CHASSELL, Mich. (WZMQ) – Friday was the first day of the 76th annual Copper County Strawberry Festival in Chassell, organized by the Chassell Lions Club.
Brian Gorcowski, a Chassell Lions Club member said, despite the heat, there were still plenty of people there to buy the festival’s famous strawberry shortcake.
“Last year we did about 5,100 cakes,” said Gorkowski. “I think we’re looking to go about 5,400 cakes this year.”
“It’s one of Michigan’s longest running festivals actually, is what people have told us,” said Chassell Lions Club president, Steven Palosaari. “When you celebrate around a dessert, how can you go wrong?”
But what makes Chassell’s strawberries so delicious? Palosaari said there’s a scientific reason their strawberries are unique.
“The berries here are especially sweet because of our cool nights,” said Palosaari. “It slows down the ripening process and there’s more natural glucose in the berries.”
Strawberry shortcakes weren’t the only thing at the festival though. This year, there were 88 vendors selling a variety of food and crafts.
Plus, the annual Children’s Parade, which one mom, Erica Bates, said is her favorite part.
“I was in it when I was a little girl and my kids are in it too now,” said Bates. “So it’s fun to come full circle with that.”
Also there was the annual Strawberry Queen Pageant, which recognizes one young woman from the Copper Country.
“Queen means just being a part of the community,” said last year’s queen Romy Kus. “Being kind of like a leader for little girls and everyone who wants to step out of their comfort zone.”
This year, Dollar Bay’s Nora Keranen was crowned Strawberry Queen from among the 11 contestants.
On Saturday there’ll be breakfast, a parade, and of course more strawberry shortcake.
If you want to get some for yourself sales open at 9 a.m. Saturday, but organizers say they sell out fast — so go early if you can.
