“85 years of Strawberry Memories”

“85 years of Strawberry Memories”

The 85th Annual North CarolinaMay 2 - May 6, 2017

A supplement to The News Reporter and The News Times

Emily Snipes2016 Strawberry Princess

Maya Campbell2016 Strawberry Queen

85th North Carolina Strawberry Festival, Page 2

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The National Day of Prayer is an annual observance held on the first Thursday of May, inviting people of all faiths to pray for the nation.

The 2017 Day of Prayer in Chadbourn will be held on May 4 at noon.

The Day of Prayer is part of the opening ceremonies leading up to the annual Strawberry Festival. Pastors from the Chad-bourn community participate in reading scriptures and in-voking prayers for our nation, community, and schools. In addition, a brief patriotic hom-ily will be presented. The Chad-bourn Middle School choir, as well as guest singers from the community, provide the music.

The theme this year is For Your Great Name’s Sake! Hear Us... Forgive Us...Heal Us! Taken from Daniel 9:19, which says, “O Lord, Listen! O Lord, Forgive! O Lord, Hear and Act! For Your Sake, O My God...” The Day of Prayer was first recognized in 1952 by a joint resolution of the United States Congress, and signed into law by President Harry S Truman.

Chadbourn Day of Prayer May 4

This year’s Strawberry Edi-tion is dedicated to the memory of Catherine Boyd Causey, who passed away on Dec. 28, 2016.

Affectionately called “Mam-ma Strawberry,” Mrs. Causey served as director of the North Carolina Strawberry Festival Scholarship Pageant for 55 years, making her the longest-serving active member of the Strawberry Festival Com-mittee. She worked tirelessly traveling all over the state promoting the Strawberry Festival and her many Straw-berry Queens and Princesses through the years came to think of her as a surrogate mom.

Catherine Causey

Strawberry Edition dedicated to memory of Catherine CauseyHer total service to the

Strawberry Festival was for over 60 years. She also served as executive secretary for the Chadbourn Greater Chamber of Commerce for 40 years. She was a member of many other civic clubs, including the Klon-dyke Garden Club, of which she was a charter member, and the Chadbourn Sorosis Club.

A native of Loris, South Carolina, the immediately became an integral part of the town of Chadbourn upon her marriage to the late Noel Cau-sey on March 13, 1953. She was a member of the Chadbourn Baptist Church and served as Youth Director for 25 years,

including ser-vice in the choir and numerous ch u rch c o m-mittees. She lso served as a Girl Scout Leader.

Chadbourn Mayor Phillip Britt said af-ter her death, “Mrs. Causey will be long re-membered for

her dedication and love in making a significant impact

in the shaping of the youth of our community.”


By MAYA DANIELLE CAMPBELL

They say that lightning rarely strikes twice in one place- even less for the same person, but it did and boy wasn’t I the lucky one! It seems like it was just yester-day when I was crowned the 84TH North Carolina Straw-berry Festival Queen. You see I thought I had lost, thought I had flubbed my on-stage ques-tion and I was a bundle of nerves, but I am pleased to say I was wrong. From that night on, it has been a year of full of wonderful highs and incred-ible life changing lows, but I wouldn’t take a million dol-lars for any of it.

It has been a true honor to be given the opportunity to represent the North Carolina Strawberry Festival, Colum-bus County and the Town of Chadbourn. There are not enough words to describe the immense amount of grati-tude that I feel to have been given this amazing opportu-

Maya Danielle Campbell2016 N.C. Strawberry Queen

nity to give back and to serve as a role model for the youth of my community. My duties this year has taught me that it is not winning that is the most important, but it is all the ex-periences that one gains and the people who you meet that matter the most. You see this year was different, I had to hit the ground running, stepping up to the plate to lead by ex-ample and to sometimes be a sounding board for those that may have needed me even though I may have needed help myself. You see, I had to grow up, step out on faith be-cause tomorrow is not prom-ised, and we definitely figured that out this year. But endings are inevitable. Leaves fall. You close a book. You pick up the pieces, you say goodbye.

I will never, ever, ever for-get Mrs. Catherine Causey. Her humor, her wisdom and her dedication to this pag-eant, community and to us her girls was unprecedented. She has left her mark on my life and is so much a part of

me that no matter what I do, I know that she will be looking over my shoulder, saying in that voice “ Maya , you better do good, or I’m going to whip your tail” and then end it with “I love you”. Ma, Strawberry, I’m pleased to report, I’m on the Dean’s List for the second semester and yes Ma’am I’m doing good, I love you too!

Thank you Cathy Causey for helping to make the end of my reign magical. Your ef-forts have not been wasted, your love for your Mother’s passion is definitely evident in tonight and the new begin-nings of this scholarship pag-eant.

I’m sending Strawberry Hugs and Kisses to all of my friends and family who have supported me: Thank you so much for all your kind words and encouragement! Thank you to my friends who al-ways come to see me perform or just wave, your support is priceless. It all has meant so much to me and has warmed my heart to know that I have

so many people who believe in me.

CeCe Nicole Creech, My biggest little cheerleader! I love you and am so glad I have

a CeCe. Thank you for sup-porting me all these years es-pecially when you were sure I was insane. Jury is still out

Continued on page 10

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2016 N.C. Strawberry Queen farewell


COUNCIL MEMBERS:Rashad Roberts, Colene Kelly, David Worley, James Green and Donald Ray Bass

Interim Town Manager: Patricia Garrell

TOWN OF CHADBOURN

Welcome To Chadbourn!We hope you enjoy our annual

A Message from the Mayor . . . Welcome to the 85th Annual North Carolina Straw-

berry Festival, the oldest agricultural event in the state.The Town of Chadbourn is proud to carry on a tra-

dition that began when the strawberry was king and more strawberries were shipped from Chadbourn than from anywhere else in the world. This year, the Straw-berry Festival promises to be one of the biggest and best celebrations ever!

We are glad that you are here to enjoy all of the fes-tivities with us. Enjoy your stay, and we hope to see you again soon.

Sincerely,Phillip Britt, MayorTown of Chadbourn Mayor Phillip C. Britt


A year ago I started out this journey to travel across N.C. representing the N.C. Strawberry Festival. This year wouldn’t have been pos-sible without these amazing people.

First I would like to thank God for always keeping me safe during every festival and event and always blessing me with wonderful opportunities that have opened up to me. I’m very thankful to have been able to share such an amazing opportunity with such a great group of people.

To my friends and family, thank you for always help-ing me with every event even when I can get a little frustrat-ing. I couldn’t have done it without y’all.

To my mom a nd d ad , thank y’all for supporting me through everything I do and being there for every event.

