At PECO, we’re committed to helping the communities we serve. That’s why we volunteer and provide more than $6 million a year to local community and nonprofit organizations across our region, so we can build a stronger tomorrow together.
PECO is proud to partner with the Brandywine Health Foundation to celebrate the 2019 Strawberry Festival.
Thursday, May 30th – 5:00 – 10:00 pm
5:00 – 10:00 - Wristband Night
Unlimited amusement rides in the Majestic Midway with the purchase of a $25 wristband Please note: Wristband sales will end at 9 pm. At that time it is to your advantage to buy individual ride tickets. Ride tickets never expire!
5:00 – 8:00 - Pony Rides – courtesy of Locust Lane Riding Center ($5)
6:00 – 8:00 - Hoopster the 8-foot tall Stilt Walking Ref
5:00 – 10:00 - Knockerball provided by Knockerball Ninjas ($6)
5:00 – 10:00 - Zip Line provided by Zip and Bounce ($10)
5:00 – 10:00 - Monster Truck Rides provided by KSR Motorsports ($10)
5:00 – 10:00 - Mechanical Bull Rides provided by The Bull Guys ($5)
Friday, May 31st – 5:00 – 11:00 pm
5:00 – 8:00 - Pony Rides courtesy of Locust Lane Riding Center ($5)
5:00 – 9:00 - Balloon Sculptures by Green Bean the Clown
5:30, 6:30, 7:30, 8:30 - Magic Shows performed by “World Famous Magician” Chris Capehart
6:00 – 8:00 - Hoopster - The 8-foot tall Stilt Walking Ref
5:00 – 11:00 - Knockerball provided by Knockerball Ninjas ($6)
5:00 – 11:00 - Zip Line provided by Zip and Bounce ($10)
5:00 – 11:00 - Monster Truck Rides provided by KSR Motorsports ($10)
5:00 – 11:00 - Mechanical Bull Rides provided by The Bull Guys ($5)
9:45 - FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR *Rain date is Saturday
Saturday, June 1st – 12:00 – 11:00 pm
12:00 – 2:00 - Healthy Food Demonstrations by the Chester County Food Bank
12:00 – 2:00 - Reduced Rides in the Majestic Midway (one less ticket per ride)
12:00 – 10:00 - Steps Challenge Gift Card Prizes – Stop by the Brandywine Hospital tent to register
1:00 – 2:00 - 1st Annual Brandywine Hospital Dance Contest on the Main Stage – Cash Prizes
12:00 – 4:00 - Balloon Sculptures by Green Bean the Clown
1:30, 2:30, 3:30, 4:30 - Magic Shows performed by “World Famous Magician” Chris Capehart
2:00, 3:00, 4:00, 5:00 - Juggling By Jonathan
5:00–8:00 - Pony Rides courtesy of Locust Lane Riding Center ($5)
6:00–8:00 - Hoopster - The 8-foot tall Stilt Walking Ref
12:00 – 11:00 - Knockerball provided by Knockerball Ninjas ($6)
12:00 – 11:00 - Zip Line provided by Zip and Bounce ($10)
12:00 – 11:00 - Monster Truck Rides provided by KSR Motorsports ($10)
Throughout the entire festival...
Amusement rides in the Majestic Midway
12:00 – 11:00 - Mechanical Bull Rides provided by The Bull Guys ($5)
Live Music on the Strawberry Stages thanks to our generous sponsor, Coatesville Savings Bank
9:45 - Fireworks Raindate
Sunday, June 2nd - 12:00 – 6:00 pm
12:00 – 2:00 - Reduced Rides in the Majestic Midway (one less ticket per ride)
12:00 – 5:00 - Steps Challenge Gift Card Prizes – Stop by the Brandywine Hospital tent to register
2:00 - Strawberriest Kid Contest on the Strawberry Stage. Ages 5 and under. Dress in your Strawberry Finest and enter to win great prizes! Sponsored by Gallagher
12:30, 1:30, 2:30, 3:30 - Magic Shows performed by “World Famous Magician” Chris Capehart
1:00, 2:00, 3:00, 4:00 - Juggling by Jonathan
12:00 – 6:00 - Knockerball provided by Knockerball Ninjas ($6)
12:00 – 6:00 - Zip Line Rides provided by Zip and Bounce ($10)
12:00 – 6:00 - Monster Truck Rides provided by KSR Motorsports ($10)
12:00 – 6:00 - Mechanical Bull Rides provided by The Bull Guys ($5)
Prize Wheel with exciting prizes and fun for all ages!
