Tens of thousands of visitors are expected to pack downtown Buckhannon this week for the fairytale-themed 83rd edition of the West Virginia Strawberry Festival.
Speaking to the Buckhannon-Upshur Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, festival president Shane Jenkins called the celebration “a major economic engine” that has grown far beyond its 1936 roots.
“This festival isn’t just about nostalgia — it’s a major economic engine,” Jenkins said. “Every visitor brings value, not just to the festival but to our entire local economy.”
Jenkins, a paid firefighter at the Buckhannon Fire Department, has volunteered with the festival for more than a decade and led it for four years before agreeing to finish the current term.
“I have a lot of pride in this community,” he said. “I think that’s what drives my volunteerism with the Strawberry Festival.”
Jenkins told chamber members the event draws tens of thousands of visitors each May, filling hotel rooms, restaurants and downtown shops.
“Many businesses tell us they have record sales during our week,” he said. “Food vendors often sell out completely.”
But for Jenkins, the festival’s impact goes well beyond Main Street.
“We often say the festival creates lifelong memories, and it’s true,” he said. “It’s a year-round brand that celebrates West Virginia, our community and its people.”
Based on the messages and phone calls they’ve received so far, Jenkins predicted that this year’s festival will bring in many visitors who have never been to the festival — or Buckhannon — before.
“We have more people coming who have never been to the West Virginia Strawberry Festival than ever,” he said.
This year’s theme — “Once Upon a Strawberry” — is featured in downtown decorations, children’s programming and social-media campaigns.
“We’ve themed our events around it as much as we possibly can without making it Disney World,” Jenkins said with a laugh.
Among this year’s highlights are new start times to the Junior Royalty Parade and Firemen’s Parade, which will now begin at 6 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, respectively. The Grand Feature Parade remains on Saturday at 1 p.m.
At 8 p.m. Saturday, Easton Corbin will perform on Main Street as this year’s headliner. Landau Eugene Murphy Jr. is the 2025 Parade Marshal.
Hosting the festival is a team effort, with the City of Buckhannon pitching in while civic groups help with logistics and businesses sponsor entertainment.
“Without you, it wouldn’t be possible,” Jenkins told chamber members. “Your partnership is what allows our festival to be among the most notable in the state.”
More than 30 volunteers on the festival board handle everything from organizing events to picking up trash, he added.
“These are people who care deeply and give selflessly,” Jenkins said. “It’s a full community effort. If you see a board member by themselves doing something, offer them a hand. It’s getting busy.”