Emily Snipes2016 Strawberry Festival Princess

Even though I think dad en-joyed waving and saying hello to everyone in the parades more than I did.

To my nana and aunt Peggy, thank you for always making sure I look my best. From dress alterations to making sure my interview suit was perfect you both have been here through it all.

To Lance, thank you for go-ing to every event you could possibly go to even thought you don’t understand all this pageant stuff you’ve been here with me since I started it and I’m thankful for it.

To my festival queens, thank you for all the dancing till our crowns fell off, the wonderful food and laughs we’ve shared.

To Cathy and Bob, thank y’all for always keeping an eye on me and making sure I rep-resent Chadbourn and the N.C.

Strawberry Festival like Mrs. Causey would have wanted.

To Barbara and Cece, thank you both for the advice y’all always give me and always making sure I look my best.

To Maya, thank you for all the car rides full of music, the advice about school and pag-eants and always helping me put my crown on. I’m going to miss wondering which one of us is going to show up late to an event.

To the next N.C. Strawberry Festival Princess, hold on to every moment, eat wonderful food, dance in the streets, take lots of pictures and enjoy the great people and the wonder-ful festivals. This year will go by fast and it will be one of the best years you’ll ever have. Last but surely not least to Mrs. Causey, thank you for all the memories, the laughs, the songs you sang to me, the

Congratulations on the 2017 Strawberry Festival

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Princess Snipes farewell

after school talks, and the ad-vice you left me with. Thanks you for always telling me to do my best and that God always has a plan. For the final time I am and always will be your 84th N.C. Strawberry Festival Princess Emily Snipes.

Emily Snipes84th N.C. Strawberry Princess


Queen contestantsChloe Gwyn Hollifield

Chloe Gwyn H o l l i f i e l d of Spruce Pine. She is 5’ 7” with brown hair and green eyes. Parents, Damien and Amanda Hol-lifield. At-tends Moun-tain Heritage High School and plans to attend High Point Univer-sity as a fresh-man in the fall 2017. She will major in political sci-ence and mi-nor in criminal justice. Her talent is traditional mountain style clogging. Her training includes five years of tap, jazz, ballet and six years in clog-ging. She is a state champion clogger and team “caller” for

clogging. She has played var-sity volleyball, a four year member of future business leaders of America and has served as a page for the House of Representatives and for the N.C. Senate.

Sara Alexandra Hughes Sara Alexandra Hughes of Ash. She is 5’ 5” with blonde hair and green eyes. Parent, Melinda Kelley Hughes. At-tends West Brunswick High School and plans to attend college at Brunswick Com-

munity College seeking a de-gree in veterinary medicine. Her talent is singing. She has had voice training at Heart to Heart Music. She started singing gospel ministry at 4 years old and has sung for state and political events. She

has played guitar and sang for Jammin 4 Je-sus for six years. She is on the Na-tional Hon-or Society, show choir and sings for B r u n sw i ck C o m m u -nity College Scholarship Foundation.

Kristina Lynn Mur-rell

K r i s -tina Lynn Murrell of Whiteville. She is 5’ 4” with brown-

ish blonde hair and brown eyes. Parents, Time and Dina Brown and Elmer Murrell. She plans to attend Southeast-ern Community for two years

Continued on page 7

Welcome to Chadbourn

The News TimesCirculation: Over 9000 Homes Weekly

— 910-654-3762 —114 E. 1st Ave., Chadbourn, NC

Visit All TheSpecialEvents

• Arts/Crafts• Carnival• Food Vendors

Bring The Children ForAmusements & Games

Live Entertainment

Chloe Gwyn Hollifield Kristina Lynn MurrellSara Alexandra Hughes


Princess contestantsKaley Elizabeth Smith Kaley Elizabeth Smith of

Evergreen. She is 5’ 3” with brown hair and brown eyes. Parent, Heather Smith. Plans to attend Whiteville High School and her goal is to at-tend N.C. State University and major in veterinary med-icine and volunteer in organi-zations that aid in the rescue/protection of animals. Her

talent is hip hop dance from Simply Dance. Also has par-

ticipated in Relay For Life in four counties. Her school activi-ties are RBA Viking competition cheer squad, running club, classical lead, art, and Latin Club. Would love to own a pet cow.

Shandorah Meechelle

Tedder S h a n d o -

rah Meech-elle Tedder of Clarkton. She is 5’ 2”

with brown hair and brown eyes. Par-ents, Richmond and April Tedder. Attends Whiteville High School. Her goal is to attend a four-year accredited university and major in surgical technology. Her passion is to help oth-

ers and to make the lives of those around her better. Her talent is jazz dance. She took lessons from Wanda’s Dance Studio and Extreme Dance. Currently taking private les-

Welcome to ChadbournÕ s

Strawberry Festival

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sons from Paige Stanley. She is on the WHS Varsity Cheer Squad. She is a member of the Whitevilel Juniorettes civic association.

and transfer to N.C. State Uni-versity and obtain a degree in veterinary medicine and become a veterinarian. Her talent is lyrical dance with eight years of dance classes at Amy’s Academy of Dance Arts which included lyrical, tap, jazz, clogging and ballet. She is an active member of the Whiteville Junior Wom-

Queen contestants Continued from page 6

en’s Club (Juniorettes) and CPHC youth group, part-time employee at Subway and vol-unteers with the animal shel-ter. She has been a three year member of the FFA Club, one year JV volleyball and two years varsity volleyball. She has been on the AB Honor Roll and Academic Superstar for three years.

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Schedule of Events for the 85th Annual N.C. Strawberry Festival‘85 years of Strawberry Memories’

draiser for the Chadbourn Depot Museum, $7 per plate at the event field behind Hardees.

7-9 p.m. Opening ceremo-nies for the 85th North Caro-lina Strawberry Festival at the event field behind Hardees. Free concert featuring “Black-water Rhythm & Blues Band” [Free Admission] and local band Honey Don’t.

Thursday, May 4Noon. National Day of

Prayer at the gazebo at the intersection of East 1st Avenue and Wilson Street.

5-9 p.m. ***Fun Time Amuse-ments*** at the event field behind Hardees. Pay one price of $15 for an unlimited ride wristband. (Present this ad and receive $2 off a wristband pur-chase at the ticket booth (Fri-day night May 5 only). Good for up to 4 wristbands per person.

7-9 p.m. Strawberry Festi-val Jam Variety Show, West Columbus High School Audi-

torium, Cerro Gordo.

Friday, May 56–9 p.m. Evening of Straw-

berry Encounters at Chad-bourn Pentecostal Holiness Church, 518 N. Elm Street.

