STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL MARKS NINTH YEAR

The berry crops are in at Teen Challenge International of Mid-America and fresh for picking.

The center will hold its ninth annual Strawberry Festival May 29 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the center along County Road 621 north of Cape Girardeau.

Events include guided tours of the center and strawberry fields, puppet shows for children and mini concerts by the New Creations Choir. Drawings for free quarts of strawberries and servings of strawberry shortcake will be held. A barbecue lunch also will be available.

In addition to strawberries, crafts and wood items will also be for sale during the day.

The Strawberry Festival is also an open house for the center. Visitors can learn about the religious training center, which helps men 17 and older who have had problems with drugs and alcohol. Teen Challenge is affiliated with the Assemblies of God churches.

Residents at the center attend Bible study classes each morning, and many work in the strawberry fields later in the day. Others make wood crafts or work with the lawn service crews around town.

Students at the center are not charged for their stay. Support for the program comes from donations.

For information about the center or its strawberry festival, call 335-6508.