Shopping in our Craft & Vendor Fair, sponsored by GEICO
Free Family Play Area, provided by F.A.M.I.L.I.E.S.
Strawberry Patch Games, sponsored by Green Mountain Energy
Strawberryland with bounce houses, face painting, and the Strawberryland train! (Fun for our younger visitors)
Enter the Raffle for your chance to win a $1,000 cash prize!
Special visits from your favorite Cartoon Characters
Fun Sand Art Collectibles, sponsored by Castle “The Window & Door People”
International Food Fair with something delicious for everyone
Fabulous Strawberry Shortcake sponsored by ArcelorMittal
Live Music in Strawberry Café Live
Take home a festival keepsake from the Berry Patch Souvenirs and Fresh Strawberries 12 9
PRESENTING SPONSORS
Key Bank
PECO
FESTIVAL HOST
Brandywine Hospital - Tower Health
CULTURE OF HEALTH PARTNERS
Bill and Brit Kay
Jennifer and Bob McNeil
Sam Slater and Lornie Forbes
GREENING COATESVILLE
ADOPT-A-PARK PARTNERS
Di and Dallas Krapf
Mill Creek Capital Advisors LLC
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Moran
BATTLE OF THE BERRIES AT BRANDYWINE PARTNER
Univest - Banking, Insurance, Investments
CHAMPIONS
ArcelorMittal, Strawberry Shortcake Sponsor
Coatesville Savings Bank, Strawberry Stage Sponsor
Gallagher, Strawberriest Kid Contest Sponsor
GEICO, Craft Fair Sponsor
Green Mountain Energy Company, Strawberry Patch Game Sponsor
R. H. Reinhardt Co., Raffle Sponsor
VISTA.Today, Media Partner
Vivian Lasko
LEADERS
Simon and Rebecca Brain
Brumbaugh Wealth Management
Cabot Kjellerup Foundation
Richard and Deb Clark
Fulton Bank
Gawthrop Greenwood PC
Dr. John C. Gentile & Charlene A. Gentile
Gunard Berry Carlson Memorial Foundation Inc.
Howard and Sara Harris
MacElree Harvey Ltd.
Neptune Moon LLC
Simmer Builders
St. Paul’s Baptist Church
Twistnshout, Amy Pollack
Valley Creek Productions
Al West and Sarah Walter
Edwin Williams Photography
ADVOCATES/ GOLD PARTNERS
Franny and Franny Abbott
Betsy Barr and Dale Krapf
Breuninger Insurance Inc.
Chip and Maureen Breuninger
Vanessa B. Briggs
BrightView Landscapes
Peter and Cathy Callahan
Chester County Eye Care
Citadel
Communications Test Design Inc. (CTDI)
Comprehensive Cancer Care
Kathleen Deets-Price
Fox Rothschild LLP
Susan Garber and Ed Brown
G. A. Vietri Inc.
Mr. and Mrs. Charles L. Huston III
Ann and Steven Hutton
The Honorable and Mrs. Harry Lewis Jr.
Lyons & Hohl Inc.
Ian and Mary MacKinnon
Mary Alice Malone, Iron Spring Farm Inc.
Manito Abstract Company Inc.
Martin Brower
Alice Moorhead
David and Phyllis Moser
Art and Janene Mullen
Natural Lands
Paragon Business Gifts
Philips Brothers Electrical Contractors Inc.
Isabel and Frank Pryor
Margaret and Tom Rivello
Nina Seder-Burnaford and Jeffrey A. Seder
Mary Ellen and Fred Smith
Trago Fire Protection
Trago Mechanical Inc.
Terra Vida Holistic Centers
Jill and Chris Whitcomb
Bill and Elva Wright
SUPPORTERS/ SILVER PARTNERS
Air Methods - JeffSTAT
Jason D. Alexander, MPP and Meghan McVety, MPA, Capacity For Change
BB&T
The Beaver Creek Tavern, Stuart Deets and James Dickinson Jr.
BeLaro Jewelers
Belfor Property Restoration
Buffalo Run Ranch
Brandywine Elevator Company
BRITE Realty Services Inc.
George and Tricia Carlino
ChesPenn Health Services
Chester County Chamber of Business & Industry (CCCBI)
Chester County Hospital
Chester County Otolaryngology
& Allergy Associates
Child Guidance Resource Centers
Chris A. Cline Millwork
Coatesville Area Public Library
Countryside Consulting Inc.
Delaware County Community College
DJ Dre Money
Kenneth Doroski and Dawn Fastiggi
Bobby and Kathy Duca
Fischer Cunnane & Associates, Ltd.
