Strawberries next for First Friday
Artwalk event a hit on May 5; tickets available now for June 2 festival
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The First Friday event for May was blessed with excellent weather and a good crowd, as locals congregated in downtown Kokomo to enjoy some art. Painters, musicians, and even a balloon artist showed off their skills.
First Friday, organized by the Greater Kokomo Downtown Association, takes place from April to November on the first Friday of each month. May’s theme was “Artwalk.” Downtown businesses are encouraged to take part in the street festivals, and various vendors fill the sidewalks with displays and activities to delight visitors.
While hundreds turned out for the Artwalk, it is the June First Friday that has Kokomo excited each year. June 2’s event features the annual Strawberry Festival. Unlike most First Friday, which run from 5:30-9 p.m., the Strawberry Festival is a day-long even with live music, food, and fun.
The courthouse square will be filled with booths and vendors, and the Artsapalooza Art Market will take up residence on North Main Street. And of course, the strawberry shortcake takes center stage.
The First Friday Strawberry Festival takes place on Friday., June 2, from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. Admission is free, but tickets for strawberry shortcake are $6 each. Tickets are available on the day of the event, but they also may be purchased in advance right now.
To get tickets, visit any First Farmers Bank and Trust location, any branch of the Kokomo Howard County Public Library, or the Greater Kokomo Downtown Association office at Inventrek Technology Park, 700 E. Firmin St.
There will be food trucks vendors at the festival as well, including: The Coterie; Dippin’ Dots Ice Cream; Georgia’s Kitchen; Hawg Heaven; Home Team Ice Cream; Kona Ice; Papa Floyd’s Polar Ice; Sun King Kokomo; Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee Truck; and Ubuntu Foodbus by Bind Cafe.
Live music will be provided by Rhum Academy of Music. Performers scheduled include:
11 a.m.-2:20 p.m. — Nick Johnson, Jen Bird, The Rhum Family, Hailey Gillem and Ione Wallsmith
3:20-9 p.m. —Asia Newby, Sami Lightsey, Erin Soutar, Bekah Cripe and Kokomo Park Band
6 p.m. — Owen, Sam, Zion; Gavin, Viola; Shayden Smith; Jewel Jasay
7:25 p.m. — Hudson, Kadin, Levi, Arden
8-9 p.m. — Barrelhouse
The Kokomo Strawberry Festival is sponsored by First Farmers Bank and Trust.