Just because this year's in-person LaSalle Strawberry Festival was cancelled does not mean residents can't enjoy the first major event of the festival season in Windsor-Essex.
Instead of gathering at the Vollmer Culture and Recreation Complex, organizers are holding a series of events online next weekend, starting on Friday night.
Starting at 6 p.m. on Friday, the whole family can watch some Mad Science Experiments with Supersonic Ed on Zoom.
At 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 12, it's kids BINGO with a meet-and-greet with Captain Strawberry.
The Mega Magic Show with the international award-winning magician, Mike D'Urzo, is also on Zoom at 1 p.m. on Sunday, June 13.
The LaSalle Strawberry Festival has also teamed up with Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island to provide reusable Family Activity Bags filled with goodies. Raymont's Berries is providing fresh strawberries, while Laura's Bakery & Deli will have cake pops. Residents can also try making homemade strawberry jam with a recipe from Zone 6 Preserves.
The Rise 2 Youth Talent Search is going ahead despite pandemic restrictions with a virtual competition. Children 6 to 12 can compete in the junior talent search, and those 13 to 21 can take part in the youth talent search. The top three to five acts will advance to the finals at this year's Western Fair in London. Performers must register by Friday, June 11 and upload a YouTube video link of their performance. Winners will be announced on Sunday, June 13.
There's also the Mascot Dance-Off and the Battle of the Fruits Escape Room.
Organizers hope to be back with an in-person festival in June 2022.