Saturday, May 610 a.m.-until. Fun-Time

Amusements at the event field 7:30-9 a.m. Registration for

professional arts, crafts and food court. Event field.

8-10 a.m. Strawberry Qual-ity Contest entries. Chadbourn Pentecostal Holiness Church Family Life Center.

8:30-1: 30 p.m. Entries for Food Products Contests. Chad-bourn Community Library, 301 N. Wilson St.

8 a.m.-until Band concert festival. West Columbus High School Auditorium, Cerro Gordo.

9:30 a.m.-until. Profes-sional Arts and Crafts and

Food Court. Event field behind Hardees.

9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. & 3:30-9 p.m. N.C. Strawberry Festival Entertainment/Variety Show. Event field next to Food Lion shopping center.

8 a.m.-4. N.C. Strawberry Festival Car Show. Food Lion parking lot. (registration 8 a.m.-noon; judging noon-2 p.m.; awards at 4 p.m.)

10-11 a.m. Judging for Food Products Contest. Chadbourn Community Library.

11:30 a.m. Strawberry Lun-cheon. Chadbourn Pentecostal Holiness Church Family Life Center. Open invitation – pur-chase tickets in advance - $20 per ticket. Keynote speaker: Ja-son Brown, retired NFL player. Owner of First Fruit Farms and Wisdom for Life Ministries.

Noon-1:30 p.m. Auction of Strawberry Quality Contest entries. Chadbourn Pentecos-teal Holiness Church Family Life Center.

2 p.m. North Carolina Strawberry Festival Parade.

5 p.m. Strawberry spitting contest at the event field next to Food Lion.

6-8 p.m. Karaoke Idol (main stage)

6:30 p.m. North Carolina Strawberry Festival Scholar-ship Pageant. West Colum-bus High School Auditorium, Cerro Gordo.

(Times are approximate; Performers and events are sub-ject to change.)

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Thursday, April 275 p.m.-8 p.m. Pancake Sup-

per. Chadbourn Elementary School Cafeteria. $5 per plate.

Saturday, April 2910 a.m.-3 p.m. Hat contest

registration (10-11 a.m.) judg-ing 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and viewing of hats from 1-3 p.m.

2 p.m. Judging for Residen-tial Display Contest.

Judging for Commercial Display Contest

Tuesday, May 25-8 p.m. Chicken Bog Fun-

Scholarship Pageant May 6 at WCHS

‘85 years of Strawberry memories’The 2017 N.C. Strawberry Festival Scholar-

ship Pageant will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Satur-day, May 6, at West Columbus High School in Cerro Gordo.

Strawberry Festival President Ramona Long will welcome the audience. Once again, Bob Hensley will serve as master of ceremo-nies.

Hensley has been directly involved with the production of the N.C. Rhododendron Festival for more than 35 years. He has served as emcee for pageants throughout North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee.

He has been a pageant judge, having judged Miss America preliminaries and several local pageants. Bob and his wife, Janie, live near Loaf-ers Glory outside the Mitchell County town of Bakersville. They are the parents of two children and they have four grandchildren.

Retiring Strawberry Queen Tara Danielle Ward and retiring Princess Brinkley Noel Col-lier, have invited several visiting queens to cel-ebrate their strawberry weekend with them.

Among those who will be doing so are the Rhododendron Festival queen and princess, Carolina Dogwood Festival queen and prin-cess, N.C. Watermelon Festival queen, teen miss and princess, SENC Agriculture Festival queen and princess, the Yam Festival queen,

Bob Hensley

McKenzie Faggart, Miss North Carolina 2016, will be at the Strawberry Festival beginning Friday, May 5, with attendance at the Strawberry Encounters dinner and participation at all parade day events, culminating with the Strawberry Festi-val scholarship pageant, Saturday night. She created “The SAFE Project.” This is a campaign against bullying after be-ing bullied herself as a senior in high school. Her campaign is an acronym in which she encourages everyone to Sup-port one another, Accept differences and individuality, For-give wrong doings or ask for forgiveness, and Evolve into a better self, stronger than before.

Miss NC 2016McKenzie Faggart

teen miss and princess, West Columbus queen and princess, N.C. Rice Festival queen and the Southeastern Thresher’s Re-union Queen.

Admission to the pageant will be $10 at the door, all visiting queens admitted free. Chaperones are also $10.

Congratulations to the Town of Chadbourn on the 85th NC

Strawberry Festival!

Brenden Jones

NC House of Representatives

I hope everyone has a wonderful time at the Festival.

Paid for by Jones for House



“Welcome To Our Strawberry Festival”

Queen farewell Continued from page 3

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on that one by the way. Having you in my corner is nothing short of amazing and, yes, I can always hear your voice through all of the crowds of people. Wherever we go I car-ry you in my heart.

Kyanna Cobbs, Jamika Lynch, Amber Bellamy, and Chronical Dewitt: You ladies are amazing and I have been constantly impressed by each of your unique skills and confidence. You have made me feel beautiful, even when I was in my sweats and tees. I have learned something from each one of you and you are now a part of some of my best memories. You will always be my Glam Squad!

Jody Johnson: Thank you for providing such excellent photography! You are always so entertaining to me, such a sweet guy, and a joy to work with.

Emily, you have been an amazing Strawberry prin-cess! I honestly could not have picked someone as wonder-ful as you to be my partner in crime. I knew we were go-ing to be friends as soon as we had the exact same reaction upon winning. I have enjoyed spending time with you, your momma this year. Thank you so much for your support throughout this year, it means so much to me. I love you girl and you know if there’s ever a time when you need me, I’ll be there in an instant. “Sis-ters by chance, but friends by choice.”

To my other Strawberry Sisters: I am so grateful to my

Berry Sisters for your never-ending support, encourage-ment, ideas and insight. You have been a magnificent in-spiration for me for so long and I am so, thankful that you set the bar high and for blaz-ing a path for me. There has not been a time that I didn’t feel a connection to my Sis-ters pageant and you have helped me through some dif-ficult times, and I’m glad to have shared the joyous times in yours. Some people judge their lives on what they do, others on who they are. I want my life judged on the friends I keep, and how enriched I am from just knowing you. We are not formers- we’ll always be Strawberry Girls, and for most of us, Ms. Catherine’s Berries! I love you, my sisters.

To all the ladies who don’t leave here with a crown to-night: It’s hard, I know. I have been in your high heels. I have cried those same tears and to-night is going to be rough. But you have been a part of an in-credible experience here, you have stepped outside of your comfort zone, and hopefully you have learned something about yourself. You beauti-ful ladies chose to go after a dream tonight which took a huge amount of courage. For that, I am tremendously proud of you.