Flings Towing, Daryl Fling
Fox Rothschild LLP
Gateway Medical Associates
Alissa and Shane Griffith
H. T. Lyons
Bill and Linda Handy
Heatherwood Retirement Community
Dana and Peter Heiman
State Representative Tim and Carol Hennessey
District Attorney Tom Hogan
Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Holleran
Mary T. Holleran and David J. Proctor
Honeybrook Golf Club
Allan M. Horwitz, Esq. and Linda Harley
Ann L. Jones
Karen Jorgenson and Jack Burkholder
Blake Krapf
Lamb McErlane PC, Attorneys at Law
Law Firm of Barry S. Rabin
Madsen Tree Service LLC
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Matz
David and Janet Nathan
Rodger and Michele Ollis
Anita F. O’Meara
Penn Rise Advisors LLC
Pennoni
Pennsylvania American Water
Pro-Tech Floors
Rainer & Company
William and Marlene Recchiuti
Rhoads Energy
RKL LLP
Frances M. Sheehan and Ricardo Gelman, MD
Signal 88 Security of Octorara
Peter and Terri Silvester
Martha and Ted Skiadas
Skin Health Solutions LLC
Mrs. Hannah Spatola
Bob and Noel Stanek
The Stewart Huston Charitable Trust
Lee Ann Sullivan
Team Health East
Mary Jo and Thomas J. Tracy
Transfers of Learning
Unruh Turner Burke & Frees
Elizabeth Walls
West Chester University Foundation
The Wright Agency
YMCA of Greater Brandywine
Three Supporters wish to remain anonymous
BRONZE PARTNERS
Allegheny East Conference of Seventh-Day Adventists
Coatesville Area Senior Center
Coatesville Center for Community Health
Energy Transfter Solutions LLC
H.B. Frazer Company
Little Chef Restaurant
Med-Trans, Inc.
Northeast Protection Partners
Pepperidge Farm, Downingtown
TruMark Financial Credit Union
VFP Fire Systems
FRIENDS
DiMatteo Insurance
Levin Luminais Chronister Eye Associates
Rainbow Valley Dental
Team Toyota of Glen Mills
List to date 5.9.19
The partnership of the Brandywine Health Foundation and Brandywine Hospital-Tower Health extends far beyond the Strawberry Festival
For those who attend this year’s Strawberry Festival, they will be engaging in four days of fun-filled activity and movement courtesy of the collaboration of the Brandywine Health Foundation and Brandywine Hospital-Tower Health, which has served as the site of the annual Coatesville tradition since 1972.
New to the festival this year, the Chester County Food Bank will be doing cooking demonstrations and providing free samples of healthy food options and recipes to take home on Saturday (6/1). The Honey Brook Food Pantry will be doing the same on Sunday (6/2). Families will also enjoy the thrill of rock wall climbing, enter a dance contest, and participate in a walking challenge that will monitor the amount of steps they take during the festival.
Over the years, the relationship between the Brandywine Health Foundation and Brandywine Hospital has come to mean so much more than sharing the bill at the annual Strawberry Festival. Together, the Foundation and the Hospital are partners in a commitment to a healthy community.
growing need to provide the Coatesville-area community with better access to physical and mental health, education to fight the rise in obesity, and assistance to those fighting addiction.
The solutions to these problems are being realized with the work the Foundation and the Hospital are currently doing: Engaging non-profit organizations, schools, civic groups and business leaders in creating a shared goal, and a culture of health that makes health the easy choice.
In its mission and in its action, the Brandywine Health Foundation is dedicated to the goal of enabling the people of the greater Coatesville area to fulfill their greatest potential, increase access to social services and health care for everyone, to help young people grow up safe and successful, and to build a vibrant and healthier Coatesville.
Under new leadership, Brandywine Hospital continues to expand its commitment to providing outstanding medical staff; advancements in heart, lung and vascular surgery; and broadening the reach of its excellence into the community it serves, through education and prevention.
As detailed in recent community health needs assessments, the collaboration of ideas and action between the Hospital and the Foundation generously overlaps with the
Since it was founded in 2001, the Foundation has distributed over $17 million in grants and scholarships, and connects people and possibilities to resources and leadership. During that time, the Foundation raised over $13 million in public and private funds to build the Brandywine Health and Housing Center in 2008. It has distributed over $300,000 in scholarships to youth, invested in local first responders, and launched the Coatesville Youth Initiative, the Youth Mental Health First Aid Program, its Coatesville Youth Philanthropy Program and the Greening Coatesville Parks and Playgrounds Initiative.
The Hospital has increased its focus on educating the community which serves to compliment the excellence of its care.
