The 2009 Strawberry Festival will encourage festival-goers to "Dance to the Music."
The Troy festival kicked off its 33rd year with a ceremony at the First Lutheran Church in Troy Thursday night.
The kickoff ceremony welcomed the 2009 Strawberry Festival General Chairwoman Becky Pappas, and announced the parade Grand Marshall, Pat and Thom Robinson.
Dave Pappas, chairman of the Strawberry Festival Soccer Tournament and the festival's 2010 chairman, said the Robinsons are an example of the power of volunteerism and philanthropy.
"Like an iceberg, only 10 percent of their charitable acts are seen around town," Dave Pappas said of the Robinsons.
The Robinsons are "outstanding volunteer leaders, members of numerous boards and committees and extraordinary donors" Strawberry Festival Manager Sabra Johnson said in a recent press release.
Selected by this year's chairwoman, the festival theme, "Dance to the Music," was based on Pappas' love for both music and dance.
"It was difficult to choose," Pappas said of the theme. "I have many passions."
In addition to bringing back successful past year events, the 2009 Strawberry Festival will welcome new events.
Initiated last year, Strawberry Idol and Backseat Driver will return, 2008 Strawberry Festival Chairperson Fred Daffner said following opening ceremonies.
During the planning stages of this year's festival, Pappas said she conducted a survey to determine what events would return, adding that some of the returning events, were tweaked.
"I kind of like change," she said.
New events include a chess tournament and Pickle Ball, a cross between ping pong and tennis, Pappas said.
The Road Rally, Pappas added, will be back by popular demand.
Becky Pappas has been Chairperson of the Festival of Nations for 11 years, a board member for Teen Leadership Troy, board member of the Troy Area Chamber of Commerce and is chairperson and president of various community soccer organizations.
In addition to her involvement in local organization, Pappas has danced with Tammy's School of Dance more for than 13 years and assists in teaching dance.
She resides in Troy with her husband David and their children Matt and Michelle.
"Any event that we have is only as good as the committee," Pappas said. "I have a great committee and am looking forward to working with each of them to offer a wonderful event for the festival goers.
"There's something for everyone," Pappas added. "I encourage everyone to come out and dance to the music."
