The Lebanon Strawberry Festival began in 1909 as a salute to abundant berry fields in the Mid-Willamette Valley.  The organizers consisted of prominent citizens and businessmen from Lebanon.  Early events included the Rose Show and Parades.

As the Strawberry Festival continued to evolve, many changes occurred.  In 1982 the Lebanon Strawberry Festival became an independent nonprofit corporation.  It is a two-tiered organization with Board of Directors responsible for the annual presentation of the Festival and the Association members setting policies while looking for a permanent home for our Festival.

The Board of Directors consists of 24 positions staffed by volunteers.  These 24 positions represent the various events  highlighted the first full weekend in June.  We are proud that our claim to fame is the "World's Largest Strawberry Shortcake" served free to over 20,000 spectators.  Other events include the Junior and Grand Parades, The Strawberry 5K Run and One Mile Health Walk, Carnival, Fireworks Display, Open Air Country Fair, Queen's Coronation and many other civic events.

Volunteering for civic events involves a great deal of time and dedication.  Many families have become involved and have encouraged their youth to become more active in our community.

Strawberrians find new wheels for the court

In 2006 a 1991 Lincoln Continental Towne Car ( 27 foot stretch limo) replaced a 45 year old Lincoln with 'suicide doors' that wasn't getting any younger.  It was bought for $4,500 after months of fundraising. 

The old Lincoln had developed rust spots all over the car, and because of the age of the car, no replacement parts could be found to fix it, so it was sold for $1200 with a profit of $800 since the original price they paid was $400.

The Strawberrians have been Lebanon's ambassadors of goodwill, and official chaperones of the royal court, since 1969 when the organization started as the Royal Order of the Golden Strawberry. 

During the Festival, Strawberrians serve as official hosts and ushers at the coronation, and walk beside the court and the cake in the Grand Parade. 

Members also escort the princesses to festivals in other towns around Oregon.