“One of our priorities is ensuring we’re offering services to the community, for example free screenings for cholesterol and blood pressure and heart health assessments,” said Jeff Hunt, Brandywine Hospital President & CEO. “The Hospital wants to provide our community with the peace of mind in knowing that if there is clear indication of a problem, that they have an opportunity to address it early.
“In the past few years, it has become even more important to increase our focus on community outreach. We want to educate our community that they have several
options to achieve a healthier life. There are so many ways to inform the community.”
If reaching the community is one objective, then making it easier for them to better manage their health is an even more immediate need. Vanessa Briggs, Chief Executive Officer of the Brandywine Health Foundation, said that one of the greatest challenges among healthcare providers in the Coatesville area is to also address food insecurity, transportation, and mental health issues for their patients.
“Providers need to expand partnerships that enable them to integrate health promotion, healthcare, and social services to better manage patient centered care,” said Briggs, who also serves on the Hospital’s Board of Directors. “It’s a systems change that will allow us to improve service coordination, and the patient’s experience. The Foundation and the Hospital are both looking to link community health with clinical care.”
The Foundation and the Hospital have the added challenge of determining how their collaborative programs will not only reach the community, but how effective they will be in attempting to help the complex needs of those they serve: navigating medications; understanding health coverage; getting from home and job to service provider; and learning the ropes of eating healthy.
“It’s not just about providing an adequate number of services,” Briggs said. “Our community needs assistance across health service providers. They’re so overstressed with their challenges that they don’t have the bandwith to go from one service provider to the next service provider, which leaves them asking someone to coordinate their health across a difficult continuum.”
While rock wall climbing, dance contests and health goodies are sure to be among the must-do events at this year’s Strawberry Festival, they’re just a part of a larger purpose – seen in the work being done by the Brandywine Health Foundation and Brandywine Hospital – Tower Health.
“It’s all about community health, and we’re making sure that both entities understand the needs of the community, and deliver those needs to the community,” Briggs added.
“One of the goals of the Hospital has been to increase programming outside the brick and mortar of the hospital, and because the Foundation has already developed programs within the community, we saw it as a natural partnership.
“It behooves the both of us to work together to make sure the programs are developed and leveraged through the community.”
To learn more about the Brandywine Health Foundation, visit www.brandywinefoundation.org or contact info@brandywinefoundation.org. To learn more about Brandywine Hospital-Tower Health, visit www.brandywine.towerhealth.org.
Brandywine Hospital-
Tower Health supports the following community events:
American Cancer Society Relay for Life
Ashbridge Manor Health Fair
Brandywine Hospital Senior Group activities throughout the year
Brandywine YMCA Healthy Kids Day
Brandywine YMCA Senior Games
Caln Township Community Days
Caln Township Little League
CASH Multicultural Night
Chester County 5K Color Run/Walk
Chester County Walk Day
Coatesville Christmas Parade
Downingtown Senior Center
50 Plus Expo at the Church Farm School
Honey Brook Harmony Day
Ice Line Skating Rink
Tel Hai Health Fair
United Sports Training Center -- presenting sponsor of 20th anniversary celebration and fireworks
United Way Live United Color Run (presenting sponsor)
Advancing Health and Transforming Lives is our d edication to our communities. And, for over 100 years, we’ve continued to enhance the quality of our care to improve the quality of your life. Brandywine Hospital of fers a comprehensive range of life-changing options — from award- winn ing car diac services in our Accredited Chest Pain Center to Joint Commission Certified knee and hip replacements. We’ll never stop advancing for you.
THURSDAY – MAY 30
5pm-7pm – DJ Dre Money
DJ Dre Money is an entrepreneur and business owner from Coatesville. He provides disc jockey service, sound, stage and lighting production for weddings, proms, birthday parties, charity events, concerts, and corporate events.
7pm-9pm – School of Rock
School of Rock is a performance oriented music school for kids between the ages of 7-18. Please join them at the Strawberry Festival for an exciting performance by some of their talented students.
FRIDAY – MAY 31
5pm-7pm – Fulvio and Sal Fulvio and Sal both began playing music at an early age while growing up in Italy. They performed in wedding bands, as well as dance bands that toured across the country. They brought their love of music with them to America and have been entertaining crowds ever since!
7pm-9pm – Briz and The Revival Band
Briz and The Revival is an energetic r&b/soul band. With a passionate vocalist
and dynamic rhythm section they charm and capture every audience with their sound. Their music is honest and alive as they move through different genres in their set; flawlessly fusing r&b, jazz, rock and funk.
