CHASSELL, Mich. (WZMQ) – The Copper Country Strawberry Festival began Friday in Chassell. Remember that strawberry supplies are limited due to their popularity.
If you ask anyone in the Keweenaw, they’ll tell you the same thing: that strawberries from Chassell are the best, period.
“They’re just different than they are in California and Florida. They’re a little bit smaller, but they’re sweeter because it takes them a little longer to ripen. The berries in California and Florida are bigger, but they’re not as juicy, so they just taste better,” said Chassell Lions Club Secretary and Strawberry Farmer, Dan Crane.
Today marked the beginning of the 77th annual Copper Country Strawberry Festival, one of the oldest festivals in the State of Michigan. On hand to complement the succulent strawberries were over 70 craft vendors, games of all kinds, a beauty pageant, and a parade just for kids. The festival is a labor of love for members of the Chassell Lions Club.
“I think everybody looks forward to the Strawberry Festival every year, and it’s always crowded here, all day Friday, all day Saturday, and the biggest thing is the money we raise goes right back into our community,” said Chassell Lions Club President, George Stockero.
The only downside to having the sweetest berries in the land is the fact that they sell out quickly.
“Yeah, we had 40 flats of strawberries come in, and within two hours, they were gone. So we’ve got more coming tomorrow,” said Dan Crane.
Some believe the quality of the berries is due to the specific kind of soil found around Chassell and the unique climate
When it comes to Chassell Berries, I think it’s a lot to do with the environment up here, the air quality, the water Quality, the soil. They’re just different than they are in California and Florida,” said Crane.
The Copper Country Strawberry Festival continues through Saturday afternoon. But remember, to get there early, so as not to miss out on some of the very best berries found anywhere.
