From garden glitz to carnival hits—It’s berry time in Wallace

Get ready for a “berry” good time at the Garden Gala on April 26 and let the good times blossom as Wallace kicks off the festivities leading up to one of the most anticipated events in Duplin County—the Carolina Strawberry Festival.

Held in the lush Gardens of Southeastern North Carolina from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., the Garden Gala promises an afternoon of lively entertainment, vibrant blooms, and delightful surprises, all celebrating the town’s rich agricultural history.

Bring your dancing shoes and enjoy live music performances by the Blackwater Band. The event will also include a silent auction, heavy hors d’oeuvres, drinks and an after-party hosted at the Mad Boar, complete with a complimentary shuttle service running between the two venues, ensuring a worry-free experience.

On April 27, participants can enter the Strawberry Recipe Contest by dropping off their creations at the Wallace Depot at 3 p.m. Contestants will compete for cash prizes in both youth and adult categories, as well as the coveted Best in Show award.

Then, gear up for the main event— the Carolina Strawberry Festival on May 2 and 3 in Historic Downtown Wallace.

Friday evening will be alive with carnival rides and vibrant music as Carl Newton’s Review and the Band of Oz take the main stage.

Early risers can kick off Saturday with the Strawberry Festival 5K Run and the Strawberry Jam Fun Run at 8 a.m., both starting and finishing at the Campbell Center. Compete for overall male and female honors, as well as top spots in age categories: 10 and under, 11 to 18, 19-39, and 40+. Rally your friends, family, and neighbors to vie for the largest team prize. The Strawberry Jam is a non-timed 1-mile event. All proceeds from the 5K sign-ups will help fund the new Inclusive Playground at Clement Park.

The two-day festival will feature Ed’s Dinosaurs, a variety of local craft and food vendors, and a beer and wine garden. The annual pageant will be at 10:30 a.m. on the main stage. Categories include Baby Miss Strawberry, Mini Miss Strawberry, and Little Miss Strawberry.

Get ready to dance with live music by Chocolate Chip & Company, followed by The Embers. Exclusive VIP concert seating for Friday and Saturday is available for purchase and includes a catered dinner.

Savannah Kennedy, a senior at East Duplin High School, created this year’s artwork and will be featured on T-shirts and festival posters. For more details, visit carolinastrawberryfestival.com.