Strawberries will be in the spotlight on Sunday, June 4, when Haldeman Mansion hosts its annual Strawberry Festival. The event will take place from noon to 4 p.m. at the mansion, 230 Locust Grove Road, Bainbridge.

"We'll have lots of food, plus games, music and activities for children," said Elaine Jackson, corresponding secretary for the Haldeman Mansion Preservation Society. Food will include hot dogs, Groff's bratwurst, chicken corn soup, chili, chips, strawberry shortcake with Turkey Hill ice cream, cheesecake with local strawberries, milkshakes, sundaes, strawberry lemonade and other drinks.

Tina Mark will offer guided tours of the mansion, and a demonstration of hearth cooking will be featured. "We'll have homemade bread, served with strawberry jam, of course," Jackson remarked.

A silent auction will also be held, featuring candy from Mars Wrigley as well as other items. NEV Bluegrass will provide live music, and a variety of old-fashioned lawn games will be offered. "We always have a coloring contest with something that's related to strawberries, and we have books to read to children as well as crafts for children," Jackson stated.

Proceeds from the festival will be used to fund ongoing work at the mansion, which dates to 1811. Current projects include replacing mantels on two fireplaces and renovating a room to hold a museum on Samuel Haldeman, a professor and scientist who lived at the property.

"I would encourage people to come to the Strawberry Festival, because the music is great and the view overlooking the river is so beautiful," Jackson said. "You can meet up with people you know and meet new people, and it's always a lot of fun."

People are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs to enjoy the festival. Admission to the festival is free, but there is a small charge for parking. For more information, call 717-426-3794.