9pm-11pm – Project X
Project X is a new and exciting female/male fronted Cover band. Covering the hottest new tunes back to the classics of the 80’s with an excellent range of various influences! Mary Smith Rogers, Vocals/Keys; Steven Rogers, Vocals/Keys; Scott Thompson, Lead Guitar; David Alan, Drums; Scott Zellar, Sr., Guitar; Scott Zellar, Jr., Bass
SATURDAY – JUNE 1
1pm-2pm – Brandywine Hospital Dance Contest
2pm-3pm – The Lukens Band
For over 115 years, the Lukens Band has been entertaining audiences throughout southeastern Pennsylvania and beyond. Consisting of musicians from all over the region, the band plays a varied repertoire of classic band music including marches, Broadway show tunes, patriotic music, and much more.
5pm – 7pm - 74/75
“74/75 Band” plays a mix of classic rock, blues and current rock music and features Pete Duca – Drums; Greg Krajewski - Guitar & Vocals; Bernie TigerBass Guitar; Art Poff - Vocals and Percussion; and Lynn Verdone - Keyboard, Guitar & Vocals.
7pm-9pm – Chowerhead
9pm-11pm – Exit Strategy
Exit Strategy is a classic rock cover band that primarily covers a variety of bands such as: Cream, Creedence Clearwater Revival, The Rolling Stones, The Police, Led Zeppelin, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and many other popular classic rock groups from the 60’s and 70’s.
SUNDAY – JUNE 2
At Univest, we’ve dedicated ourselves to supporting the communities we serve for more than 140 years, holding true to the values and principles that helped shape us. It’s why wherever you are in life or business, you can bank here to get there.
12pm-1:30pm – All for One All For One Ministries are Mark Farra, Jeff Pyle, Herb Wagner, Virginia Patchel, and Ken Pomaiba. We are playing new original materials as well as classic originals and covers. Our styles of music range from Christian Rock, Blue, Jazz, Classical, Praise, and Worship.
2pm-3pm – Strawberriest Kid Contest
Dress in your strawberry finest and enjoy an adorably, sweet contest with great prizes. Each participant will receive a medal and awards will be given to the top 3 winners. Sponsored by Gallagher.
3pm-5pm – Kindred Cross
Kindred Cross is a Christian rock band that combines vocal harmonies, with musicians of vast experience, talents, and backgrounds, to create a unique sound. Their music has an inspirational contemporary rock & roll style that creates a unique signature sound. Based in Coatesville, the band members include Steve and his sister Ruth Berkheimer, Lorne Porta, Bruce Doane, Timothy Englerth, Dave Kurtz, and Andy Duncan.
74/75 Band
Abarta Coca-Cola
Acme, Thorndale
All for One Band
Amani’s BYOB
BB&T Bank
Bright Spot Cafe
Angela Evans Duo
ANKER
Blue Moon Florist
Bouncy Roo
Brandywine Hospital –Tower Health
Brandywine Valley Interiors
Briz and the Revival Band
Build a Band
Caln Township
CalnTownship Police Department
Charles Blosenski Disposal Company
Christian Faith Fellowship, Downingtown
Chowderhead
City of Coatesville
Coatesville Area School District
Paul Colombo
Comfort Suites
DJ Dre Money, 50/50
L.G. Entertainment LLC
Dog’s Dinner Band
Downingtown Bowling Palace
Downingtown Fire Companies
East Brandywine Fire Company
Exit Strategy F.A.M.I.L.I.E.S.
Fork & Bottle Restaurant at the Desmond Hotel
Fulvio and Sal
The Garden Party Committee
General Warren
Green Street Grill
Harry’s The Neighborhood Place
Jett Blaq
John Serock Catering
Key Bank
Kindred Cross
Krapf Bus Companies
Locust Lane Riding Center
The Lukens Bank
The Master’s Baker
Jennifer and Bob McNeil
Mercy Home Health
Modena Fire Company
Neptune Moon LLC
Paragon Business Gifts Inc.
Penny Lane Jazz Ensemble
Project X
Seven Stars Inn
School of Rock
Simmers Builders
Stages Arts Initiative
Stottsville Inn
Ms. Bonnie Timmons
Twistnshout, Amy Pollack
Uwchlan EMS
Wagontown Fire Company
Washington Hose
WCHE 1520 AM
West Bradford Fire Company
YMCA of Greater Brandywine
THURSDAY – MAY 30
5pm-7pmBuild A Band
The Build-A-Band Music program is a hands on instruments performance based music program for people of all ages and abilities. We make the world a better place by sharing the gift of music!
