Strawberry Festival picks up steam with events

The Tennessee Strawberry Festival, whose theme is “Destination Strawberry Festival — All Aboard,” is on track for a weekend of festival fun. Events got underway May 7 with a Family Fun Night, followed by the annual baking contest and carnival mid-week. But today, May 10, the strawberry train really starts picking up steam as the town gets ready for the cruise-in, parade, festival and music in downtown Dayton.

Here’s a rundown of what’s on tap:

TODAY

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9 a. m.: The Dayton Art League’s Fine Arts Show opens in the Rhea County Courthouse, 375 Church St. The show continues through Saturday.

FRIDAY

› 8 a.m. to dark: Ven- dors open ›

5 p.m. Annual cruisein, no registration required; lineup begins at Market and Main streets. Dash plates for first 100 vehicles. Cars, trucks, bikes and tractors welcome. ›

6 p. m. Carnival opens

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5- 10: 30 p. m.: Live entertainment on Centennial Park Stage, 391 Second Ave. ›

6: 30 p. m. Charity auction inside Rhea County Courthouse, 375 Church St. Proceeds fund free children’s activities during the festival.

SATURDAY ›

7 a. m. Registration opens at Ed Gentry Memorial Run/Walk, call 423-7750821 for information. The 5K and 10K races start at 7:45 a.m., one-mile walk at 9:15 p.m. Registration for 5K is $35, 10K is $40, one-mile fun walk/run is $15. ›

7 a.m. Dayton Rotary Pancake Breakfast ›

9 a.m.-dark: Children’s area, food and craft vendors in downtown Dayton. › 9:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Gospel music at Courthouse Stage › 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m Entertainment on Rotary Park Stage › 1 p. m. Tennessee Strawberry Festival parade through downtown Dayton › 2:40-5:30 p.m. Gospel singing on Courthouse Stage › 3-10: 30 p. m. Entertainment on Centennial Park Stage

FACEBOOK. COM PHOTO The highlight of the annual Tennessee Strawberry Festival is the Saturday afternoon parade through downtown Dayton, Tenn. The Dayton Chamber of Commerce entered this float in the 2017 parade.