Building on more than four decades of success, the Strawberry Festival has become one of the most highly anticipated events in Chester County.

From June 2-5, the grounds of the Brandywine Hospital will be teeming with family-oriented entertainment, food, laughter, music and more.

What began in 1973 as a one-day event at Coatesville City Hall has grown into a four-day extravaganza, attracting more than 25,000 guests.

Originally organized by nurses at the Coatesville Hospital to raise funds for a nursing scholarship, the Strawberry Festival grew to be one of the Brandywine Hospital’s most successful fundraisers.

The Brandywine Health Foundation took over the Festival more than 10 years ago, and it oversees the distribution of the money generated by all the fun.

The funds are earmarked for the Coatesville Area Public Library, Coatesville Rotary Club, Coatesville Youth Initiative, and Thorndale Volunteer Fire Company.

“The donation from the Strawberry Festival helps keep our lights on and the doors open,” said Dr. Lut Nero, the library’s Executive Director. “When we receive grants, it’s usually focused on one specific area. The Festival money isn’t like that, and that’s what’s great about it. We can use it for operational funds.

“It helps to pay for our GED and ESL programs and things like that. Our theme here is literacy – not only just knowing how to read, write, and speak, but also cultural and financial literacy – and the money helps support that.”

Chaya Scott, the Executive Director of the Youth Initiative, said the Festival funds go toward the Initiative’s highly selective, rigorous program that teaches teens to be the leaders of tomorrow.

“Our ServiceCorps program in the summer helps students from ages 14-18 develop leadership skills, and connect them with the community by having them provide meaningful service,” Scott said.

“It gives them an opportunity to be civically involved and work at places like the Brandywine Hospital and the VA (Veterans Affairs Medical Center).

“In a sense, the money from the Strawberry Festival enables our kids to learn what their talents are and to use them for value in the community.”

As for the Coatesville Area Rotary Club, the money it receives doesn’t stay in its coffers very long.

“We have two separate budgets,” said Club Treasurer Mike Givler. “The first is from our member dues, and that money goes toward administrative costs. The second is for the money we raise or receive as donations.

“Every single cent of the Strawberry Festival money gets invested in the community. We give grants to nonprofits like the Coatesville Senior Center and Art Partners Studio and projects like the gazebos along the Coatesville Riverwalk.”

Be sure to mark your calendars for this year’s event. Your fun helps to support a number of worthy causes.