FRIDAY – MAY 31
7:15pm-9:15pm – Penny Lane Jazz Ensemble
The Penny Lane Jazz Ensemble (PLJE) performs Beatles’ songs in the style of classic 1950s and 1960s era R&B and soul jazz. Think of it as Liverpool meets Memphis. We draw from the R&B and soul musicians who influence the Beatles like Wilson Pickett, as well as jazz innovators, like Horace Silver. Our music appeals to a wide audience from Baby Boomers to Millennials. PLJE offers a laid back show perfect for all ages, yet with a level of musical sophistication heavy duty music fans can appreciate.
SATURDAY – JUNE 1
12pm-2pm – Cosmosapien Jazz Collective
4:30pm-6:30pm – ANKER
Anker is a performing songwriter. Anker also co-wrote & produced a children’s yoga CD with Karuna Lynne Elson for her feline yoga puppet, “Swami Cat”. Anker’s set list changes regularly to include his original songs as well as reworked covers by such artists as: Collective Soul, Van Halen, David Bowie, Foo Fighters, Blondie, The Cars & many more.
6:45pm-8:45pm – Paul Columbo
Paul Colombo is a Chester County musician who has performed and recorded with Grammy winners. He has been touted for his “virtuoso guitar playing” by the Lancaster Intelligencer Journal. With a soulful voice and pop/rock songs influenced by Todd Rundgren, Eric Carmen, and Hall and Oates.
SUNDAY – JUNE 2
12pm-2pm – Dog’s Dinner
As the name implies, Dog’s Dinner Band is a group of both young and old, Christian and secular, politically diverse, serious and funny, musicians. They are a diverse mix of instruments and personalities presenting fun music and interesting arrangements played with a variety of instruments. Come to not only to listen, but also to participate!
2:15pm-4:15pm – Jett Blaq in Flight
An exciting dance band fused with Jazz, Pop and Hip Hop. Playing many styles of music from Motown to dance music of the 70’s and 80’s to the current best dance sounds. Jett Blaq In Flight is sure to please.
While the Strawberry Festival is always a lot of fun for families, there’s a huge amount of behind-the-scenes work that keeps everything functioning smoothly. The contributions of first responders, parking help by the Thorndale Fire Department, and other emergency services personnel are an invaluable part of the event.
And when it comes to volunteering, Mitchell J. Rock, the Deputy Chief of Police for the Caln Township Police, pointed out that officer Jim Shaw has a total of 40 years of law enforcement experience, with 30 of those years as a Caln Township Police Department officer. He’s a familiar face at the Strawberry Festival, having worked at almost all of them.
Here are some answers from the people who help make the festival happen safely each and every year.
Raymond Stackhouse
How many years have you been part of the Strawberry Festival?
Caln Township, along with multiple emergency service agencies, have been providing services to the Strawberry Festival event attendees and volunteers since its inception. As the event and our community evolve, so does the involvement of all agencies.
What does the Department of Building and Life Safety do at the festival?
Caln Township, with assistance from Chester County Department of Emergency Services, and multiple other local emergency service agencies, assist with planning and development of an emergency incident action plan. During the four-day event, there will be a Unified Command consisting of event rep-
“
What’s
the best part of the job each year?
Being part of a successful and safe event.
resentatives, emergency management, fire/rescue, EMS and police.
How many people are typically needed for the job?
Representation from the agencies will be filling positions in the command structure as needed, with additional staffing available should there be a need.
What are the challenges?
Planning and coordinating for the needs of a diverse group of attendees and volunteers.
What would you like to remind festival-goers to do, so that the event runs safely and smoothly?
Plan for the varying weather, for large crowds, and be aware of your surroundings at all times. Individual planning and preparation are key to a successful event.
When does the Thorndale Fire Company set up at the festival each year? Do you get set up before the event opens?
We actually start to pick up variable message boards and light towers for the festival at least a week before the event. Many of our volunteers also spend the whole day on the Wednesday before the festival roping off the parking lots at North Brandywine Middle School and the lot off Fisherville Road. We also position the light towers and message boards.
How many years have you been part of the Strawberry Festival?
I have personally participated in the Strawberry Festival since I joined Thorndale Volunteer Fire Company in 2007. But I believe Thorndale Fire Company has been handling the parking for the Strawberry Festival since it moved to the current hospital grounds in the 1980s.
How many people typically are needed for the job?
Thorndale Volunteer Fire Company typically has 35 to 40 responders, including family members and friends, on the festival grounds at all times during the event. Managing traffic on Reeceville Road and parking thousands of cars in the parking lots require all hands on deck for the full four days. Fire police usually handle traffic on Reeceville Road, while firefighters and family members work the parking lots. You handle parking for the event, so what are the challenges of that job?
