Strawberry Festival 2019

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Strawberry Festival 110th Annual

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2 | Wednesday, May 29, 2019

STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL

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TO THE

110th Strawberry Festival LES GEHRETT

‌T

Lebanon Express‌

he 110th Lebanon Strawberry Festival will continue many old traditions while also making some changes which will hopefully improve the experience for the thousands in attendance.

Those who go to the festival grounds at Cheadle Lake Park will notice that the site is fenced for the first time.

Jami Cate, the chair of the Lebanon Strawberry Festival board, said this will improve security at the site by controlling the points of entry and exit.

The festival has maxed out its parking in recent years, so for the first time, there will be a shuttle service to Cheadle Lake Park.

The shuttle service will operate only on Saturday, June 1.

Festival attendees can park at the Calvary Chapel (the former Elks Lodge), 633 Park Street; the First Assembly of God, 726 W. Oak Street; or the First United Methodist Church, 1890 S. Second Street. The shuttle will operate all day.

“People can stay for the fireworks, which will be even bigger this year, and then take the shuttle back to their cars,” Cate said.

If the shuttle service is successful, it may be expanded in future years.

On Sunday morning, June 2, Cheadle Lake Park will host a community church service.

Organized by Transform Lebanon, 10 local churches are working together to hold a joint service on the main stage.

One change in the schedule is actually a

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Courtney Foster, center, celebrates after being named the 2018 Strawberry Festival Queen with princesses, from left, Paige Burroughs, Taylor Darwood, Isabella Miller, and Kinsey Morse. This year, the coronation will be held on the main stage at Cheadle Lake Park. return to the way the festival used to be. For many years, the Strawberry Festival queen was crowned during a ceremony at Lebanon High School. This event was held prior to the festival.

This year, the queen will be crowned during a ceremony on the main stage at 5:30 p.m. Friday, May 31. Cate said this is in keeping with the earliest traditions of the festival when the queen would be crowned downtown during the festivities.

Because this year’s ceremony will be held at Cheadle Lake Park during the festival, it is hoped that many more people will be able to share the experience.

The coronation will be followed by a performance by the Dusty Rhoades Band, who will be followed by headliner Steve Holy.

There will also be opportunities for festival attendees to connect with the event’s long history. There will be displays of festival court dresses at several locations

around town: the Lebanon Area Habitat for Humanity and Restore, 566 S. Main Street, and the store front next door at 550 S. Main Street; Frill & Thread, 745 S. Main Street; and the Linn County Arts Guild, 605 S. Main Street.

And for the third time, there will be a special float in the main parade for members of past Strawberry Festival Courts. This reunion float was created for the 100th edition of the festival in 2009 and returned in 2014.

Cate has done much of the work contacting past court members.

“It’s been really fun to get them involved.

You read emails and letters from them and you get to know them,” Cate said. “They’re in every walk of life, all over the world.

They’re a part of the history of this festival and of our town.”

Several other recently introduced elements will return for this year’s festival: Thursday, May 30, will once again be All Heroes Day with special offers and recognition for veterans, active duty military personnel and first responders.

The Grand Parade will once again be live-streamed online. Those who are unable to attend may watch the parade through a link on the Strawberry Festival’s Facebook page.

The Junior Parade on Friday will once again flow in the regular direction of traffic on Main Street. This parade will begin at Rose Street and proceed south to Maple Street. The Boys & Girls Club will serve as the staging area and the parade will begin at 2:30 p.m.

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STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL

Princess Isabella Ayala LES GEHRETT

Isabella Ayala

Lebanon Express‌

‌Last summer, Isabella Ayala traveled to Washington D.C. to take part in a youth conference held by the National Rural Electric Cooperatives Association. She made the trip with 18 other students from Oregon and won election as the student leader for the state.

That led to a return trip to Washington, D.C., where Ayala met with members of the state’s congressional delegation, took part in leadership development classes and entered a speech competition.

In March, Ayala traveled to Orlando, Florida, to represent Oregon at the NRECA annual conference. At this event she helped run an information booth.

“It was nice to see that we do have a voice as a rural community, It was eye-opening,” Ayala said.

This experience illustrates Ayala’s life to this point: In every activity in which she participates, she finds a way to stand out.

