The second Thursday in June is one major reason why Downtown Indy, Inc. loves having our offices located right on the Circle. On Thursday, June 13, the Circle turns into one giant strawberry shortcake eating frenzy during the Christ Church Cathedral Women’s Strawberry Festival on the circle. Hundreds of volunteers line up in tents on the Circle to scoop, dish and hand out thousands of strawberry shortcakes.
Every June, this annual festival on Monument Circle gives us an excuse to stuff ourselves with the most delicious concoction of shortcake, strawberries, ice and cream, and whipped cream. The festival takes place from 9 am-4 pm (or until ingredients run out). Prices range from $7 for The Works (all ingredients) and $2 per a la carte topping (cash only). I kid you not when I say it would be criminal to go to this festival, wait in line and not order The Works. Grab one for now and one for later (our freezer at the office is usually stocked full) because this festival comes once a year only.
Now in its 54nd year, Strawberry Fest dishes out some 18,000 shortcakes 9,000 pounds of berries, 850 gallons of ice cream and 1,000 pounds of whipped topping.
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The event nets about $70,000, which goes to local, state and national charities. Past charities include: include the Salvation Army, Helping Homeless Veterans and Families (HVAF), Gleaners and Wheeler Missions Ministries. Giving back never tasted so good!
Want to beat the crowds? The Cathedral Parish Hall will be open at 8:30 am. for carryout orders. But if you can spare an hour, nothing beats the Hoosier tradition of sitting on the Monument steps and eating a homemade strawberry shortcake al fresco.
MORE INFO: The 54nd Annual Christ Church Cathedral Women’s Strawberry Festival on the circle will be held Thursday, June 13th. The offical festival hours are 9 am-4 pm. Carry out begins at 8:30 am, entertainment starts at 10 am The festival ends at 4:00 pm. or until we run out of supplies.) or until supplies last. For more information, visit DowntownIndy.org or the Christ Church Cathedral website.
