The Stanhope United Methodist Church is throwing its annual Strawberry Festival on June 13th — and it’s shaping up to be one of the tastiest, most community-packed events of the summer.
Rain or shine, the festival runs from 9AM to 3PM at the church grounds at 2 Route 183. If it rains, the whole thing moves indoors to the church’s large fellowship hall. Either way, it’s happening.
The Strawberry Spread You Won’t Want to Miss
This isn’t your average bake sale. The festival’s dessert menu includes a signature strawberry cake made with fresh berries and Cliff’s ice cream, homemade strawberry pie, scones, and a variety of other baked treats.
And then there’s the jam. Roxie Benbow of Budd Lake has been making strawberry jam since the early 1990s — and her jars go fast every year.
“The most important ingredient that makes any jam special is good fruit,” Benbow said. “I buy the best berries, hence the name — Nana’s Berry Best Jam.”
Her lineup includes classic strawberry, blueberry, raspberry, and a festival crowd favorite: strawberry rhubarb. Each batch takes nearly two hours to make by hand.
Food, Vendors & Yes — Knitted Emotional Support Chickens
The church’s United Methodist Men’s group will be firing up the grills with hot dogs, hamburgers, soda, and water throughout the day.
A variety of crafters and vendors will also be set up, offering handmade wine bottle chimes, jewelry, wood carvings, crocheted items, acrylic-painted gifts — and yes, knitted emotional support chickens. You read that right.
Thrift Shop Alert: Special Sale All Day
The church’s thrift store, Hope’s Hidden Treasures, will be open for the entire festival with extended hours — and special Strawberry Festival pricing.
Coordinator Helen Talley Stein says the shop carries far more than clothes. Gently used shirts, pants, and shorts go for just $2. Dresses and hoodies are $3. Beyond clothing, the store stocks kitchen appliances, Pyrex, Lenox dishware, party supplies, toys, garden tools, holiday decor, pet supplies, and more.
“We have vintage stuff and brand new stuff,” Stein said. “Look for special sales on Strawberry Festival Day.”
Where Your Money Goes
Every dollar raised at the festival supports the church’s outreach programs — including a local food pantry, Project Linus (which gives handmade blankets to seriously ill children), Birth Haven (a shelter for homeless pregnant women), and UMCOR’s global disaster relief work.
The festival is organized by the Angels of the Glen — a group of 20 women that started as a simple crocheting circle and grew into the church’s main fundraising force.
Stanhope United Methodist Church · 2 Route 183, Netcong, NJ · Saturday June 13 · 9AM–3PM · Free to attend · Rain or Shine
