Niagara-on-the-Lake’s Senior Citizens Strawberry Social isn’t just about shortcake and ice cream. It’s about community.

It’s always been that way, says Lord Mayor Betty Disero.

The annual event is a chance for town officials to connect with senior residents, celebrate local fruit, and have an afternoon of fun. A strawberry treat doesn’t hurt either.

“People wait for the Strawberry Social every year,” she told The Lake Report.

“It’s a tradition that the town is very proud of hosting and we do it because of the good graces of our community commercial operators.” 

The social is Monday, June 17, at the community centre. Doors open at 11 a.m., with lunch at 11:45.

Besides a light meal, some delicious strawberries and ice cream, the social includes musical entertainment by pianist Frank Krahn and a performance by the St. Michael Catholic Elementary School Choir. The event is open to all senior citizens of Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Disero thanked Seaway Farms for donating the strawberries.

“It is because of community members like Seaway Farms that the town can provide an opportunity for nearly 300 seniors to enjoy a time of fellowship,” she said in a news release.

Seaway Farms has been providing strawberries for the event for several years now.

Eileen Pillitteri, a co-owner and an operator of Seaway Farms, said they provided about 15 cases of strawberries this year.

“We are very glad to support the Niagara-on-the-Lake community and the Strawberry Social,” Pillitteri told The Lake Report.

Disero also thanked town staff members, Niagara-on-the-Lake Hydro and the public library for assisting with the event.