To my successor and her family, get ready for the most exciting, hectic, stressful, adventurous, proud, memo-rable, scary, wonderful year

of your life. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, to stumble, and to fall, because most of the times the greatest reward comes from doing the things that scare you the most. May-be you’ll get more than you’ve ever imagined. Who knows where life will take you. The road is long and in the end, every step of the journey is a destination, in itself. This is your moment to leave your mark in the world. Strive to reach as far and wide and lim-itless as possible. Don’t aim for success, just do what you love and believe in it!

As I stand before you all, I feel honored and sad at the same time, honored because I have had the opportunity to serve you for a few minutes more, sad because it’s me who has to do the tough job of wishing goodbye to all of you.

Tomorrow I will wake up in my new life, full of yet-to-be realized opportunities, but it’s no longer about me, because I’m so excited to see

what’s out there, but it’s not about me anymore! Wish me luck and whisper a prayer for me. I love you all. I can’t wait to see who will wear our 85th North Carolina Strawberry Festival crowns and continue the legacy of this great orga-nization. This isn’t goodbye,

as you definitely have not seen the last of me. Wish me luck and whisper a prayer for me. So for the last time, I am your 84th North Carolina Straw-berry Festival Queen, Maya Danielle Campbell. Wish me luck and whisper a prayer for me. I love you all.

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85th North Carolina Strawberry Festivalopening ceremonies

Opening ceremonies for the 85th N.C. Strawberry Fes-tival will be held Tuesday, May 2 at the N.C. Strawberry Festival Event Field located behind Hardees in Chadbourn. This year’s event will begin at 5 p.m. with a chicken bog plate sale. Each plate is $7 with all proceeds benefiting the Chadbourn Depot Museum Roof Fund. There will be outside tables and chairs for your dining pleasure or plates may be carried out. Plate sales will continue throughout the eve-ning until gone. Strawberry shortcake may be purchased throughout out the evening.

Stick around for an evening of great food and even better music. At 6 p.m. local band Honey Don’t will take the stage and entertain us with music of all types. Immediately fol-lowing Honey Don’t our ears will feast upon the Carolina’s #1 beach band, Black Water Rhythm and Blues; featuring beach, pop, rock & roll, classics and soul.

Throughout the evening tickets will be sold for a 50/50 raffle. Ticket sells will continue until 9 p.m. at which time the winning ticket will be drawn. You must be present to win.

Bleachers will be provided, however, you may bring a lawn chair.

Come join us and dance the night away at the 85th NC Strawberry Festival. We hope to see you Tuesday, May 2.

Honey Don’t is a rockabilly band from Whiteville. We play covers that start with the 1950’s such as Elvis and Chuck Berry and more.


Area royalty invited to 2017Strawberry Pageant May 6

An invitation is extended to area queens, princesses and other honorary titleholders to attend the crowning ceremony of the 2017 North Carolina Strawberry Festival Queen and Princess at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, May 6 at West Columbus High School in Cerro Gordo.

All crown-bearing guests will be introduced during the program. No invitations are being mailed, and this announce-ment serves as a notice of invitation to all qualifying dignitary crown bearers.

Admission to the ceremony will be $10 per person, including chaperones; however, all visiting queens will be admitted free.

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Former UNC and NFL star named as 2017 Strawberry parade marshal

A former National Football League and UNC-Chapel Hill football player who walked away from a lucrative NFL contract in 2012 to pursue a career as a farmer and devote himself to a Christian minis-try will serve as grand mar-shal of the 2017 Strawberry Festival Parade on May 6 in Chadbourn.

Jason Brown did not miss a game during his gridiron career at UNC and was con-sidered one of the best cen-ters available in the 2005 NFL draft. He played for the Bal-timore Ravens and St. Louis Rams before giving up foot-ball in 2012 at the age of 29 to become a farmer in Louis-burg and head of the Wisdom for Life Ministries, which he founded.

A Hendersonville native, Brown describes himself as a “community advocate, for-mer professional athlete and a man of faith.”

Following graduation from UNC in 2005, he was drafted

by the NFL’s Baltimore Ra-vens. As a free agent in 2009, he signed a five-year contract with the St. Lewis Rams but after three years was re-leased by the Rams in 2012. With several lucrative offers on the table from the Ravens, the Carolina Panthers and the San Francisco 49ers, he decided to take a leap of faith and leave the NFL.

He moved back home to North Carolina and pur-chased a 1,000 acre farm in Louisburg, which he named “First Fruits Farm.”

The farm has hosted annu-al youth fishing derbies and collaborated with many faith and service organizations. A yield of more than 200,000 pounds of produce has been given to food pantries and churches throughout the Re-search Triangle area, in part thanks to the work of thou-sands of volunteers who have helped in gleaning and har-vesting events.

A prepared biography of

Brown says, “In his work through Wisdom of Live Min-istries and First Fruit Farms, Jason and his wife, Tay, are demonstrating how to live a life of purpose. Jason serves as a great example of com-munity development through agriculture.”

Jason Brown

Ed’s Grill722 S. Madison StreetDowntown Whiteville

642-5477

Eat with us before you headto Chadbourn for theStrawberry Festival!


Miss N.C. coming to Strawberry Festival

McKenzie Faggart, Miss North Carolina 2016, will be at the Strawberry Festival be-ginning Friday, May 5, with attendance at the Strawberry Encounters dinner and par-ticipation at all parade day events, culminating with the Strawberry Festival scholar-ship pageant, Saturday night.

Faggart, created “The SAFE Project.” This is a cam-paign against bullying that after being bullied herself as a senior in high school. Her campaign is an acronym in which she encourages every-

Staff photo by Allen Turner

NCDA’s Big CartThe N.C. Department of Agriculture’s “Big Cart,” pictured here carrying Miss North Carolina during a previous Strawberry Festival, will return to Chadbourn for the 85th N.C. Strawberry Festival.

Big Cart to make return appearanceat the 85th N.C. Strawberry Festival

The N.C. Department of Agriculture’s Got to Be NC Big Cart will be making a grand return appearance at the 85th North Carolina Strawberry Festival. The Big Cart will be leading North Carolina’s oldest agriculture parade with Miss North Caro-lina McKenzie Faggart riding in the Big Cart.

The Big Cart, as it usually is called, is an oversized shop-ping cart approximately 13 feet high and 15 feet long with a Chevrolet 396 V8 big block engine.

