By SHEILA SELMAN
LIGONIER, Ind. — In the hopes of drawing more artists of all genres to downtown Ligonier, a new festival has been born. Although it has a familiar taste to it.
Strawberry Daze kicks off Friday and will continue through Sunday. Joining in the celebration will be the Ligonier Public Library, which is also having a celebration marking its 100th year of service to the community.
Organizers Gary and Sherry Clemons, owners of Parties N’ More in downtown Ligonier, are part of Future Ligonier Alliance. The Alliance is a group of concerned residents who are working to improve the city.
The Clemonses said that the basic concept of the festival is to clean up the downtown and give it some culture.
And the theme of the festival — strawberries — harkens back to a former Labor Day festival, Strawberry Valley Days. Today that festival is known as the Marshmallow Festival.
“With all the other positive things going on with our community now,” Gary said, a festival drawing culture to the downtown seemed in order.
Artists have been invited to show and sell their works along downtown sidewalks. Gary said these are artists of various mediums and genres — painters, crafters and musicians.
“We will find a place for people,” Gary said.
Those who are interested in setting up a booth downtown still can register by calling the Clemonses at (260) 894-7599.
Sherry said that since it’s the first year, all of those involved are not expecting “a whole lot this year.” But they are hoping it will grow.
Some of the events (all in the downtown area unless noted) scheduled include:
