The eighth annual Bolivar Strawberry Festival kicks off Thursday.
 
Mayor Becky Hubble says the festival provides everyone with an opportunity to reconnect with one another and the village.
 
            
 
Hubble says festival highlights include amusement rides, food, entertainment, a Strawberry Queen’s contest and a Little Miss Berry Princess and Little Miss Shortcake Princess contest.
 
She says this year the Bolivar Fire Department’s annual 5K run is being moved from Friday evening to Saturday morning at 9 am and says the parade is to step off Saturday at 4 pm.
 
            
 
The festival is held in the historic downtown business district along Canal Street and is being held Thursday and Friday from 4 pm to 11 pm and Saturday from 10 am to 11 pm.
 
The festival is hosted by the Bolivar Renaissance Association, dedicated to preserving, interpreting, and celebrating the village’s heritage through public events, activities, and projects.