City previews Strawberry Fest: parade, drone show, fireworks and new attractions

City communications staff and council members briefed the council on Strawberry Fest activities that begin as early as the weekend following the June 18 meeting.

Phil Jents, the city’s communications manager, thanked volunteers and summarized headline events: a drone show, a Saturday parade at 10 a.m., a family-focused mega-jump attraction on Saturday and fireworks Saturday evening at 10:30 p.m. Jents said the carnival runs Thursday through Sunday and that festival buttons cost $5, with proceeds supporting prize drawings; buttons are for sale at the Cottage Grove public safety department, Old National Bank in Saint Paul Park and from ambassador candidates.

Council Member Thidi added details: the drone show will be a 200‑drone display at 10:30 p.m. Saturday, the Strawberry Fields Marketplace reached capacity at about 110 booths this year, and some food vendors were turned away because of limited space. Jents noted a Discover Cottage Grove booth will host folk artist Eric Dowdle, who will sign puzzles and appear in the parade, and that staff received 115 coloring-contest submissions.

Music programming and other attractions were listed by Jents: Basic and Boring (family night Thursday), Double Down (Friday), Rough House (Friday night), Jonah and the Whales and Them Pesky Kids (Saturday), a car and pet show and public-safety demonstrations. Council members urged residents to bring water; staff warned of hot, muggy weather and encouraged attendees to plan accordingly.

Jents and Thidi encouraged residents to “bring a friend” as part of a Discover Cottage Grove outreach campaign. No council action was required; the presentation served as community information and event promotion.