Pasadena Strawberry Festival celebrates city’s sweet history
After the Great Storm of 1900 destroyed Galveston’s economy, Pasadena stepped in to become the “Strawberry Capital of the South.” With open fields and rich soil, growing strawberries became big business for Pasadena, and the city supplied trainloads of the fruit across the country.
On May 18-20, the city will celebrate its history with the Pasadena Strawberry Festival, an annual event that features a massive confection or world-record proportions.
“We are the home of the world’s largest strawberry shortcake, and it will definitely be a sight to see and smell,” said Janet Church, public relations committee director for Pasadena Strawberry Festival.
To put it in perspective, the cake for the 2014 festival measured 2,073 square feet and weighed 21,578 pounds — becoming an official contender for the Guinness Book of World Records. This year’s cake, produced by El Bolillo Bakery, will be unveiled at 5 p.m. during the festival’s opening ceremony.
If not for the cake, guests can come to the festival to enjoy open-air concerts with table seating, beverage areas and a wine tent. Other events and activities include mud volleyball, a gourmet food truck competition, barbecue cook-off, beer gardens and craft vendors.
Children of all ages can visit the Kids Adventure Zone featuring arts and crafts, inflatables, strawberryeating contest and a live puppet show. Guests also can look forward to a petting zoo, pig races, pony rides and balloon artists.
“There is literally something for everyone, so attendees can expect a wonderful day,” Church said. “On top of all the fun, the Pasadena Strawberry Festival is a non-profit group that presents scholarships to area students and gives grants to the Pasadena Public Library and the San Jacinto monument. We love giving back to the community.”
For more information, including a complete schedule of events and ticket prices, visit strawberryfest.org or call 281-991-9500.