The Episcopal Church of the Atonement of Westfield, MA will celebrate its 157thYear of Strawberry Festival on Thursday, June 20. This year’s beneficiary of funds raised at the event will be the Westfield Soup Kitchen. Tickets for the event are $5. Serving times will be from 4 to 6 pm on the Church lawn at 36 Court Street in Westfield and from 6 to 8 pm on the Town Green (Main/Broad Streets). Tickets may be purchased in advance at the Westfield Farmer’s Market (every Thursday from 12-6 at the Church) or at the event.

The Episcopal Church of the Atonement has been conducting this Festival since 1863, when it started as a fundraiser to build their place of worship–they raised $60. Once their parish was established, they turned their fundraising effort to supporting the community. Over the years, many local organizations have benefited from this event. Organizations are chosen by the Church through an application process based on level of need and benefit to the community–and most importantly one that shares their mission.

The Westfield Soup Kitchen has been in existence for over 30 years. The Soup Kitchen was established to serve those in need of a dinner meal and fellowship, free of charge, each night of the week (except Saturdays), no questions asked. Run by volunteers and supported by local community groups, approximately 15,000 meals are served annually. Generous volunteers provide meals and the Soup Kitchen provides a safe, clean, temperature controlled environment for visitors to sit and eat. The Soup Kitchen is located at 101 Meadow Street, Westfield.

The proceeds from the Episcopal Church of the Atonement Strawberry Festival will greatly help the Westfield Soup Kitchen continue to provide this daily meal service to the Westfield community. We have found a kindred spirit in the Church of the Atonement and we are grateful. In support of your local Soup Kitchen and the Church of Atonement, we encourage you to enjoy a dish of strawberries with either a biscuit or ice cream –while supplies last!

We will be celebrating this event in conjunction with Westfield on Weekends’ presentation of MusicFest. Come on down and eat some strawberries, enjoy some music and know that you are supporting your fellow community members –one organization at a time.