The Big Cart has made rounds in North Carolina

are grown, raised and pro-cessed in the state.

after first debuting at the Raleigh Farmers Market Festival on six years ago. It has visited Raleigh, Greens-boro, Concord, Wake Forest, Greenville, Mount Olive, Kin-ston, Murfreesboro, Zebulon, Fayetteville, Chadbourn and the Mountain State Fair in Ashville on its journeys, to mention just a few of many appearances. It has been featured in news stories by television stations and news-papers from the coast to the mountains of North Carolina.

The purpose of the Big Cart is to raise awareness to the numerous products that

Welcome to the 85th AnnualNC Strawberry Festival in Chadbourn

Tires • Oil Change • MufflersBrakes • Shocks • Struts • Minor Mechanical

Towing • Minor & Major Alignment

Pete Williamson120 East 8th Ave., Chadbourn

654-6200

WHEEL-INTIRE & AUTOMOTIVE

McKenzie FaggartMiss North Carolina 2016

one to Support one another, Accept differences and indi-viduality, Forgive wrong do-ings or ask for forgiveness, and Evolve into a better self, stronger than before.

We look forward to seeing this Concord native and all that she has accomplished as her year as Miss North Caro-lina.


The 85th Annual North Carolina

“85 years of Strawberry Memories”


SUSHI & HIBACHI

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beside KFC in WhitevilleStrawberries • Fresh Vegetables

Ferns • Flowers & More

During the Festival, See us by the stage for your strawberries

Marlee says, “See us at the Strawberry Festival for “Berry Delicious Strawberries”


Scene of Strawberry Encounters

We have served Columbus County for many years.

We will continue to serve our community in ways that go beyond waste collection.

From everyday collection toenvironmental protection.

Think Green:Think Waste Management.

www.wm.com/thinkgreen

“The Berry Best of Encounters” will be held Friday, May 5, from 6-9 p.m. at Chad-bourn Pentecostal Holiness Church Family Life Center, 518 N.Elm Street. This year’s Encounters will feature the award winning West Columbus Jazz Band, Miss North Carolina McKenzie Faggart, and the presentation of contestants for the Queen and Princess division for the 2017 N.C. Strawberry Festival Scholarship Pageant. Tickets are $25 per person and can be purchased from Judy Strickland, Worthington Funeral Home or at CresCom Bank in Chadbourn. You may also download your invitation at www.ncstrawberryfestival.com and obtain your tickets by mail.

CHADBOURNFEED SERVICE

207 W. 1st Ave., Chadbourn654-3057

chadbournfeed.com —Purina Mills—

Have a Great Time at the Festival!

Gail Kennedy, Owner • Hwy. 410 S. • 654-4157

Ashley & Best Dealer410 Clothing, Furniture & Gift Shop

Special Prices on Nurse Uniforms, Landau, Cherokee, Peaches and Nurse Shoes

~ Welcome To Chadbourn ~& the 85th Annual Strawberry Festival

• Clothing • Gifts • Cologne • Flags• Silk Flowers • Wreaths • Greenery • Jewelry

• Mattresses • Furniture Showroom


Congrat-ulations on yo u r 8 5 t h N.C. Straw-ber ry Fes-t iv a l . Yo u s h o u l d b e proud that t h i s eve n t is the oldest agricultural festival in North Caro-lina and one of our state’s premier ag-r i c u l t u r a l celebrations. I know it’s a big part of the heritage and history of Columbus County.

N o r t h C a r o l i n a ranks fourth nationally in strawberry production. We are proud of the qual-ity of berries grown in our state. In 2015, strawberries alone contributed $23.5 million to our state’s farm in-come. This strawberry festival, as well as pick-your-own fields, roadside stands and farmers markets, serve as a reminder to consumers in the state

N.C. Commissioner of Agriculture Troxler congratulates berry festival

that strawberry season is here, and while it may be short, it’s definitely sweet.

Strawberries are my favorite fruit and I always look forward to spring each year. My birthday falls during strawberry season, and I always get to celebrate with straw-berry shortcake.

I want to thank you for the dedication you have put into having a successful festival. This event celebrates community, history and, of course, fun, but it also showcases our bright and vibrant agriculture industry.

Agriculture and agribusiness remain our state’s number one industry, contributing $84 billion annually to our economy. This is an industry that provides jobs and supports families across our state. I think that we can grow this industry to $100 billion by 2020. I want consumers locally, nationally and internationally to know if you want the best, it’s Got to Be N.C.

Best wishes for a successful festival and a great strawberry season.

Steve Troxler

The Chadbourn Town Manager, Bob Jones, enjoyed riding in last year’s parade.

This is what fire hydrants along Brown Street in Chadbourn looked like after Town Manager Bob Jones, on his own time after work and at no cost to the town, repainted the hydrants and topped them off with a strawberry theme.

85th North Carolina Strawberry Festival

Dignitaries and Strawberry Quality Contest

This year’s Luncheon and Strawberry Quality Auction at the 85th North Carolina Strawberry Festival will prove to be one of the best ever. Not only will we be auctioning the sweetest, the most delicious and aromatic fruit of all, strawberries, grown by area growers, but also, on the agenda will be an appearance by Miss North Carolina and our grand Parade Marshall and keynote speaker, North Carolina’s own, Mr. Jason Brown.

Berries from a fifty mile radius of Chadbourn, grown by over 12 area growers will be judged and auctioned during the luncheon. This exciting auction in the past has provided flats of berries that have sold for over $2400.00. You must be on hand to experience the excitement of the auction and the pride of the growers as they present to us their best.

This year’s program will also include an appearance by McKenzie Faggart the 80th Miss North Carolina. During the luncheon she will

speak about her platform. Miss North Carolina as usual will receive the opportunity to auction off the first place flat of berries. This always proves to be a most entertaining part of the festivities.

We are very proud to announce that this year’s Parade Marshall and Keynote Speaker, Mr. Jason Brown will speak about his days of UNC and professional football. He will also inform us about the many charities in which he is involved along with First Fruits Farm/Wisdom For Life Ministries.

One of the highlights this year will be the auctioning of a football that Mr. Brown has generously autographed. This souvenir football would well be the center piece of any collector or fan’s display.

The Luncheon will be held at the Chadbourn Pentecostal Holiness Church Family Life Center, 518 N. Elm Street, Chadbourn, N.C. 28431. The price for attending is $20 and you may download the luncheon invi-tation at www.ncstrawberryfestival.com or contact Densil Worthington at 640-7084. Due to the high demand for this event: ticket availability is limited.

Come join us at the 85th N.C. Strawberry Festival Luncheon and also take part in the many events going on around town on this Strawberry Saturday, May 6.

Dear North Carolina Strawberry Festival Committee Members.