That made Ayala a natural choice to represent Lebanon as part of the 110th Strawberry Festival Court. Despite her

AGE: 18 SCHOOL: Lebanon High School FAMILY: Parents Mary Lou Belozer and Tom Ayala; brother Gabriel Ayala EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES: Cross country (four years, track and field (three years), swimming (four years), Student Body President, National Honor Society secretary, 4H (nine years), member and volunteer at St. Edward’s Catholic Church busy schedule, Ayala said trying out to be a princess was an easy decision.

“I’ve lived in Lebanon my whole life.

I really love Lebanon and I wanted to so something for my community that was meaningful and impacted people’s lives positively,” she said.

There are still five weeks to go before the festival, but the court has already been hard at work attending community events. Ayala said her favorite events are at schools and clubs where she can interact

with children.

“Kids are so excited and so happy. Being a source of joy for them makes me happy, too,” she said.

Ayala’s high school career has not been without its own challenges. She competed in cross country, track and field and swimming, but missed a big part of her junior year after undergoing hip surgery. A torn labrum caused her intense pain and made her miss almost all of the swimming season and the spring track season.

“I really hurt it during cross country my junior year, but it had been going on for a long time and I pushed through it,” Ayala said.

After going through recovery all summer, she was able to participate in all three sports her senior year.

In her spare time, she works as a lifeguard and swim instructor at the Lebanon Community Pool.

Ayala is among the LHS valedictorians and plans to attend Oregon State University where she will major in chemistry.

Ayala loves science but has not yet decided whether she wants to go into research

AUBREE TOCHER‌

Isabella Ayala and be a college professor, or whether she wants to be a high school teacher.

“I am definitely interested in teaching,” Ayala said.

Her injury ruled out her dream of running competitively at Oregon State, but she does plan to be involved in the Triathlon Club.

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Wednesday, May 29, 2019 | 5

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Princess Svea Bruslind LES GEHRETT

Svea Bruslind

Lebanon Express‌

‌Svea Bruslind says she had a choice when it came time to choose a university to attend this fall.

But her decision to attend Oregon State bears a sense of inevitability. Her mother, Linda Bruslind, is a professor of microbiology at Oregon State. Her older brother, Jorian, is a junior at Oregon State and is majoring in electrical engineering.

And her twin brother, Kelton, has already committed to Oregon State as well and plans to join his brother in the electrical engineering department.

Svea Bruslind will major in zoology.

“I want to do something in wildlife research,” Bruslind said. “I’ve always loved being around animals.”

As a member of the 2019 Strawberry Festival Court, Bruslind boasts an impressive resume.

She is one of the valedictorians at Lebanon High School with a 4.0 grade point average. She has played soccer for nine years, including all four years with the high school program.

AGE: 17 SCHOOL: Lebanon High School FAMILY: Parents Linda and Scott Bruslind; brothers Jorian and Kelton EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES: Vice President of National Honor Society; soccer (4 years); 4H (9 years); plays flute in the Lebanon Chamber Orchestra (4 years) She was named “Most Inspirational” her senior year after playing through a series of knee injuries during her last two seasons. She plans to play club soccer at Oregon State.

Her other lifelong commitment has been to 4H. She has been a member of the Lucky Livestock club for nine years and showed goats and market hogs. Later on, she developed an interest in photography and joined the Clever Clovers, which specializes in the static events. She remains heavily involved with both clubs.

While her schedule is very full, she doesn’t

waste any time commuting to work. She works as a laboratory technician for her father, Scott Bruslind, who operates Analysis Laboratory on the family’s property in Lacomb. The company analyzes samples from breweries and cider makers, and assists them with quality control and product improvement.

Growing up in Lacomb, she was always familiar with the Strawberry Festival and its court.

“I’ve always loved the Strawberry Festival, the tradition behind it. Like any little girl, I always dreamed of being a princess,” Bruslind said. “I realized there was more to it than the sparkly dress and the tiara.”

Still, trying out for the court was a nervewracking experience and she was certain she would not be selected.

“When I made it to the top 10, I was over the moon. I was thinking in my head I wasn’t going to make it. I know all these girls and they are very impressive,” Bruslind said.

She thinks pushing through that anxiety is part of the experience.

“Being a Strawberry Festival princess is about going for it,” she said.

AUBREE TOCHER‌

Svea Bruslind So far, her favorite events have been the distinguished service awards in Albany, Lebanon and Sweet Home.

