Tribute to Houdini opens Tennessee Strawberry Festival
Staff Report
“Strawberry Masquerade” is the theme of this year’s Tennessee Strawberry Festival.
The festival, centered in downtown Dayton, is now in its 64th year. Most events take place over the next week, bookended by a tribute to Houdini in two shows this weekend and a parade the following Saturday that draws thousands to the center of town. The Houdini shows take place at Rhea Central Elementary, with an admission of $10 for adults and $5 for children under 12.
The carnival opens at 5 p.m. Tuesday. Armbands are $15 that night, $12 Wednesday and Thursday, $15 the last two nights.
On the festival’s Web site, the Dayton Chamber of Commerce says it sponsors this “celebration of small-town life” to showcase the community’s “beauty, history and commitment to family values.”
IF YOU GO
* What: Tennessee Strawberry Festival.
* When: Today through May 15 (most events).
* Where: Locations around Dayton, Tenn.
* Admission: Free for festival; carnival requires admission.
* Phone: 423-775-0361.
* Website: www.tnstrawberryfestival.com.
SCHEDULE
Today
* 7-9 p.m. Houdini Tribute Show at Rhea Central Elementary, 1005 Delaware Ave.
Saturday
* 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Strawberry Fishing Derby at Point Park, Chickamauga Drive off Highway 27.
* 7-9 p.m. Houdini Tribute Show at Rhea Central
Tuesday
* 6-11 p.m. Carnival open (south end of town off Market Street)
Wednesday
* 5 p.m. Strawberry Pie & Cake Baking Contest at Pooh’s Place, 1371 Market St.
* 5 p.m. Strawberry Shortcake at Centennial Park, Second Avenue
* 5:30-6:15 p.m. Community Kids Choir
* 6-11 p.m. Carnival open
* 6:30-7:15 p.m. Rhea County Jazz Band
* 7:30 p.m. Berry’oke (karaoke competition)
Thursday
* 4 p.m. Vendor setup at Rhea County Courthouse
* 6-11 p.m. Carnival open
* 6-8 p.m. Children’s Night at Pendergrass Park