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06/16/2012 06:17 PM

32nd Annual Strawberry Festival

The streets of Owego were filled with vendors and guests for the 32nd annual Strawberry Festival on Saturday. As our Elyse Mickalonis reports, many were proud of the turnout and said this year’s festival is proof Owego is back on track after last year’s flooding.

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OWEGO, N.Y. -- There were lots of strawberries and smiles in Owego this weekend, as over 150 vendors and guests gathered downtown for the 32nd annual Strawberry Festival on Saturday.

“We’re down here for the festival. It’s just a lovely day, much to do and it’s a tradition in Owego and we love it,” said Mary Flanagan, Owego resident.

Shannon James, a resident of Ithaca added, “A lot of friendly people, a good crowd, people are polite, great food, great music.”

But don’t let the name fool you, there was more to enjoy than just strawberries.

“No, there’s Daiquiris too!” said James.

Although the event is all about that sweet fruit, people enjoyed everything from ice cream to fudge at one of the biggest events in the area.

“When it’s hot like this it’s a really good day for us, because they enjoy the shade, they come here cool off and get a treat,” said Rosalie Lyon of Seneca Cottage Fudge Kitchen

Rick Fiacco, owner of Owego Soft Serve and Cafe Fiacco added, “We love the Owego residents. And what they went through last year, it’s a pleasure to treat them with some really great deals.”

People here say this year’s Strawberry Fest is proof Owego is truly bouncing back from last year’s flooding.

"The residents here went through a lot. It was so devastating. It's just amazing how they've recovered. You know we're not having the Tioga Fair this year, and Appalachian Field Day due to contaminated soil. So people are just out,” said Fiacco.

Rachel Vavra, Owego resident added, “With the flood and everything, I think we’ve bounced back from it and I think we’re going even stronger than we were before.”

Celebrating once again in Owego.