Just a few miles from downtown Middlebury, The Meeting House at Cornwall is helping breathe new life into a beloved community tradition. This Sunday, June 28, from 3:30–7:00 p.m., Benjamin Adam Weiss and a team of volunteers and community members will host the Cornwall Strawberry Bluegrass Festival on the Cornwall Town Green—a fresh take on the town’s former Strawberry Festival, combining local strawberries, live music, and community connection.
We caught up with Benjamin to learn more about the festival, the partnerships making it possible, and why supporting both artists and community is at the heart of everything he does.
K&K: Benjamin, where did the idea for the Strawberry Bluegrass Festival come from?
B: We wanted to bring back the spirit of the old Cornwall Strawberry Festival, but also make it our own. Rather than simply recreating the event, we decided to frame it as the Cornwall Strawberry Bluegrass Festival. We loved the playfulness of the name–strawberry shortcake, strawberry rhubarb, strawberry bluegrass! It celebrates both a local food tradition and a style of music that brings people together.
K&K: What can people expect on Sunday?
B: The festival runs from 3:30 to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 28, on the Cornwall Town Green. It’s completely free to attend, with an opportunity to donate when getting your strawberry shortcake and outside if you feel moved by the music! We’ll have strawberry shortcake, live music, plenty of space to relax, and dance, and a wonderful community atmosphere. Bring a lawn chair, bring a blanket, bring your family and friends, and enjoy a summer afternoon on the green.
K&K: Tell us about the music.
B: We have two fantastic bands. Sap Line performs from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. They’re a young, talented group with roots in Addison County, and they’re actually coming straight back from a traditional music festival in Acadia, Maine. Then from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m., The Otter Creek Band takes the stage. The band began with Middlebury College alumni and has evolved into a wonderful group of Vermont musicians. Both bands perform throughout New England, and we’re excited to bring them to Cornwall.
K&K: You seem passionate about supporting musicians. Tell us more.
B: Very much so. I want our events to be financially and culturally accessible, but I also believe artists deserve to be paid fairly for their work. Too often musicians are expected to play for tips or whatever comes through the door. We budget carefully so we can offer professional musicians a guaranteed fee. Supporting the arts means supporting the artists themselves.
K&K: The festival involves a lot of community partners. We can truly relate to that!
B: Absolutely. Community partnership is really what makes this possible. We’re partnering with the Town of Cornwall, the Vermont Roots Music Collective for sound support, and Purple Barn Farm here in Cornwall for the strawberries. Kerianne and Nate Severy have built a wonderful pick-your-own strawberry operation, and we’re thrilled to be able to feature local fruit as part of the festival.
K&K: We heard there’s even a community strawberry picking event ahead of Sunday?
B: Yes! On Friday morning we’re inviting volunteers to help pick strawberries at Purple Barn Farm. It’s a fun way to get involved, meet people, and help prepare for the festival. The strawberries will then be transformed into strawberry shortcake for Sunday’s celebration.
K&K: What has surprised you most as you’ve organized the event?
B: The generosity of the community. Volunteers have stepped forward to help with everything from photography and hospitality to baking and setup. As a relatively new organization, we’re still building our volunteer base, and it’s been wonderful to see people sharing their talents and enthusiasm.
K&K: Who is this event for?
B: Everyone. Families, kids, friends, neighbors, visitors—anyone looking for a relaxing afternoon of music, dancing and community. You can come on your own and meet people, or bring a whole group. It’s designed to be welcoming and accessible. We want people to feel comfortable spending a few hours enjoying good music, good food, and good company.
K&K: Is this a one-time event?
B: We certainly hope not. We’re thinking of this as the beginning of a new tradition for Cornwall—one that builds on the past while creating something fresh for the future. If people come out and support it, we’d love to see the Strawberry & Bluegrass Festival become an annual celebration.
K&K: Any final thoughts you’d like to share?
B: Just come and enjoy it. Find a spot on the green, listen to some great music, enjoy some strawberry shortcake, and spend time with your community. That’s really what it’s all about!
K&K: Ben, it’s been a pleasure. Keep us posted with any other communuty events this season!