Chester County’s sweet celebration of student success and the anticipation of summer is ripening once again, with a Thursday, May 28, start date for the annual Brandywine Strawberry Festival picked out.

The 43rd Annual Brandywine Strawberry Festival on the grounds of Brandywine Hospital in Coatesville will run four days filled with amusement rides, children’s activities, non-stop music, an abundance of free entertainment, great food, shopping and more, according to an announcement from the organizing Brandywine Health Foundation.

The highly anticipated bash raises funds from its many sponsors to support the future of local youth through the Coatesville Youth Initiative, which aims to develop them into productive, caring, civic-minded adults who are the future leaders of the community.

The event’s $100,000 goal will give 40 teenagers an eight-week intensive opportunity to step out in work, service and leadership.

Among the many highlights of the Brandywine Strawberry Festival are the Majestic Midway; the new Zipline Experience; the new Strawberry Patch Game Tent; a new mechanical bull; live taping of the Cooking Channel’s Carnival Eats; and favorites like fireworks; the Strawberry Stage for all-day music performances; magic shows; wandering children’s characters; Strawberryland’s moon bounces, play areas, slides and activities for younger children; the Strawberryland Train; the Arts and Crafts Tent; the Strawberriest Kids Contest; raffle drawings; and souvenirs.

“We are incredibly grateful to our 800 volunteers, from business professionals to high school students, all of whom donate their valuable time toward this community tradition,” Co-Chair Karol Collins said. “Without their help and hard work, this event would not be possible.”

Festivities begin Thursday, May 28, and run through Sunday, May 31.