“I wasn’t used to being a public figure, going to such a fancy event,” Bruslind said.

Everyone at the Lebanon DSA was familiar with the Strawberry Festival and court, but there were people at the other ceremonies who had never attended.

“Meeting people that didn’t know about the Strawberry Festival surprised me, but being able to share about the festival really brought me joy,” Bruslind said.

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STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL

Princess Hanna Davis LES GEHRETT

Hanna Davis

Lebanon Express‌

‌Hanna Davis was a volleyball player and wasn’t really interested in dance.

Ordinarily, that wouldn’t have been a problem, but it became an issue when her family became the proud owners of a dance studio.

Her parents, Holly and Allen Davis, operate Hollywood Dance & Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Studios in Lebanon. Hanna Davis’ aunt, Meagan Hollingsworth, serves as the primary dance instructor.

“My aunt was a really, really good dancer. She married my uncle and it was her dream to have one of her nieces dance,” Davis said.

Davis is the second of four daughters and her older sister, Danyel, was the first to get the dancing bug. Hanna soon followed.

“My aunt and sister convinced me to try a jazz class,” Davis said.

Jazz remains among her favorite styles of dance, along with contemporary.

In addition to serving as one of her primary interests, the studio also provides Davis with an occupation. She has worked

AGE: 18 SCHOOL: Lebanon High School FAMILY: Parents Holly and Allen Davis; sisters Alena, Danyel and Hydee EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES: Lebanon Explosion Dance Team (4 years); track and field (3 years); National Honor Society as a dance instructor and choreographer at the studio for four years.

A senior at Lebanon High School, Davis is a member of the 2019 Strawberry Festival Court. She is a four-year member of the Lebanon Explosion Dance Team and also competed in track and field for three years.

Davis is taking advantage of the LinnBenton Community College/Oregon State University dual enrollment program. She plans to major in kinesiology.

“I’m still a little undecided about what I want to do for a career, but I have been

thinking about physical therapy,” Davis said.

She has already earned a spot on the OSU Elite Dance Team. This squad performs at university events alongside the cheer squad.

Because of her work at the dance studio, Davis is very comfortable working with younger children. Applying for a place on the Strawberry Festival Court seemed like a natural extension of that interest.

“I applied to be a strawberry princess because, first of all, I love the Strawberry Festival. We go every year, watch the parades, got to the coronation,” Davis said.

“I liked the connection it brought between the town and the Strawberry Festival. I wanted to be part of it and really connect with the youth of our town. It was another way I could really reach out and be a role model to the kids.”

So far, Davis’ favorite outing was to the Lebanon Public Library. The court was featured at the Little Bookworms Preschool Storytime on May 2.

“We got to read stories, make bracelets.

It was super fun,” Davis said, noting that

AUBREE TOCHER‌

Hanna Davis at many of the court’s trips to elementary schools it is no possible to interact personally with many of the students. “I’m a pretty shy person, so having to step out of my comfort zone and being able to present myself in front of people and start conversations has really pushed me. It’s a good life lesson to learn.”

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Princess Avery Hartl LES GEHRETT

Lebanon Express‌

‌When Avery Hartl was in second grade, her mother, Jennifer, signed her up to take part in a production by the Lebanon Association for Theatre Arts.

It seemed like a minor decision at the time, but it ended up being one of the decisive moments of Avery’s life.

“She decided that she wanted me to try it and I just fell in love with it. I thank her very much for that,” she said.

Hartl developed a love for drama and has continued to be involved in LAFTA productions and in the theater arts department at East Linn Christian Academy.

“Everyone always talks about sports and how it’s nice to grow closer with a team. I have grown closer with a team through drama. I truly love getting to know the other actors,” Hartl said.

This school year, Hartl filled several roles on stage and off for East Linn’s production of “Little Women.” Hartl played one of the parts (Aunt March) and served as an assistant director. She also helped with costumes, props, lighting and sound.

Avery Hartl AGE: 17 SCHOOL: East Linn Christian Academy FAMILY: mother Jennifer Hartl; father Jason Hartl; sister Ashley Severn EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES: drama (7 years); band (7 years); volunteers at Sodvaville Evangelical Church Hartl found directing especially interesting and is now serving as an assistant director for East Linn’s improv-based spring show.