The biggest challenge with the parking is simply managing the huge volume of cars on Reeceville’s two-lane road. We do our best to expeditiously move traffic off Reeceville Road and into the fields at North Brandywine and the lower parking lot off Fisherville Road. We also try to rotate our volunteers to ensure that they get some breaks on these very long days. We constantly have our squad circulating through the parking lots, providing our volunteers with food and drinks. We use ATVs and golf carts to shuttle the parking staff back and forth between parking lot assignments. How many cars do you park on a typical busy night at the festival?
We typically park between 1,500 and 2,000 cars each day of the festival. Thursdays are always very busy because it is wristband night. Friday nights there are always the fireworks. Saturday is our longest day, from noon to 11 p.m.., and
“
What’s the best part of the job each year?
The best part, for me, is seeing how many people come to the festival and seeing how much they seem to enjoy it while they are there. It is also an honor for Thorndale Volunteer Fire Company to be a partner in making the festival something that truly benefits the greater Coatesville area each year.
Sunday is usually our easiest day, but then we have to tear down the ropes around the fields and return all equipment and supplies to the fire station at the end of the day. We then use the following two to three days to return the light towers and message boards.
What
The fire company’s largest challenge is ensuring that we have enough members on site at all times to handle the traffic and the parking. When the weather is good, the cars start coming an hour before the festival starts, and are still exiting the parking lots an hour after it closes. Another challenge can also be the weather. We are always monitoring for possible storms or excessive heat. But in the end, it’s all good! As long as the weather cooperates, attendees have a good time, and everyone stays safe, we consider it a success!
Apple Frankie’s – Funnel Cakes
Big Fat Daddy’s (Booth 1) – Texas beef sub or platter, Pulled Pork sub or platter, rib sampler, jumbo turkey leg, BBQ chicken, pork nachos, roasted corn, assorted sides, lemonade, strawberry lemonade and iced tea.
Big Fat Daddy’s (Booth 2) – Crab dip in bowl or pretzel, crab dip dries, Maryland crab cake sandwich, beef crab cake sandwich, lemonade, strawberry lemonade, limeade, orangeade and raspberry tea
Foltz’s – Original Soft Pretzels, Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel, Pretzel Dogs, Lemonade, Limeade, Orangeade, Strawberryade.
Fun*tastic Foods – Philly Cheesesteaks & Chicken Cheesesteaks, Boardwalk Pork Roll Sandwiches, French fries (w/cheese), lemonade and Yoo Hoo
J & J Kettle Korn, LLC – Kettle corn (classic and strawberry), chocolate dipped cheesecake on a stick, fresh brewed iced tea and lemonade.
JamRock Caribbean Cuisine – Jerk chicken, jerk wings, jerk chicken sandwich, Jamacian beef patty, fried plantains, coco bread, bottled juices, Jamacian Ginger Beer
Strawberry Shortcake, a festival favorite! Every dollar spent at the Strawberry Shortcake booth and Coke booth directly benefit our community! We hope you enjoy lots of shortcake at this year’s festival!
Nader’s Food Services – Various burritos and salad bowls, chicken tenders topped with boardwalk fries, bacon cheese fries, butterfly chips, fresh squeezed lemonade
Rita’s Italian Water Ice of Gap – Italian ice, frozen custard, gelati’s, cones/cups, sundaes, misto’s and milkshakes
Rotary Club of Coatesville – Hamburgers, hot dogs, soda, iced tea and coffee
Sabatino’s Grille – Pizza, mini Stromboli, pasta, French fries, kabobs, cheese steak, chicken cheese steak, Gatorade
Moonlight Catering – Italian sausage sandwich, corn dogs, onion rings, grilled shrimp skewers, mac & cheese
Savanna’s Tender Love & Fries – Curly fries, sliders, wings, buffalo chicken tenders and strawberry lemonade
Scrape and Scoop Rolled Ice Cream – Hand rolled ice cream, strawberry crepes, ice cream crepe, churros, strawberry lemonade
St. Nicholas Orthodox Church – Gyro sandwiches
Strawberry Shortcake – Shortcake, vanilla ice cream, fresh strawberries and whipped topping. Presented by the Brandywine Health Foundation.
