Search

Test Button

JOIN US FOR THE 2026 STRAWBE RRY FESTIVAL! June 27-29 2025 In Whitchurch-Stouffville's Memorial Park HOME ABOUT US SCHEDULE PRE-FESTIVAL FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY PERFORMERS Events STRAWBERRY JAM JR. DOG CONTEST STOUFFVILLE BAKES TOTALLY TODDLERS 3-ON-3-BASKETBALL SPELLING BEE VENDORS VENDOR LIST VOLUNTEER PARTNERS PEOPLE OF THE YEAR GALLERY FAQ CONTACT US WHITCHURCH-STOUFFVILLE STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES NEW BOARD AND EXCITING PLANS FOR 2026 WHITCHURCH-STOUFFVILLE, ON – October 7, 2025 – The Whitchurch-Stouffville Strawberry Festival is pleased to announce the election of its new Board of Directors, following its Annual General Meeting held on September 15th. This change in leadership marks a pivotal moment as the festival looks ahead to its 42nd anniversary and continues its legacy as a beloved community tradition. The newly elected Board of Directors comprises: President: Sue Sherban Vice President: Elizabeth Fraser Treasurer: Lindsay Bantis Director: Fran Shepherd Director: Destiny Brown Member Secretary: Sandy Baker "I would like to sincerely thank the retiring board of directors, Mike Burns, Nela Hunter, Carla Rotondo, and Felise Liuson, and committee member Micole Rubinoff for their invaluable contributions and dedication," said Sue Sherban, the newly elected President. "We express our immense gratitude for their volunteer efforts, particularly in navigating the challenges of creating a virtual festival during Covid and their successful partnership with the town during a time of reduced volunteer availability. Their commitment has been instrumental in keeping this cherished festival running." President Sherban extended a warm welcome to the new board members, congratulating them on stepping up to ensure the continuity of this annual tradition. She also announced that the individual activity chairs for the festival committee will be revealed after their first meeting in October. "I am eagerly looking forward to what promises to be an exciting new year for the Strawberry Festival," Sherban added. "Our aim is to bring back some of the old much-loved events while also building upon the success of our newly introduced initiatives." History of the Whitchurch-Stouffville Strawberry Festival, the festival is a not-for-profit organization and has been a beloved tradition in our town for over 40 years although it has undergone some changes over the recent years. The most significant was its original move in 2017 from Main Street to Memorial Park in anticipation of downtown redevelopment; this shift has now become a reality for 2027 and 2028 year. While Memorial Park has provided a temporary home, we understand it’s not the setting many associate with the nostalgic charm of our Strawberry Festival. “Good news though we will be closing Main St for this 2026 year with the partnership of the Markham Stouffville Cruisers car club so our festival goers will be able to browse the antique and classic cars, shop local and dine in our restaurants and support our local businesses on the Saturday.” Sherban said. The Mayor and I have met Sherban advised regarding the future of returning festival to Main Street and below is his commitment to seeing the return. “I look forward to working with the festival committee and town staff to see the festival return to its historical location- our revitalized Main St. in the near future.” said Mayor Lovatt. We deeply appreciate the feedback and ideas shared over the past year by the community on what the festival means to them and how they envision its future. That input matters. But real change comes from rolling up your sleeves. Volunteers are the heart of this event—they are the ones who turn vision into reality. Positive action, not just online commentary, is what shapes the future of our festival and community. As we approach the 42nd anniversary in 2026, the Festival Committee is reaching out to residents to help reignite the vision of a true community celebration. The new Strawberry Festival Board is already planning, and we’re excited about a targeted return to a revitalized Main Street in 2029. Until then, we need your help to keep the Strawberry Festival thriving and evolving. If you want to see change—be part of it. So, join us! It is your energy, ideas, and time that can help create something truly special. Volunteer list available at www.strawberryfestival.ca to sign up! HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE 2024 FESTIVAL Celebrating over 40 Years of Tradition in our Community The 2026 Whitchurch-Stouffville Strawberry Festival runs from June 26th - 28th July 1st Fireworks presented by the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville Proudly Sponsored By ©2019-2026 Whitchurch-Stouffville Strawberry Festival. All Rights Reserved.

