CELEBRATING 40 YEARS OF GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY

A Little History…

What began in 1973 as a one-day event on the grounds of the Coatesville City Hall, has grown into a four-day extravaganza on the ground of Brandywine Hospital attracting over 25,000 guests. Originally organized by the nurses at the Coatesville Hospital to raise funds for a nursing scholarship, the festival grew to be one of Brandywine Hospital's most successful fund raising events.

Ten years ago, the Brandywine Health Foundation took over the Strawberry Festival and since then the festival has grown in size and stature and become a significant source for revenue for the foundation, allowing us to give back more to the community each and every year. Although Brandywine Hospital still hosts the Festival and generously donates over $10,000 in in-kind services, since 2001, Strawberry Festival has benefited a variety of health and human service organizations in the community and the Coatesville Youth Initiative through the Brandywine Health Foundation; as well as the Coatesville Rotary, the Thorndale Volunteer Fire Company, the Brandywine YMCA, and the Coatesville Public Library.

This year we are thrilled to announce that proceeds from the 2012 Strawberry Festival will once again be directed to the Coatesville Youth Initiative, a community based effort under the direction of the Brandywine Health Foundation, to provide the youth of Coatesville with a brighter and safer future. The Coatesville Youth Initiative fosters collaboration among community residents, youth, area businesses, nonprofit and county agencies, youth-serving organizations, and the Coatesville Area School District to enhance the knowledge and skills of our youth as a means to build strong character so they may reach their fullest potential.

The Strawberry Festival Today…

Building on 4 decades of success, the Strawberry Festival has become one of the most highly anticipated, family oriented events in our area. Very soon, the beautiful grounds of the Brandywine Hospital will be bursting with exciting entertainment, family fun, food, laughter, music and more at the 2012 Strawberry Festival presented by PECO.

Right now, plans for the 2012 Strawberry Festival are in full gear. After the record breaking success of the past few years, the festival committee continues its commitment to bring fresh ideas and exciting additions to the festival every year and this year's Strawberry Festival promises to be the best ever!

Admission is free and there is non-stop excitement for kids of all ages. Everyone will enjoy the rides located on the Majestic Midway as well as the on-going entertainment on the main stage. Throughout the festival grounds, visitors will be entertained by Magicians, Jugglers and other strolling entertainers, while Disney, Sesame Street and Nickelodeon characters greet families and provide great photo opportunities!

Young festival visitors will flock to Strawberryland, one of the festival's most popular areas featuring moon bounces, inflatable slides, and much more. Strawberryland allows kids to bounce and play all day long with the purchase of a very affordable wristband! The Berry Blast Zone is being redesigned this year for the anniversary celebration and will feature fun activities for older kids and kids at heart.

Everyone will enjoy the vast array of festival food including our famous strawberry shortcake, a festival tradition not to be missed!!!! And, your time at the festival would not be complete without strolling though our Vendor area for some shopping!

Finally, don't miss our SPECTACULAR FIREWORKS EXTRAVAGANZA which takes place on Friday, May 31st as part of our T.G.I.F. with non-stop live bands rocking the main stage! The rain date is Saturday, June 1st when the main stage will be lit up again with nonstop music provided by some of the area's most popular bands.

For continually updated information regarding the 2012 Strawberry Festival presented by PECO, become a regular visitor of this site or check us out on Facebook!