CHESTER SPRINGS, PA — Fresh strawberries, live music, colonial brewing, and hands-on family activities will come together this June as The Mill at Anselma launches a new community tradition designed to celebrate the best of Chester County.
The historic Chester Springs landmark will host its inaugural Strawberry Social on Saturday, June 13, inviting residents to spend the day exploring local agriculture, artisan craftsmanship, and living history at one of the county’s most cherished historic sites.
Held in conjunction with the Mill’s popular Family Demo Day, the event will transform the grounds into a gathering place for local farmers, makers, musicians, and historical interpreters. Visitors can tour the working 18th-century grist mill, watch traditional milling demonstrations, enjoy live folk music, and sample the flavors of Chester County while learning about the region’s rich agricultural heritage.
“The Strawberry Social is a celebration of everything that makes Chester County special — our working history, our local farmers and artisans, and the sense of community that brings people together,” said Assemgul Bissenbina, Ph.D., trustee and chair of marketing and communications at The Mill at Anselma. “We are delighted to open the doors of the Mill at Anselma and share this beautiful place with our neighbors. We hope this becomes a beloved annual tradition.”
A Day of History, Music, and Family Fun
Guests will have opportunities to experience history in action throughout the day. The historic grist mill will be operating, giving visitors a chance to see traditional milling techniques firsthand. Historical interpreter and Regimental Brewmeister Michael Carver will demonstrate how beer was brewed during the colonial era, while additional baking demonstrations will showcase traditional methods used by early American settlers.
Families will find plenty to keep children entertained, including:
- Children’s crafts
- Paper making activities
- Traditional games
- Face painting
Adding to the festive atmosphere, local folk band Blue Belles will perform live music throughout the day.
Local Vendors Showcase Chester County Flavor
The Strawberry Social will also feature a curated selection of local farms, food producers, and artisan vendors.
Among the participants are Highland Orchards, offering fresh locally grown strawberries; Dancing Bee Nursery with plants and garden items; Trail’s End Farmstand & Petal ‘n Vine featuring flowers, produce, and handmade goods; and Extract & Box LLC, known for its raw local honey and honeycomb products.
Visitors can also enjoy food and beverages from vendors including Epicurean Garage, whose proceeds support vocational training programs for neurodivergent adults through The Autism Village Foundation, Cutter & Cannon Spirits, and Stoltzfus Sweet Treats, serving coffee, ice cream, and milkshakes.
Event Details
- What: Inaugural Strawberry Social at The Mill at Anselma
- When: Saturday, June 13, 2026
- Where: The Mill at Anselma, 1730 Conestoga Road, Chester Springs, PA 19425
- Cost/Tickets: $10 adults (ages 15–61); $5 seniors (62+); $5 youth (ages 5–14); free for children 4 and under and Mill members
- More Info: Visit The Mill at Anselma’s website and social media channels for event updates
While admission covers access to demonstrations and activities, food, beverages, produce, and vendor merchandise will be available for separate purchase.
For those looking to kick off summer with a blend of history, community, and locally grown flavor, the Strawberry Social promises a uniquely Chester County experience at one of the region’s most historic destinations.
Support the local news that supports Chester County. MyChesCo delivers reliable, fact-based reporting and essential community resources—free for everyone. If you value that, click here to become a patron today.