Chadbourn ECA are ready for festival foods contest

Members of the Chadbourn Exten-sion and Community Homemakers Association are getting ready for the annual Strawberry Food Products Con-test, which will be held Saturday, May 2 at the Chadbourn Community Library.

Barbara Larrimore, the committee chair for the contest, is leading the organi-zational effort.

Entries will be ac-cepted at the library from 8:30-10 a.m. on Saturday, and must be ready to display before they are reg-istered. Participants will not be allowed at the display tables.

Recipes are to be written or typed on 5x8 index cards and left with the straw-berry dish. Judging will occur from 10-11 a.m. The food exhib-its will be reopened for public viewing at 11 a.m. and remain on display until partici-pants pick up their entries by 3 p.m.

The contest is designed to promote the use of the strawberry as a nutri-tious and palatable product and the contest is designed so that a person of any age or sex may enter. Novice and experienced cooks have enjoyed presenting both traditional and inno-vative recipes and over the years the cooks have enjoyed receiving acclaim for the efforts.

Three cash prizes will be offered in both the adult and youth (first grade through high school senior) divisions.

Qualified judges from a wide geo-graphical area will be coming to town to judge the entries. They include retired extension home agents and school cafeteria personnel.

Following are the contest rules:1. The contest will be divided into

two divisions: A. Adult B. Youth (first grade through high school senior).

2. Dishes will be judged in five cate-gories in each division. Only one entry from an individual in each division.

A. Appetizers. (Includes breakfast

foods, breads, uncooked and cooked processed syrups, preserves, sauces, jelly and jam.) Note: Two individual servings of each recipe will be accept-ed by the Strawberry Food Products Committee.

B. Cake (One-fourth of a cake is ac-ceptable or a whole cake may be en-

tered.)C. Pastries, Pies and

Tarts. (Pastries: two individual servings of each recipe are accept-able. Pies: an eight-inch pie is acceptable.)

D. Salads and Other Deserts. (Includes all types of gelatin dishes, ice cream, etc. Two in-dividual servings are acceptable.)

E. Low Calorie or Sugar Free Salads and Other Deserts

The N.C. Strawber-ry Foods Contest has been one of the high-lights of the festival for many years and members of the Chad-bourn Extension and

Community Association pride them-selves in sponsoring the event.

The contest is designed to promote the use of the strawberry as a nutri-tious and palatable product. Persons of any age or sex may enter and there is no entry fee. Novice and experi-enced cooks are invited to present their favorite strawberry dishes for judging, receive acclaim for their ef-forts and participate in this continued tradition.

Call Barbara Larrimore at 654-4540 for more information on the contest.

Barbara Larrimore

Pancake supper April 28The annual Strawberry Festival Pan-cake Supper will be held Friday, April 28, from 5-8 p.m. at Chadbourn El-ementary School. Plates will be $5 and proceeds from the supper will benefit Chadbourn Elementary School and Chadbourn Middle School.

The 85th NC Strawberry Festival LogoThis year’s logo was designed by Diane Vitale of Diane Vitale Art. The logo represents the past and the present. In 1926 at the first Chad-bourn Strawberry Festival, the prevailing variety of strawberry plant was called the Klondyke Berry; the wooden container which was the stan-dard container in 1926 has also been replaced by the paper mache container. Many things have changed over the years, but the constant factor of all, is that we still celebrate the sweetest, the most delicious and aromatic fruit of all the strawberry in 2017. Commemorative t-shirts for the 85th annual N.C. Strawberry festival are available for purchase at CresCom Bank in Chadbourn for Youth S, M & L for $12, Adult S, M, L, & XL for $15 and Adult 2X and 3X for $18.


“Welcome To Chadbourn”Have A Great

Stay In Our TownÐ Ð Enjoy Ð ÐThe 2017

Chadbourn Insurance Agency, Inc.Phone (910) 654-4126

222 N. Brown St., Chadbourn

“Visit Us For All Your Insurance Needs”

StrawberryFestival

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Directions to Chadbourn: We are located at the corner of N.C. Hwy. 410 and N.C. Hwy. 74. It is 54 miles west of Wilmington on 74/76 and 30 minutes east of Hwy. 95 at L u m b e r t o n . The festival it-self is located at the corner of 410 and 74 as well. Oth-erwise known as Strawberry Blvd. and Brown Street. You will see a Hardees and a Food Lion. If more direc-tions are need-ed, to to map-quest at www.mapquest.com and type in your destina-tion as Chad-bourn, 28431.

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N.C. Strawberry Festival Scholarship Pageant fund donations

Goodness Grows in North Carolina Catherine and Cathy Causey (in memory of Noel E. Causey), Dr. Peggy Sue Barnhill, M.D. and family, The Worthington Family (in memory of Mr. and Mrs. Jimmy Worthington), Mrs. Sarah Koonce (in memory of Sam Koonce), Medicine Mart/Koonce Drug Company, The News Reporter, Inc./The News Times, Dr. C.O. Boyette, M.D. FAADP (in memory of Mrs. Kiva Boyette and William), Mr. and Mrs. Herman Carr, Mrs. Glenda Strole (in memory of Philip Strole), Mr. and Mrs. Mac Brown, Mrs. Hilda Bullard and Joy, Colliers Jewelers, Inc., Tire Barn, Mrs. Dorothy Win-nies (in memory of Francis Winnies), Mr. and Mrs. Joe Keip, Deborah Kay McKeithan (in memory of Randy McK-eithan), W.E. Bailey Produce, Inc., George Wooten, Mr. and Mrs. Dewey Hill, Mr. and Mrs. David Breedon, The Chad-bourn Lions Club, Mr. and Mrs. Junior Dew, Mr. & Mrs. Steve Duncan, Mr. Tommy D. Carr (in memory of Aunt Elaine), Black’s Tire Service Mr. and

Mrs. Scott Simmons and Saw-yer, Chadbourn Feed Service, K&S Farms, LLC, Mrs. Blanche Bullock (in memory of Dr. Thurman M. Bullock Jr.), Mrs. Ethel Thomas (in memory of Homer Thomas), 410 Cloth-ing, Furniture and Gifts, Gail Kennedy, N.C. Rep. Kenny Wad-dell and wife, Susan, Mr. and Mrs. Wesley Caines, Mr. and Mrs. Johnny Honeycutt, Dr. and Mrs. Eugene Sturdivant, Mr. William T. Williamson (in memory of Mr. and Mrs. Bill Williamson), Mr. and Mrs. Jer-ry Turner, Mrs. Anne Ferguson (in memory of Jimmy Fer-guson), Mr. and Mrs. Jerome Honeycutt, Caines Brothers, Mr. and Mrs. Gene Strickland, Mr. R. Mitchel Tyler, Mr. & Mrs. Charles Sanderson (in memory of Mr. and Mrs. Leo Mercer), Chadbourn Food Lion, Whiteville Food Lion, Dr. Richard Fleming, Mary Snipes Phillips, Susan Curtis, Mr. and Mrs. Rob Norman Martha Canady, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Cox, Whiteville’s KJ’s Grocery Store, The N.C. Rhododendron Festival, Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Britt, Suzanne King.

