Celebrate summer and the sweet taste of strawberries at the fourth annual Strawberry Social. The event will be held on Sunday, June 16, from 1 to 6 p.m. in Elizabethtown Borough Community Park, 201 S. Mount Joy St.

Food, entertainment, music and more will be featured at the free event. "The Strawberry Social was created to be a community day picnic in the park, and this year it's for Dad," said Clint Gibble of LIV-Etown, one of the organizers of the event, noting that the social will be held on Father's Day.

This year's event is partially sponsored by the Rotary Club of Elizabethtown and the Elizabethtown Area Chamber of Commerce and presented by LIV-Etown. "LIV is an acronym for 'local interactive vitality,' and (LIV-Etown) strives to create free community events and activities that bring people together by being a part of the event, not just attending it," explained Tony Gibble, one of the event organizers.

Ross Productions will serve as master of ceremonies and DJ at the amphitheater in the park, and the event will include live entertainment and food trucks. "This year will feature two firsts for the Strawberry Social - the Berry Paws Couture dog fashion show by Fetch! Pet Care and our strawberry queen, United States of America's Mrs. Pennsylvania, will crown the first strawberry princess," Tony said. "The princess will be selected based on who attends showing the most spirit and devotion to the theme which is 'Strawberries, Red and Wild.'"

The social will also include a variety of games and children's activities with prizes, free chocolate-covered strawberries from Mars Wrigley and the Masonic Village Farm Market, a maker's mart area presented by Trade Faire, a "meet the businesses of downtown" area, free strawberry ice cream by Figments in Sprinkles, a free strawberry candy buffet by The Candy Unicornium, free bounce houses and a pie- and cupcake-eating contest sponsored by Myers Advantage Realty. Free water bottles will be provided throughout the park by Weis Markets.

The Strawberry Social offers countless ways to have fun, Tony said, whether that's by relaxing in the park or getting in on the action. "You can kick back and enjoy the entertainment at the amphitheater, play some games and watch some street performers," he said. "Get messy by taking part in the pie- and cupcake-eating contest, and cool off at the end of the day with a water blaster battle. You can also do some shopping from local artisans and sample some offerings from the local area and downtown Elizabethtown businesses."

He encourages people to come out to the park for a day of fun, adding, "Whatever you do, whether it's one thing or you do everything, if you enjoy a laid-back, small-town community event with charm and fun for all, this is one you don't want to miss."

Anyone who would like to participate in the Strawberry Social as a volunteer, representing a business or showcasing a talent may contact LIVetownevents@gmail.com.