Hartl has attended East Linn Christian Academy since first grade and her mother is a kindergarten teacher at the school.

With graduation fast approaching, Hartl has decided to attend Linn-Benton Community College to begin her studies in veterinary assisting. She has always had an interest in veterinary medicine and her goal is to become a certified veterinary technician license.

Like most children who grew up in the Lebanon area, Hartl was always familiar with the Strawberry Festival. But she got a first-hand look at the experience when her older sister, Ashley, was named to the court.

“I have always wanted to be a Strawberry Princess since my sister was on court in 2009. I have loved it ever since and aspired to be a Strawberry Princess,” Hartl said.

Despite her sister’s positive experience, Hartl was still reluctant to put her name forward. Her sister encouraged her to try despite her reservations.

“I was so nervous that I wasn’t going to make it on, and it was just going to crush me if I didn’t make it on,” Hartl said. “But she convinced me to try out.”

With the 2019 Strawberry Festival quickly coming up, Hartl is already feeling nostalgic for the relationships she has developed while serving on the court. Hartl has enjoyed getting to know the community leaders who put on the festival and building friendships with the other members of the court.

She has also enjoyed working with children at various events.

“There was this little girl named Autumn

AUBREE TOCHER‌

Avery Hartl and I truly connected with her. We all went to visit the Boys & Girls Club and we just gravitated toward one another. We talked and she hugged me goodbye and said she couldn’t for me to visit her school” Hartl said.

When the court visited her school, the child came running.

“It was truly amazing just to get to see the smile that you can give to people,” Hartl said.

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STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL

Princess Maddy Romeo LES GEHRETT

Maddy Romeo

Lebanon Express‌

‌This has already been a very good year for Maddy Romeo.

The Lebanon High School senior was a starter on the girls varsity basketball team which made history by winning the first conference championship in the program’s history.

The squad went 21-5 on the season, including 15-1 in the Mid-Willamette Conference. After winning a first-round 5A state playoff game, the Warriors advanced to the eight-team state playoffs at Gill Coliseum in Corvallis.

The season was the culmination of years of practice.

“I’ve played basketball as long as I can remember. My dad started off coaching me at a young age. He’s one of my biggest supporters and influencers,” Romeo said.

But what made the success even more meaningful was achieving it with teammates she had known since middle school or longer.

“It was such a growing year for me as a person, too, being able to play with such amazing friends,” Romeo said. “It’s given

AGE: 18 SCHOOL: Lebanon High School FAMILY: parents Lori and Robb Romeo; brother Tyler EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES: basketball (4 years); Mr. LHS (coordinator); Senior Senator at LHS; Leadership; National Honor Society me such a big confidence boost.”

With the season over, Romeo has stayed busy helping organize the Mr. LHS pageant.

The annual event is a fundraiser for the Children’s Miracle Network. Romeo is one of the student coordinators for the event.

A valedictorian, at LHS, Romeo plans to attend Linn-Benton Community College’s dental hygiene program. She traces her interest in the field in part to the anatomy and physiology class she took at LHS. “The class was really, really interesting to me. I’ve always wanted to do something in the medical field,” Romeo said. “I’ve al-

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ways had great experiences at the dentist.

I’ve talked to them about it, and I know they have a new dental hygiene facility and I’m very interested in exploring that.”

Her father, Robb, works for the street maintenance department for the city of Albany and her mother, Lori, is the director of the Kids Club at the Boys & Girls Club in Lebanon.

Because of her mother’s involvement at the club, Romeo has extensive experience helping out with children. Her confidence working with kids grew as she helped lead basketball camps for children as part of the Warriors basketball program.

“One of the parts I’ll miss about high school sports is being able to do all those different camps,” Romeo said.

So it comes as no surprise that her favorite part of serving on the Strawberry Festival court has been visiting the schools.

“I really enjoy working with children,” Romeo said. “Today, we went to JOYA (Junior Optimist Youth Attitude) awards. It’s so great to get to go out to all of these events and see what makes Lebanon great.”

Like many of her fellow court members,

AUBREE TOCHER‌

Maddy Romeo Romeo’s interest in becoming a Strawberry Princess began in elementary school.

“I remember many of the days in elementary school when the princesses would come and visit. That was just the highlight of the year. I still have all the signature cards from all the princesses,” Romeo said.

Those memories motivated her to try out for the court herself.