85th North Carolina Strawberry FestivalStrawberry Karaoke Idol contest

Saturday, May 6, at 6 p.m.

(Stage located on festival event field behind Hardees in Chadbourn)

10:30 a.m. Debbie Wilson Nealon, Mistress of Ceremonies10:45 a.m. Amy’s Academy of Dance Arts—Dancers & NC Strawberry Festival Cloggers 11:45a.m. Kayla Greene Noon Randy Pinyan12:20 p.m. David & Holly Williams12:40 p.m. Randy Ward1 p.m. Patsy Cline Tribute by Gayla J.1:20 p.m. The Happy Hour Band2 p.m. Parade, Main Street/Strawberry Blvd., Chadbourn3 p.m. Scott Free Band4 p.m. The Happy Hour Band4:30 p.m. Registration opens for Strawberry Spittin’ Contest (until 5 p.m.)4:45 p.m. Registration opens for Strawberry Karaoke Idol Contest (until 5:45 p.m.) 5 p.m. Strawberry Spittin’ Contest (Cash prizes—adult and youth divisions) (Everyone is invited to participate--register at main stage area 4:30-5 p.m.)5:30 p.m. The Thrillbillys (Len Dallas & Lex Traywick)6 p.m. Strawberry Karaoke Idol Contest (hosted by Len Dallas Entertainment) Contest is open to ages 14 and older. Cash prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places. Visit www.facebook.com/NCStrawberryFestival/ or www.ncstrawberryfestival.com for complete Karaoke Idol Contest rules and format. Must register at main stage area 4:45-5:45 p.m. *Times are approximate, and performers and events are subject to change.

The Strawber ry Karaoke Idol Contest is an opportunity for Strawberry Festival visitors to perform in front of a crowd and/or root for their favor-ites. There is no entry fee, and the contest is open to individuals age 14 and older. The contest will be held on the Main Stage located on the festival event field behind Hardees in Chadbourn. Prizes will be awarded as fol-lows: 1st place-$200; 2nd place-$100; 3rd place-$50.

Rules • Contest is open to

individuals age 14 and older (must be at least 14 years old prior to May 6, 2017).

Contestants age 14 to 17 must have parent or guardian permission (signature on reg-istration form) to enter contest and perform.

• Professional singers are not eligible to participate. For purposes of this contest, a professional singer is con-sidered an individual who makes more than half of his/her living singing, or is signed with a record label, book-ing agent, or has a recording contract or other professional performance contract with an entertainment venue, or has/has had a song released on the radio or via other public media.

• Contest registration be-gins at 4:45 p.m. at the Main Stage area and concludes at 5:45 p.m. No exceptions. Reg-istration is limited to 20 con-testants.

• Song choices should be selected from the karaoke song books at time of registration. Contestants must use karaoke music selections provided by our host, Len Dallas Entertain-ment. No exceptions.

• Contest will begin prompt-ly at 6 p.m.

Contest Format • Contest will be divided

into two rounds. • In the first round, contes-

tants will be called at random

and will have one minute to respond to their name and proceed towards the stage. Contestants failing to respond will be disqualified.

• Each contestant performs his/her chosen selection in the first round for a maximum of three minutes.

• If selection exceeds three minutes, the Host will fade out the music, and the next contestant will perform. Most selections will fall within the three-minute category.

• Judging: Judges will use a point system based on vocal performance, song interpre-tation, and stage presence/showmanship.

• Upon completion of round one, all contestants will take the stage, and five finalists will be announced and will proceed to the second round (the final round). The finalists will be named in random order.

Finals• Each finalist will be al-

lowed up to four minutes to perform in round two.

• After the finalists have performed, the judges will determine the 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place winners.

• Finalists will take the stage, and the winners will be announced and prize mon-ey will be awarded on stage. Prizes: 1st place $200; 2nd place $100; 3rd Place $50.

*If number of contestants is below 20, certain contest format may be adjusted. Any changes to contest format will be announced before contest begins.


A highlight of the N.C. Strawberry Festival is the car show.

Strawberry dirt puddingOreo cookies 8 oz. cool whip1 box white chocolate Strawberries pudding 1 T. confectioners sugar

Put some oreos in blender till they are crumbs. Make pudding according to directions on box. Once pudding has set up, com-bine with cool whip and powdered sugar. Chop up fresh straw-berries. Layer ingredients -- first cookie crumbs, pudding mix-ture and then strawberries. Continue layering, topping with cookie crumbs. This dish can be as big as you want it to be.

Sparkling strawberry wine4 quarts strawberries 1 cup water crushed/drained 2 tablespoons lemon juice2 cups sugar 1 cup Wild Strawberry LiqueurMix. Let stand in refrigerator and serve. This recipe may be doubled or tripled to your liking.

Strawberry variety show set May 4

The N.C. Strawberry Festival presents the annual North Carolina Strawberry Festival Variety Show with the theme “Celebrating the Talent of Columbus County” from 7-9 p.m. Thursday, May 4 in the West Columbus High School Audito-rium in Cerro Gordo.

Coordinator Joi Lanier Thomas commented, “This year’s event will be one to remember, bringing talented young men and women from all over the county.”

Admission will be $5 and children two and under will be admitted free.

All proceeds will benefit the North Carolina Strawberry Festival Queen and Princess Scholarship Pageant.

For more information contact Thomas at 770-5050.

Welcome to Chadbourn

Visit us for all your tire needs we have all sizes available

We hope you enjoy our annual

6294 Chadbourn Hwy., Chadbourn654-3166

Strawberry Festival

TIRE BARN

Strawberry teaDrain 2 (10 oz.) pkgs. frozen sliced strawberries.Prepare 2 lipton tea bags according to directions. Mix straw-berry juice and prepared tea. Sweeten to taste. Serve over ice. (Lemon if desired)


Hwy. 410 S., ChadbournCall Today! 910-654-4128

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Time honored tradition of bountiful food, unique craft s and games at the 85th N.C. Strawberry Festival

Vendors from across the area will provide a great variety of food and crafts for the enjoyment of everyone attending this year’s festival. Approximately 40 vendors will exhibit various items in a fl ea market atmosphere. These items will include candles, jewelry, handcrafted woodwork, crafted glassware and art.