Wow Foods – Jumbo lobster roll, poutine, pig dippers, buffalo chicken poutine, lobster truffle fries, fried macaroni & cheese ball sampler, squealers, fresh strawberry lemonade, fresh squeezed lemonade
Baubles and Bags by DTB
Bombshell Beauties/Spiritual Creations
Classic Designs
Color Street Nail Polish Strips
Emkay Bead Designs
Hempworx
Henna Tattoo
Lula Roe
New Age Clothing
New England Novelty
Real Time Pain Relief
Station Platform 9
Sunshine Handicrafts
Soldier Solutions
Tastefully Simple
Thirty One Gifts
Uniquely 4 You
Align Chiropractic
Bathsaver DBA Bath Fitter
Homespire Windows and Doors
Homestar Remodeling
Kitchen Craft
KS Renewal DBA Kitchen Saver
Mid Atlantic Waterproofing
Lancaster County Air Pure Inc.
Renewal by Anderson
Vacation Village Resorts
United Sports Tae Kwon Do
Randy Scott, Chair, Brandywine Hospital –Tower Health
Carlyle Holling, Vice Chair, The InTech Group, Inc.
Bud Adams, Coatesville Rotary Club
Joseph Arvay, Caln Township
Steve Atkinson, Crothall Healthcare
Rashae Barnes
Mondre Boggs, 50/50 L.G. ENTERTAINMENT, LLC
Yvonne Campbell-McNeil, ArcelorMittal
Katey Copeland, KeyBank
John Cordisco, Thorndale Fire Company
Steven C. Cunningham, Coatesville Savings Bank
Marianna Cutler, Brandywine Hospital –Tower Health
Kristen Denne, Caln Township
Chief Joseph G. Elias, Caln Township, P.D.
Megan L. Fisher, Brandywine Hospital – Tower Health
Debi Freidmann, Blue Dog Printing
Kathy Gillan, Brandywine Hospital – Tower Health
Jason Guy, Wawa
Susan Hernandez, KeyBank
Lena Hershey
Regina Hove, Coatesville Area Public Library
Greg Krajewski, Paragon Business Gifts, Inc.
Mary Beth Lowery, Brandywine Hospital –Tower Health
Maryjo Ladish, Brandywine Hospital – Tower Health
Stefania Maxton, KeyBank
Jessica Miller, Morrison Healthcare
Corporal Nate Miller, Caln Township, P.D.
Ron Miller, Thorndale Fire Company
Yolanda Morgan, ArcelorMittal
Chaya Scott, Coatesville Youth Initiative
Sergeant Rodger Ollis, Jr., City of Coatesville P.D.
Barry Rabin, The Law Firm of Barry S. Rabin
Marlene Recchiuti
Deputy Chief Mitchell Rock, Caln Township, P.D.
Ray Schaefer, CVS
Scott Thornton, Washington Hose Company No. 1
Barbara Willis, Brandywine Hospital-Tower Health
Donna R. Walton, Chester County Office of the Sheriff
Jennifer Ziegler, Vanguard
The Strawberry Festival is a rain or shine event. In severe weather some events may be canceled or rescheduled. Updates, when possible, will be made to the website.
Admission to the festival is free! Rides, games, food, etc. are pay as you go (prices vary). All net proceeds from the Strawberry Festival are donated to the greater Coatesville community for programs that support Health Equity, Healthy Youth, and a Healthy Community.
Please note, we will have ATM’s on site for easy cash accessibility. There is a $4 fee* to use the ATM’s at the festival. *A portion of the fee is donated to the Brandywine Health Foundation.
We love animals too, but… leave your pets at home. For the safety of your pet and others, pets are not allowed on the grounds of the Strawberry Festival.
There is ample parking adjacent to the festival with one lot located off of Reeceville Road across from the main entrance and the other lot off of Fisherville Road with a FREE two minute shuttle to the festival entrance.
Parking in either lot is $2.
We strongly encourage folks to avoid the traffic and ride the FREE Strawberry Festival shuttle. Offered on Friday and Saturday nights from 5-11 pm from the Kmart in Thorndale.
Please note: There will be no festival parking allowed at CVS or Wawa. Please do not use this as a drop-off and/or pick-up location.
We encourage families to write your cell phone number on your child’s arm in sharpie (permanent marker), so that you can be contacted in case you get separated. Snap a photo of your children as soon as they enter the festival. That way, if you get separated, we can help you find them more quickly. All lost children should report to the gazebo, so they can safely await the arrival of their parents.
ArcelorMittal is more than a steelmaker –we’re an active part of our community.
We contribute to the local economy and partner with our employees and neighbors to build a safe, sustainable and strong community. Transforming tomorrow – it’s the foundation of our work at ArcelorMittal and the driver of the way we do business.
Please note, Brandywine Hospital - Tower Health is a no smoking zone. Please respect the rules and the health of those around you.
Thank you for supporting the Brandywine Strawberry Festival and the Coatesville community!