For important event information such as Parking Locations, Parking Restrictions, Street Closures, Family Safety Program and Event Safety, please go to: www.townofws.ca/strawfest Here are some answers to Frequently Asked Questions. ADMISSION - There is no cost to attend the festival—entry, live entertainment, and many activities are free for everyone to enjoy! Please note that food, beverages, rides, and vendor purchases are available at an additional cost. ACCESSIBLE PARKING is available. WASHROOMS are available at Memorial Park and Latcham Hall. There will also be porta potty units in the west and east sides of Memorial Park. POS DEVICES FOR CREDIT CARD AND DEBIT PAYMENT are available at The Red Berry Cafe and the Beer Trailer for alcohol sales. Please note that 2 ATM units will be onsite beside the Beer Trailer in Memorial Park. Vendors will offer POS devices at their discretion. DRINKING WATER - In an effort to reduce single-use plastics, the Strawberry Festival discourages the sale of bottled water. There will be a water re-fill station available for you to refill your reusable water bottle at no charge. The re-fill station will be located on the east side of the Main Stage. LOCATION - The festival takes place in and around Memorial Park, Stouffville, located on Park Drive between Main Street and Hoover Park Drive. DOGS are welcome at the festival but they must be friendly, leashed at all times, and picked up after. Please note that pets are not welcome inside any of the buildings or inside the tents. Please remember it is never ok to leave a pet unattended in a car.

Green Vendor Program 2023 The Strawberry Festival is committed to improving its environmental footprint. Our first priority is reducing waste. Since Festival vendors provide food, drinks, crafts, and other materials for visitors, they can also play a key role in reducing the overall amount of waste and increasing the amount of recycling and organics captured during the festival. One of our best opportunities in reducing waste involves single-use plastics, such as straws, water bottles, and bags. For this reason the Strawberry Festival no longer permits the use or distribution of balloons during our event. Committing to a Greener Festival Vendors that are ready to support the Festival’s waste reduction goals are encouraged to take the Green Vendor Pledge. Green Vendors commit to: use greener alternatives for items such as bags, containers, and cutlery; reduce use of items that have a long-lasting negative impact on our environment, such as single-use plastics and Styrofoam; encourage customers to use reusable items such as tote bags and water bottles, and; support greening the festival by promoting waste reduction to festival attendees and the Stouffville community in general. All participating vendors will be recognized by: social media, website, and other applicable promotions prior to and during the festival a Green Vendor Lawn Sign, to be displayed at each booth Working Together to Find Green Solutions Reducing waste involves looking carefully at processes and products to find less wasteful ways to achieve the same outcome. For example: Some customers may not need or want a plastic bag to carry a small item, plastic cutlery for their meal, or a plastic straw for their beverage. Asking customers first may avoid unnecessary waste later. When a bag or plate or cup is required, using those made with greener materials (that can be recycled or composted) will reduce the amount of landfill waste (garbage). Reusable items (water bottles, coffee cups) have a much longer lifespan and do not end up as waste after one use. The Festival’s Green Team will work with each Green Vendor to consider the specific processes and products at their booth, and to find practical solutions that reduce waste without compromising product or service quality. All vendors that are ready to commit to reducing their waste are encouraged to take the Green Vendor Pledge, available by clicking HERE , or by emailing gogreen@strawberryfestival.ca . By taking the pledge, vendors agree to the actions outlined in the table below, as applicable. Guidelines for a Greener Festival To Use Paper/Reusable bags Compostable/ Recyclable containers Paper straws Cardboard, non-coated boxes only Eco-friendly gifts made of paper, recyclable and recycled materials To Do Ask first! Only give out bags, straws, etc. when needed Consider various or adjustable portion sizes to reduce unnecessary food waste Where possible, accept reusable containers & cups from customers Sell reusable bottles/cups – direct customer to festival water stations Use reusable shipping containers To Avoid Plastic Bags Bottled water Styrofoam and dark plastic takeout containers and cups Plastic straws Plastic & paper wax-coated boxes / crates - vendor booth waste Balloons (including biodegradable)