Types of food that can be enjoyed this year will consist of Mediterranean style, blooming onions, funnel cakes, pizza, subs, BBQ or just good old fashioned hot dogs or hamburgers.

For the children we have Midway provided by Fun-Time Amusements coming to the festival on Friday and lasting through festival day.

These events will be located at the Vendor Field near the Food Lion Shopping Center. Come out and enjoy a complete day of fun and relaxation as we celebrate the 85th Annual North Carolina Strawberry Festival on May 6, home of North Carolina’s oldest agriculture festival.


SUPER LOW PRICES

Dewey Hill & Companywelcomes everyone to the 85th Chadbourn Strawberry Festival. We invite you to visit any Hills Food Store for super low food prices during your visit.

Fun-Time Amusements bringing rides to 85th Strawberry Festival

Fun-Time Amusements will be bringing carnival rides to the 85th N.C. Strawberry Festival.

Fun-Time Amusements of Virginia will operate rides on the event field beside Food Lion on Friday, May 5, and Saturday, May 6.

Featured rides will include the Ferris Wheel, Barrels-of-Fun, the Windjammer, the Ferris Wheel, the Super Spinner, the Super

Fun-Slide and Thomas the Train to name a few.

Wristbands will be available on Friday only for $15 per person with ad or placemat coupon for $2 off that price Friday only. A per-son wearing a wristband can enjoy unlimited rides on Friday.

Carnival rides also will be available all day on Saturday, May 6, at regular ticket prices.

Display contest judging set Saturday, April 29

Judging for the Strawberry Display Contest, sponsored by the Klondyke Garden Club, will take place starting at 2 p.m.on Saturday, April 29.

Out-of-town judges determine winners in two categories: commercial and residential. There is no registration fee and there is no entry form.

First, second and third place winners will be recognized in both the commercial and residential categories. First, second and third place winners will receive blue, red and white rib-bons, respectively. In addition, each first place winner will re-ceive a $50 cash prize from the N.C. Strawberry Festival.

Contest entries must adhere to the following rules in both categories:

1. The business or home must be in the Chadbourn town limits.

2. The display must be strawberry- or Strawberry Festival-oriented.

3. The display can consist of a specific area, such as a win-dow, door, porch, yard, etc. or the entire business or home in its entirety.

4. A first place winner is excluded from winning first place in the subsequent year.

5. Members of the Klondyke Garden Club are not eligible to participate.

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Chicken bog to benefit Depot MuseumProceeds from a chicken bog fundraising meal at the event field behind Hardee’s in Chadbourn will benefit the Chadbourn Depot Museum. Plates will be served Tuesday, May 2 from 5-8 p.m. and will be $5 each.

Strawberry jam5 cups whole strawberries 5 cups sugar1/2 bottle liquid fruit 1/4 cup lemon

Measure 5 cups strawberries. Pack well, but do not crush in large saucepan. Add the sugar and mix well. Place over high heat and bring to boil. Stir gently so berries will not crush. Let stand for about 2 hours. Add lemon juice to fruit, bring to roll-ing boil for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and add liquid pectin. Skim off foam with metal spoon. Stir and skim for 10 minutes. Ladle quickly into jars.

Located on the edge of the beautiful historic Fair Bluff, Horne Bay Farm has a rustic natural beauty and an easy elegance. Southern charm and Personality abound at the majestic barn, the open air pavilion overlooks ponds and horse pastures. Contrasting elements make this the perfect setting for any wedding or event.

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Johnny Whitehead Sylvia Whitehead

641-2938 or 625-5765Enjoy the 85th Strawberry Festival

Fresh Picked dailyWe Sell Strawberries



Highlights of the 2016 N.C. Strawberry Festival


Strawberry Festival contactsN.C. Strawberry Festival President Ramona Long has an-

nounced the following contact persons for various events for this year’s festival:

All listed phone numbers are in the 910 area code. President: Ramona Long

Residential & Commercial Display: Sandra Nobles 654-4448National Day of Prayer: Angelia McDuffie

Opening Ceremonies Entertainment: Mike Barnes 840-1447Parade: Danny Long 654-5244

Floats Advertising: Lisa Blake 899-2992Riders for Floats Bobbi Bowen 654-3070

Queens: Lefell Eason 654-3518Luncheon & Auction: Densil Worthington 654-3518

Food contest: Barbara Larrimore 654-4540Pageant: Mary Ann Simmons 840-1061

Strawberry Encounters: Shanna Kay Williamson 234-1955School bands: George Nickerson 654-9938

Merchandise: Lori Williams 654-1005Vendors (food and crafts): Wendy Johnson and

Linda Gaddy 654-4148Auto show: Danny Long 654-5244

Festival Jam Vaiety show: Joi Lanier 770-5871 Variety show (parade day): Mike Barnes 840-1447

More highlights of the 2016 N.C. Strawberry Festival


Welcome to the 85th Annual

NORTH CAROLINASTRAWBERRY FESTIVAL

at Chadbourn

Ramona Long2017 NC Strawberry Festival

President

Welcome to the North Carolina Strawberry Festival! Come, enjoy, relax and gather memories that will last a life time, 85 Years of

Strawberry Memories!

We hope that you will come out and enjoy the events that have been planned for the 85th NC Strawberry Festival.

The first festival was held May 6, 1926 when the farmer was first recognized for their efforts during the first Strawberry Festival when

Chadbourn was known as the Ò Strawberry CapitalÓ of the world. Today, we still celebrate the strawberry, the farmer, the tradition and

heritage from the very onset.

This year the parade marshal is Jason Brown, a former NFL player, who walked away from the limelight of the NFL to start First Fruits Farms

and Wisdom for Life. Jason and his wife, Tay truly demonstrate how to live a life of purpose.

A special thanks to the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Goodness Grows in North Carolina for their many years of support and

guidance.

A huge Thank You, to all our volunteers who put in countless hours to make sure the NC Strawberry Festival is a success. Members of the

various committees, the local clubs and our town employees work effortlessly to make sure that Chadbourn is ready for the Festival. Thanks for all the extra time you take to make sure everything is

prepared for the festival!

To our patrons who continue to visit and support the North Carolina Strawberry Festival, thank you for your continued support.

Welcome to the 2017 North Carolina Strawberry Festival, Chadbourn! Enjoy special memories with family and friends!

Mona Long President of the 85th NC Strawberry Festival

Documents

“85 years of Strawberry Memories”