“This community has given me so much through academics, sports, clubs and so much more. This is a way to give back,” Romeo said.

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STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL

Holy headlines Strawberry Festival Chart-topping country artist will perform on Friday night LES GEHRETT

Lebanon Express‌

‌ ountry chart topper Steve Holy will be C the featured performer at the 110th Lebanon Strawberry Festival.

Holy, 47, will take the main stage at Cheadle Lake Park at 8:30 p.m. Friday, May 31. The evening’s festivities will begin with the crowning of the Strawberry Festival Queen at 5:30 p.m. followed by a performance by the Dusty Rhoades Band at 6:45 p.m.

Holy is best known for his No. 1 singles “Good Morning Beautiful’ and “Brand New Girlfriend.”

Jami Cate, the chair of the Lebanon Strawberry Festival Board, said the festival is thrilled to bring in a performer of Holy’s ability.

“He’s a big step up for us and an indication of where we want to go in the future,” Cate said.

A native of Dallas, Texas, Holy got his

PHOTO COURTESY OF STEVE HOLY‌

first break as a young artist when he won the prestigious Johnnie High Country Review in 1993. That contest had earlier proven crucial for rising artist LeAnn Rimes and it provided a similar early encouragement for Holy.

After signing with Curb Records, he released his debut album “Blue Moon” in

r Dog Wit u o Y h ve

2000. The album peaked at No. 7 on the U.S. country charts and featured the singles “Blue Moon” and “The Hunger.”

But it was the success of “Good Morning Beautiful” which defined the album. The song stayed atop the country charts for five weeks and was later recognized as one of the top 10 hits of the decade by Billboard.

Us !

a e L

Steve Holy will be the featured performer at the 2019 Lebanon Strawberry Festival.

There was no sophomore slump with his follow-up album, “Brand New Girlfriend” which was released in 2006. The title song climbed to the top of the charts and the album reached No. 2 on the country charts.

Remaining with Curb Records, Holy dropped his third studio album “Love Don’t Run” in 2011 and the title cut reached the top 20 on the country singles charts.

A fan of the country music of the 1950s and 60s, Holy’s first two albums leaned heavily on that traditional sound. “Love Don’t Run” finds inspiration in 1970s country and includes a cover of Kris Kristofferson’s “Help Me Make It Through the Night.”

In 2014, Curb Records released a compilation album, “Best of Steve Holy” a 10-track collection of his biggest hits.

Holy is no stranger to the Pacific Northwest and was one of the featured performers at the 2007 Oregon Jamboree in Sweet Home. For the past several years, Holy has taken a hiatus from touring to focus on raising his family.

“This is his first show back and we’re excited to have him,” Cate said.

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STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL

Back by popular

DEMAND The Junior Court is once again part of the festivities LES GEHRETT

Lebanon Express‌

‌In 2018, the Strawberry Festival brought back its Junior Court after an absence of 35 years.

The return of the Junior Court proved popular and the court is back for the 2019 festival. On Thursday, April 11, the 2019 Junior Court was crowned in a ceremony held at Santiam Place.

The court includes eight second-grade AMANDA LOMAN, DEMOCRAT-HERALD‌ students from Lebanon area schools. They are: Charlea Branton (Hamilton Creek), Junior princess Remie Hutson, escorted by Lebanon Strawberrian Glenda Holland, takes Dahlia Brennen (Sand Ridge), Leilahni Hall her turn across the stage during the introduction of the eight 2018 junior princesses. This (East Linn Christian), Izabella Jones (Piomarked the first year the Strawberry Festival has had a junior court since 1983.

neer), Reese King (Riverview), Madison Kirbey (Cascades), Emily Nelson (Lacomb) and Zoee Ruonavaara (Green Acres).

Jami Cate, the chair of the Lebanon Strawberry Festival board, said there were three times as many applicants this year as in 2018. Once the applications were received, a princess from each school was selected at random.

“We hadn’t had one since 1983 and there was a lot of interest in it once we started Jami Cate doing the dress display again and educating people about the history of our courts,” Cate said. “They were such a hit, everyone loved them and they’re so cute.”

The princesses were crowned by the

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STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL

LES GEHRETT PHOTOS, MID-VALLEY MEDIA‌

Strawberry Festival mascots Ida and A.J. Berry attended the event at Santiam Place. members of the Strawberry Festival Court: Isabella Ayala, Svea Bruslind, Hanna Davis, Avery Hartl and Maddy Romeo.

