Stilwell getting ready for annual strawberry festival

(STILWELL) - The streets will be jammed with strawberry enthusiasts this weekend as part of the 55th Annual Strawberry Festival. <br><br>The festival was in doubt this year, as cool spring nights delayed

Thursday, May 9th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(STILWELL) - The streets will be jammed with strawberry enthusiasts this weekend as part of the 55th Annual Strawberry Festival.

The festival was in doubt this year, as cool spring nights delayed the berries from ripening.

But the strawberries bloomed just in time for the festival.

``We are expecting a large turnout,'' said Renee Fite, president of the Stilwell Chamber of Commerce. ``I have had over 100 phone calls every day for the last month about the festival.''

The festival, which runs through Sunday, began Thursday and features a carnival, a rodeo and the crowning of the 2002 Strawberry Queen.

On Saturday afternoon, officials will hold a strawberry auction, which raised more than $17,000 last year for summer youth programs and a Fourth of July fireworks display.

The weekend is highlighted by the Strawberry Ball on Saturday night.