One of the standout events of the Strawberry Festival each year is the Strawberry Sprint and Stroll. This race, held on the Saturday before the festival, has become a highlight for the community, drawing vendors, food, and entertainment to Main Street for the enjoyment of Fort Mill residents and visitors alike.
The benefits of the Strawberry Sprint and Stroll extend beyond the immediate excitement of the event. This year, the race raised nearly $5,000 for the Foundation for Fort Mill Schools and contributed $20,000 towards future town improvements through various programs supported by Fort Mill Economic Partners. However, the economic impact on the town was even more significant.
With approximately 1,300 participants and supporters, and a total of 3,600 people present on Main Street, the town experienced a notable increase in economic activity. Local businesses saw a surge in customers, town restaurants enjoyed increased patronage, and local hotels benefited from higher occupancy rates. Specifically, the event generated $27,000 in retail and recreational spending, $36,000 for local food and beverage vendors, and $43,000 for lodging and hotel accommodations. In total, the Strawberry Sprint and Stroll contributed $124,000 to Fort Mill’s economy and $10,000 in local revenue for the town government.
Comparing these figures to previous years, it’s clear that the event has had a substantial positive impact. This year’s race saw a 197% increase in economic impact compared to last year and a 329% increase compared to 2022.
With such impressive results, Fort Mill Economic Partners is eagerly anticipating the Strawberry Sprint and Stroll 2025. We will soon be seeking sponsors and vendors, so be on the lookout for our upcoming application releases. We encourage you and your business to get involved and help us achieve even greater success in 2025. In collaboration with local business support and the town of Fort Mill’s skilled workers, we hope to keep the increased year over year attendance and grow the race even further to create more opportunities for businesses, residents, and visitors alike.
