As the City of Troy prepares for the 29^th Strawberry Festival, a 1965 alumnus of the Hobart Institute of Welding Technology takes the reigns.  Steve Emmel has been involved with the festival in some way each year since its inception.  This year, he is serving as chairman of the huge community event. 

Steve selected the theme for this year’s festival, “Cruisin’ the Berry 60s.”  He remembers the era of the 1960’s with fondness… the year he graduated from Troy High School and continued his education at the Hobart Institute… cool cars… the Beatles… hippies and flowers in your hair… and the change in the English language… the first manned space flight… Neil Armstrong’s first walk on the moon… and the sad memories of the death of President John F. Kennedy… and the start of the Vietnam War. 

Steve retired on April 30, 2004, following 38 years of employment with Goodrich Corporation.  For many years, he has volunteered in the community as Boy Scout Master and served on numerous committees related to the festival.  It’s a family affair, as Patti Emmel, Steve’s wife, has been Troy Strawberry Festival manager for the past six years.

The 2005 festival will be held the week-end of June 4^th and 5^th.  Incorporate it into your advanced training plans this summer!  Register for the Arc Welding Inspection and Quality Control course at Hobart Institute, held June 6 through 10.  Plan to arrive a few days early and bring your family to enjoy the festival!