Dayton celebrates 79th Annual Tennessee Strawberry Festival

DAYTON, Tenn. (WDEF) – Downtown Dayton celebrated its 79th annual Strawberry Festival with an entire week of events for the community.

The president of the Chamber of Commerce, Molli Tallent, said this year’s festival brought one of the biggest crowds yet.

“Perfect turnout. Bigger than it’s ever been for the 79th Tennessee Strawberry Festival. Woo!” Talent exclaimed.

One attendee, Annette Clayton, explained what keeps her coming back year after year.

“Look around. Crowds, families, people laughing, smiling, eating. I love it,” Clayton stated. “I’ve been here pretty much most of my life, in and out through work, through family, through travel. We come all the way from Hixson just to see the Strawberry Festival.”

Madeline Stewart, a commander in ROTC and senior queen, said it is an honor to be a leader within her class and community.

“This festival, since I can remember, it’s just so awesome to have all of our community come together and have so much fun,” Stewart shared. “This whole weekend is like the start of the summer. It’s really awesome. We just get together.”

Organizers said once each festival comes to an end, planning immediately begins for the next year.