Press Release from Visit Keweenaw:
CHASSELL, Michigan (July 2, 2024) — The 76th Annual Chassell Strawberry Festival takes place next week July 12 & 13. Crucial to the Chassell economy, strawberry production thrived in the early 1920s and 30s. In 1934, a band of local growers united to organize an export shipping operation right on the Chassell Bay. They used waterways to export their juicy, sweet red berries across the nation, much like copper. In mid-1936, the Copper Country Strawberry Growers Association was formed, and the first-ever Chassell Strawberry Festival kicked off on July 7, 8 and 9 of 1949 to recognize this significance.
The Chassell Strawberry Festival revolves around this rich history and brings a parade, queen coronation, berry judging and lots of homemade strawberry shortcake to the public to celebrate. Each year, thousands will flock to Chassell’s Centennial Park on Pike Bay to enjoy the festivities. The strawberry shortcake typically sells out each year with volunteers counting 4,000 sold in 2011 and increasing production since. To speak to the festival’s state-wide importance: Michigan’s past Governor G. Mennen Williams attended and crowned the first-ever Strawberry Festival Queen, Lucille Tormala.
The Chassell Strawberry Festival tells the story of Chassell’s quieter agricultural past. South of Chassell are long, rolling fields where many farmers still operate today. One of which is the Crane Berry Farm, which is home to multiple generations of berry farmers. Check out the Chassell Heritage Center next time you’re in town to learn more about the area’s lumber milling history and how the town fits into the Keweenaw’s greater picture.
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