Saturday, June 28, plan to spend an amazing day in beautiful Wiscasset, Maine.  Spend part of your day at St. Philip’s Church, 12 Hodge St., where the traditional, family friendly, 71st Strawberry Festival will be happening from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Around the grounds, several craftspeople will be presenting their intriguing wares. From wood turned bowls to jewelry to hand made clothing to silk screened goods and more, there will be ample opportunity to do some early holiday shopping or to treat yourself a little. 

As well as shopping for crafts, peruse the Church’s bake table, plant table, used book nook, not to mention the ever popular Bargain Basement. The Silent Auction with its items and gift certificates for bidding, thanks to donations by local businesses and individuals, will be available throughout the day. People are sure to come away with some nifty finds.

Queue up to buy an unbelievably generous strawberry shortcake with real whipped cream or locally made ice cream, hot dogs from the outside stand, or purchase some quarts of juicy berries to go.

Not to be missed: the noontime Pie Auction!  The auctioneer will wheedle and coax bidders to go high for one scrumptious homemade pie or another, be it rhubarb, strawberry, blueberry, apple or more.  It’s all for fun, and all funds go to support St. Philip’s and its outreach ministries.

After enjoying the Strawberry Festival, there’s plenty to explore. Walk around the corner to the Maine Art Gallery on Warren St. to view its current show. For more information, visit their site at maineartgallerywiscasset.org

There’s so much to do and see. If you’ve got your walking shoes on, walk the town following the Museum in the Streets map. Don’t want to do it all? Highlights include Lincoln County Historical Society’s Old Jail Museum on Federal Street while Historic New England’s Castle Tucker on Lee Street with a great view of Wiscasset’s harbor, and the stately Nickels-Sortwell House right on the main street. Right there is also the Sunken Garden, a beautiful and quiet spot burgeoning with lovely flowers and plantings to help restore one’s soul.

But first, do St. Philip’s Strawberry Festival. For more information about the Festival, call the Church at 882-7184, leaving a short message and a return phone number.  Alternately, email via Stphilips@wiscasset.net, or visit https://stphilipswiscasset.org/