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Church sets annual Strawberry Festival
In the pulpit
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It seems like it was only yesterday, but it has been 20 years since the first strawberry festival was held at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church in Hinesville.
In 1992, members of the church organized their festival. From this small beginning, the festival has grown tremendously.  
Many hours of planning go into making the annual spring festival a successful event.
This year’s strawberry festival will be held from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. April 14. The ladies of the church are looking forward to preparing some of their favorite strawberry delights.  
“The festival started as a fundraiser for the church’s doll ministry. The doll ministry is part of our outreach ministry. The ladies make homemade dolls that are taken to the hospital for distribution. Whenever a child is taken to the hospital, a nurse gives him/her an autographed doll from the church,” festival committee member Merrilyn Engelhaupt said.
“Proceeds from the festival also support children who go to camp during the summer and the church’s soup kitchen. It is one of our largest fundraisers of the year,” committee member Helen Bryan said.
In addition to Engelhaupt and Bryan, other committee members include Gaby Chaffee and other ladies of the church. These hard-working ladies love their church and are excited about the strawberry festival. They ensure everything is coordinated and organized for another successful festival.  
Each year, the committee members add additional activities and items to the festival. Different people come out and share the festivities as the word about the festival spreads.
Fresh, delicious strawberries will be plentiful.
“We will also have homemade cake, strawberry shortcake, ice cream, bratwurst, hot dogs, drinks and other mouthwatering items for you to enjoy. I will also have some homemade fresh apple cake,” Engelhaupt said.
The festival also will feature live green plants, jewelry, books and white elephant items on sale, plus games and crafts.
Father Buck Lea and the members of St. Philip’s invite you to come and enjoy the delicious treats and activities that will be available at the strawberry festival. They also ask you to bring chairs so you can be comfortable and enjoy your stay.     
The festival will be held at 302 Gen. Stewart Way. For more information about the strawberry festival, call Bryan at 369-3307 or the church at 876-2744.

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