Hartl said this was about the 10th event the princesses have attended, with a full slate of events on the horizon.

“I am so excited. When we first started I was ready to go and I thought it was a lot, but I realize now more and more that this is one of the best experiences of my life and I just want to take it full throttle,” Hartl said.

There will be a change this year in the crowning of the Strawberry Festival queen.

For many years, the crowning has been held

Members of the 2019 Strawberry Festival Court introduce the members of this year’s junior court. Pictured are back row, from left, Isabella Ayala, Avery Hartl, Maddy Romeo, Svea Bruslind and Hanna Davis. Front row, from left, Izabella Jones, Zoee Ruonavaara, Leilahni Hall, Emily Nelson, Madison Kirbey, Dahlia Brennen, Reese King and Charlea Branton. as part of an event at Lebanon High School.

This year, the queen will be crowned on stage at Cheadle Lake Park at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, May 31. Cate said making the crowning part of the Strawberry Festival will hopefully make it feel more connected to the rest of the festivities.

“That is traditionally how it was done.

She was crowned right before the grand parade, often the morning of the parade on a street corner when it was still downtown,” Cate said.

Also on that Friday night, country singer Steve Holy will be the featured performer.

Holy has had two songs hit the top spot on the country music charts, “Good Morning

Beautiful” and “Brand New Girlfriend.”

There will also be a change in the carnival at this year’s festival.

Portland-based Rainier Amusements will operate the carnival, which will feature a cashless midway.

The festival will be held May 30 through June 2.

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STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL

Documenting Strawberry Festival history Girl Scout honored for her project on court attire LES GEHRETT

Lebanon Express‌

‌A Lebanon High School graduate focused on the history of the Lebanon Strawberry Festival Court for her final project as a Girl Scout.

Hannah Grudzinski of Waterloo received the Gold Award in recognition of her achievements within the Girls Scouts.

The award, which was given in a ceremony on Saturday, June 23, in Salem, represents the highest honor a Girl Scout can achieve.

Grudzinski was among the 25 young women from Oregon and southwest Washington to receive the award.

“We know that when girls have leadership opportunities when they are young, they are more likely to go on to become leaders in their communities and in their professional lives,” says Sarah Brown, Director of Program for GSOSW. “Through Girl Scouting, GSOSW’s Gold Award Girl Scouts have come to know that they have the ability to make a positive impact. The nature and quality of their Gold Award projects show us that these girls are the leaders of tomorrow, because they are leading today.”

Grudzinski, 19, researched more than 70 years of records kept by the Strawberry Festival and created a scrapbook filled with pictures and descriptions of the dresses worn each year by members of the court.

Grudzinski’s project grew out of her troop’s long affiliation with the Strawberry Festival. She learned from Jami Cate, the chairperson of the Strawberry Festival’s board of directors, that no one had documented the court dresses.

Grudzinski was able to track down dresses as far back as 1930. Her scrapbook includes that year’s dress and concludes with the dress from 2014. The book will be kept at the Lebanon Chamber of Commerce’s visitor center.

Grudzinski said Girl Scouts played a key role in her life.

“It’s not just camping. I’m shy and Girl Scouts helped me break out of my shell,” Grudzinski said.

Grudzinski said the confidence she gained in scouting has helped her as she attends LBCC. After she finishes her two-year degree, she plans to transfer to Western Oregon University and complete a degree in education and art, with the goal of becoming a teacher.

This dress from 1930 is the oldest documented by Grudzinski.

LES GEHRETT PHOTOS, MID-VALLEY MEDIA‌

Hannah Grudzinski documented Strawberry Festival court dresses as far back as 1930 for the scrapbook she created as her Girl Scout Gold Award project.

Grudzinski liked this dress from the 1990 Strawberry Festival.

Now more than ever, for your home, your garden, and your paint, the place in Lebanon is Summit Home & Garden.

This dress is from the 1932 Strawberry Festival.

She noted that in recent years Girl Scouts have added many different interest badges for members to earn.

“There’s something for everyone,” Grudzinski said.

