It’s rich in both history and calories.

For nearly seven decades, the Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church, just south of Blooming Prairie, has hosted its annual Strawberry Festival, a time for fellowship, fundraising and that red fruit that goes well on ice cream and shortcake.

The festival turned 68 Tuesday, and organizers prepared 300 pounds of strawberries for the occasion.

“From what I understand it started out as a family social hour,” said Cindy Hingeveld, co-chair of the event. “For several years, it was probably just the congregation and then it grew from there. Now, it’s one of our biggest fundraisers.”

Church members — who are also celebrating the church’s 150th anniversary in 2009 — served more than 600 people last year and was on pace to match that Tuesday.

In the first 40 minutes, more than 200 turned out for a spread that included Sloppy Joes, hot dogs, potato salad, beans, and of course, the strawberries, with choices of angel food cake, ice cream and regular cream. Items were offered at al la cart prices.

“It’s a busy working day, but it’s also fun,” said Hingeveld, who added that the proceeds benefit the church in different ways.

Last year the funds paid for new stoves in the kitchen, a new refrigerator for the parsonage — or where the minister calls home — and community work programs for youth.

The church’s pastor, Gene Leiter, called the festival dynamic.

“It integrates the whole family, service and fundraising, and the whole fun thing that we’re in this for the faith but it’s so much more than showing up for an hour each week.

What makes the Strawberry Festival popular is in the eye of the beholder, but Carolyn Leiter, the pastor’s wife, has one idea.

“Our potato salad,” she said. “People can’t believe we make it from scratch. They say it’s the best around.”

Those people include Beulah Luthe of Austin.

“Do they make their own potato salad?” she asked. “Man, that’s good.”

As for the strawberries, this year’s batch was bought from Hy-Vee and brought in from California.

Years ago, the strawberries were all local, picked from the gardens of church members and area farmers.

Dorothy Kittelson, who’s been coming to the church since she was baptized in 1928, remembers those days.

“We’d all bring in two or three quarts each, and then we all had to clean them of course,” she said.

Kittelson said the reason it’s not done that way anymore is simply a sign of the times.

“Farmers don’t have strawberries like they used to,” she said. “It’s the same reason they don’t have gardens in cities. Times have changed.”

Customers Tuesday didn’t mind.

Darlene Sulton of Austin picked angel food cake topped with ice cream and sugar-free strawberries because she’s a diabetic.

“They’re always good,” she said. “I haven’t tasted them yet, but they’re always good.”

Austin’s Betty Holan had just finished.

“I wish I had a bigger stomach,” she said.