm: Jack Barker Canoe Race

The 20th Annual Canoe Race is named after the late Jack Barker who organized this event for the WV Strawberry Festival for many years.

The race starts at the Riverwalk Trail Park, goes to the Tennerton Bridge, and then returns to Riverwalk Trail Park. The “Sprint” Race starts at Riverwalk Trail Park, goes to the Poe Bridge, then returns. This race is open to anyone who wants to participate.

To race, visit our Registration Page.

Location: Wood Street, Buckhannon, WV

1:00 pm: Irish Road Bowling

A small iron and steel cannonball the size of a baseball is hurled underhand from a running start, down a 1.5 mile country road, Turkey Run. Just like golf, the fewest throws from start to finish wins the score (match). Team bowling family fun Saturday and Sunday. Men’s and women’s qualifier for WV State Championship on Sunday. Everyone welcome. Novice 4 is for beginners

To play with your own team, visit our Registration Page.

Location: Turkey Run Road, Buckhannon, WV 26201

Fest Date: May 13 - 21, 2023

Location: Various Locations in Buckhannon, WV

Click here for more information.