1055 Tangent angent St. in Lebanon | 541-258-7107 | M-F 7:30- 6:00 & Sat 8-5

Wednesday, May 29, 2019 | 13

STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL

AMANDA LOMAN PHOTOS, DEMOCRAT-HERALD‌

Left: The Lebanon High School cheerleaders perform during the 2018 Lebanon Strawberry Festival Parade. Right: Emilee Cole, a sophomore at Lebanon High School, performs with the Explosions Dance Team in the 2018 Lebanon Strawberry Festival Parade.

The Lebanon High School band marches in the 2018 Strawberry Festival Parade.

AMANDA LOMAN, DEMOCRATHERALD‌

ALEX PAUL, DEMOCRAT-HERALD‌

2019 Lebanon Strawberry Festival princesses Svea Bruslind, Maddy Romeo, Hanna Davis, Avery Hartl and Isabella Ayala attend a Mardi Gras event.

The Oaks at Lebanon Invites You to Come and Share

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We accept Oregon Trail Card, WIC & Farm Direct Nutrition Programs.

Strawberry Shortcake with us

Served from 2-4pm June 1st

NO LINES ~ NO WAITING

Everyone Welcome (541) 258-7777 621 W. Oak St., Lebanon

14 | Wednesday, May 29, 2019

STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL

Princess Kinsey Morse throws out candy during the 2018 Lebanon Strawberry Festival Junior Parade.

AMANDA LOMAN PHOTOS, DEMOCRAT-HERALD‌

Left: Julia Ponce dances ahead of the Ixtapa Mexican Restaurant float during the 2018 Lebanon Strawberry Festival Parade on Saturday, June 2. Right: Drum major Avery Shields leads the Lebanon High School Band during the 2018 Lebanon Strawberry Festival Kate Lester hands out ice pops while waking with the Kellenberger’s Appliance float during Junior Parade. the 2018 Lebanon Strawberry Festival Parade.

All Family Fun All Summer Long 36606 Airport Dr., Lebanon, Oregon Check out our event schedule at: willamettespeedway.org

See you at the races!

TODD BRANSON

Owner/Principal Broker 541.409.1800 toddbranson@yahoo.com 2345 S Santiam Hwy Lebanon OR 97355

STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL

WEDNESDAY, MAY 29, 2019 |

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Lebanon’s ambassadors The court has a full schedule in the weeks before the festival STAFF REPORT

During the final two months of their senior year, many high school students hope to coast to the finish line. College plans have largely been made and senioritis is typically in full bloom.

But for the members of the Lebanon Strawberry Festival Court, the months of April The 2018 Strawberry and May are some of the Princesses visited the busiest, most eventful Oregon Veterans Home during times in their lives. In adtheir reign. From left are Taylor dition to their already full Darwood, Courtney Foster, Kinsey lives, the princesses take Morse, Paige Burroughs and on the role of Lebanon’s Isabella Miller. ambassadors.

AMANDA LOMAN, DEMOCRATHERALD The court visits schools, boys and girls clubs and senior homes throughout the mid-valley. In addition, they serve as guests of honor at community events such as fundraisers and the annual Distinguished Service Awards.

Court coordinator Andrea Bruce said this year’s court will make approximately 35 appearances before the festival. Bruce was a member of the court in 2005 and now enjoys leading these young women through this intense process.

The court members bring impressive resumes of academic performance, athletic and/or artistic excellence, and community service. This year, three of the five members of the court are valedictorians.

Still, Bruce can see them grow into their roles as princesses.

“It’s probably one of my favorite parts, seeing this growth,” Bruce said. “They are always growing. They become better role models, better public speakers.”

This year there were 29 candidates for the five court positions. Bruce said the annual LES GEHRETT, MID-VALLEY MEDIA visits to the elementary schools Princesses Isabella Ayala, left, Avery Hartl, often inspire future court candidates.

PROVIDED PHOTO “I think the Strawberry Festival is a great center, and Maddy Romeo take part in Walk-A-Mile-For-A-Child, an annual abuse The Strawberry Festival Court attended the annual Distinguished Service Awards in Albany, tradition in Lebanon. Every year, the girls make a great impression on kids,” Bruce awareness and prevention walk sponsored by Lebanon and Sweet Home. The court is seen here at the Lebanon DSA. From left are Hanna Dala’s Blue Angels.

Davis, Svea Bruslind, Maddy Romeo, Isabella Ayala and Avery Hartl. said.

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