Lees kick off strawberry season in West TN at annual Humboldt festival

In Humboldt, May marks the start of strawberry season as the sweet fruit's smell wafts through the city.

In attending the West Tennessee Strawberry Festival, Gov. Bill Lee and his wife Maria traveled to the festival's hub in Humboldt for the annual Governor's Luncheon on May 10. The festival has been in place for 86 years.

Addressing a room of people decorated in shades of red, pink, and green, Lee recounted the first time he and Maria attended the festival.

Five years ago during campaign season, the Lees traveled to the Strawberry Festival in a campaign recreational vehicle with "Bill Lee for Governor" on its side. A hand-painted picture gifted to the Lees at this year's luncheon revealed that he happened to be wearing the same shirt as he did when he attended five years ago.

A number of local and state officials were present for the luncheon, including Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton, R-Cookeville, who accompanied the Lees.

The Lees were presented with a box of fresh strawberries by festival president Anne Short.

"There's something very remarkable about who we are as a state, and when I come to an event like this and to a community like this, I'm reminded of just why it is everyone else in America thinks this a great place to be," Lee said.

Fresh strawberries are available for picking close by in Milan at Green Acres Berry Farm. Visit www.greenacresmilan.com for more information. For a complete list of strawberry farms across the state, visit https://www.picktnproducts.org/listview/you-pick-strawberries.html.

To view more photos of the annual strawberry festival parade, visit www.jacksonsun.com.