Lobster Roll/Strawberry Shortcake Festival
By Robin Vinci | Editor at May 26, 2024 | 8:00 pm | Print
Are you ready for some hot buttered lobster rolls? The third annual Festival on the Hill, a Lobster Roll/Strawberry Shortcake Festival, will be held at Kensington Congregational Church (KCC), 312 Percival Avenue in Kensington, on Saturday, June 11 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., rain or shine.
Gwen McCann, organizer and director of Christian Faith Formation said, “We are growing our event. The community has been really supporting it.”
The event begins with a 5K Lobster Loop run at 8:30 a.m.
“That will attract a different crowd of people,” said McCann. “It should be exciting.”
Billed as a community celebration of food, music and fun, KCC is bringing together town civic organizations, school groups, local artisans, live music and family centric amusements. Food will include KCC’s now famous hot buttered lobster rolls, pan seared shrimp, pulled pork, smoked brisket, freshly made strawberry shortcake, and more.
“We have expanded our menu,” said McCann. “In the past we focused on lobster rolls and strawberry shortcake. We also have new desserts we are trying out.”
There will be a wide variety of vendors on the church grounds. Vendors include: New Britain Youth Museum’s Hungerford Nature Center, artisans selling their wares, homemade jams, soaps, jewelry and more. There will be free face painting and balloon sculpting courtesy of Berlin High School UpBeat. A bounce house will be available for kids. Live music will be featured throughout the day.
“We have more vendors and family activities. Hungerford will be bringing a turtle, rabbit snake and petting zoo,” said McCann. “ A magician will be coming in the afternoon and the New Britain Bees mascot will be around. An A-Cappella group and the McGee Jazz Band will perform.”
It is estimated that last year 1,200 and 1,500 people came out and the church is expecting an even larger event this year.
Historic Kensington Congregational Church is over 300 years old with the current Meeting House built in 1774. On site is the oldest permanent Civil War monument in The United States, built in 1863. A 33 star flag, made in 1863 by women of the church, hangs inside the church.
Tours will be available during the event.
Shuttle service will take place from Berlin Town Hall or some parking is available at the Knights of Columbus building on Percival Ave.
This is a community outreach event and fundraiser that will help send local high school youth on a mission/work camp trip to aid the impoverished
For more information regarding parking, shuttle service & registration for the 5K Lobster
Loop visit www.kensingtoncong.org or go to Facebook at www.facebook.com/KensingtonCongregationalChurch.
