By CHRISTINE BOATWRIGHT / Staff Writer

CALERA – Bluegrass music and the smell of fresh strawberries will envelop Oliver Park during the second annual Calera Strawberry Festival April 28.

The festival will take place from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., with vendors, nonprofit groups, musical performances, fresh produce and more.

“In addition to coming for arts and crafts, strawberries, lettuce and delicious foods like that, you have the opportunity to learn about things going on in the community and in the area,” said organizer Rebecca Krueger. “Our mission as a market is to encourage healthy eating and fresh and local produce, but our bigger goal is to encourage people to be active people in their community.”

Bluegrass band Stanley and Company will play for the duration of the festival, and the Calera High School choir will perform, as well.

LifeSouth will hold a blood drive, and receptacles will be available for a food drive for Shelby Emergency Assistance. Krueger said attendees could bring nonperishable items, toilet paper, paper towels, toiletries, baby food and more.

“We’d love to bless them with lots of things to restock their food bank,” she said.

The mobile dairy classroom will show kids where milk comes from as the instructor milks a jersey cow starting at 10:30 a.m.

Kids will also enjoy a free kids zone, sponsored by Sav-Mor and Central State Bank, and free face painting.

“It’s a great opportunity to bring our community and have a fun, festive day together,” Krueger said.

Oliver Park is located near Calera High School at 9758 Alabama 25. For more information about the Calera Strawberry Festival or the Calera Farmers Market, which will run June 5 through Aug. 7 from 3-6 p.m. every Tuesday, visit Calerafarmersmarket.com or search for the market on Facebook.