Owego’s 36th Strawberry Festival June 18 & 19

Hundreds of locals and visitors are expected in Owego for the 36^th Annual Strawberry Festival June 18 & 19.

This year’s theme is “Peace” and visitors are encouraged to wear tie-dye and peace signs for the event that begins with a big block party on Friday night with a 5K run, bands, food and fireworks. The fest picks back up Saturday at 10 a.m. with a parade, craft fair, children’s activities, two stunt bike shows, music and, of course lots of strawberry shortcake and other foods.

Festival Chairwoman Sandra Knapp-Dunbar says some of the concerns about parking have been addressed with parking available Saturday at Hickories Park and the Tioga County Fairground. Shuttle buses will be going back and forth to the downtown festival at regular intervals.  There is a $3 charge per car for the shuttle service Saturday.

The Owego Police Department says during parts of the festival, some streets will be closed and detours will be in place.  Lake Street and Front Street between Church and Court Streets is closed from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. and no parking is allowed in the area Friday.

Additional street closings, detours and traffic patterns take place beginning at 5 a.m. Saturday, June 18 and continuing through the day.