About Us.
We come together to create the largest local event of the year!
Welcome to the heart of the Crawfordsville Strawberry Festival, where dedication meets community spirit. Our festival thrives on the unwavering commitment of hardworking volunteers who pour their passion into creating a memorable experience for all.
From meticulous event planning to the hustle of executing seamless festivities, our volunteers embody the essence of teamwork and community pride. Together, they cultivate an atmosphere that celebrates the sweetness of strawberries and the unity of our vibrant community. Join us in honoring these dedicated individuals whose efforts transform the Crawfordsville Strawberry Festival into a cherished tradition.
Grounds of the Historic Lane Place
For three days, the grounds of the historic Lane Place are transformed into a strawberry themed festival featuring food, fun, arts & crafts and top notch entertainment for all ages.
The Founders.
It all started in 1878!
Henry S Lane
- US Representative, Senator and 13th Governor of Indiana
- Early leader of Republican Party, president of the first Republican Convention that nominated Abraham Lincoln
- Married Joanna Elston, daughter of Col. Issac Elston
- Moved to Crawfordsville, Indiana in 1823
- Built Lane Place in 1845 and lived continuously until his death in 1881
- He was a land developer, businessman and banker at Elston & Co.
- General Lew Wallace was his brother-in-law.
Joanna Elston Lane
- Socialite in Washington D.C. and Crawfordsville, Indiana
- Active in Methodist Episcopal Church in Crawfordsville, Indiana
- Lived at the Lane Place until her death in 1914
Our History.
From an afternoon event to a three day festival!
The Beginning
- June 12, 1878 – organized by Joanna Lane
- 500 people attended on the lawn of the Lane Place
- Ladies of Methodist Episcopal Church sold admission tickets for 10 cents.
- Wooden stage – speeches, skits, various musical programs
- Tables were placed about the grounds with cakes and strawberries and ice cream for visitors.
The Middle “Strawberry Bowl Festival”
- 1974 – afternoon only
- 1975 – one day event
- Montgomery County Council of Arts – Art Show
- Culver Hospital served strawberries, cake & ice cream
- Downtown on the courthouse veranda and adjoining areas
- Musical entertainment & talent contest
- Indiana State Tourism committee visited Crawfordsville – historic “Athens of Indiana” authors, architecture, etc.
- Jane Kessler – member of MCHS – discussed bringing Crawfordsville to prominence with the committee, her dream was to expand the event and link it to local history.
- Pat Cline spearheaded changes to the festival
- 1977 – Dorman Winger preached his first church service on the grounds
- 1982 – Now a two day event on the grounds and three days downtown, Jane Kessler’s dream prevailed after seven years of work.
The Expanded Festival
- Included museum tours, St. John’s Episcopal Church, and some historic homes in the community.
- Antique show at the 4H grounds, tours to the airport, Style show, basketball at Pike & Rec center, Volleyball tourney at Elston Park, parade, Indianapolis newscasts on site, children’s fence painting, etc.
- 1983 – expanded to three days at the Lane Place
- Current day is a three day event that includes – Entertainment, Arts and Craft vendors, Commerical booth vendors, Food vendors, Children’s entertainment, 5K Run/Walk, Blood Drive, Car Show, Cornhole, Queen Contest, Softball Tournament, Tennis Tournament, Tractor Show
- 2024 – Celebrating five decades of community and flavor at the Crawfordsville, Indiana Strawberry Festival’s 50th Anniversary.