A Berry Big Weekend as Lincoln Strawberry Festival Returns with a New Queen

By Valerie Cury

A sweet new tradition is taking root in western Loudoun County—one that blends community pride, local agriculture, and opportunity for young women into a celebration as charming as it is meaningful.

On a lively March evening at Endhardt Winery, the Lincoln Strawberry Festival marked a milestone moment—the crowning of its very first Miss Lincoln Strawberry Festival. 

The inaugural title was awarded to Montana Cochran, a lifelong Lincoln resident whose deep roots in the community made her a natural choice.

Cochran, a ninth-generation Virginian and familiar face at the area’s beloved sheep drive, brings both local heritage and impressive credentials to her new role. 

A former Miss Teen Virginia, she has also held titles including Miss Loudoun County Teen and Miss Northern Virginia Teen. Yet beyond accolades, it is her connection to the land and community that stood out most during the evening’s celebration.

“This title is so near and dear to my heart,” Cochran shared after being crowned. “I’m looking forward to serving Lincoln and western Loudoun during the next few months to celebrate agriculture, community—and most importantly—strawberries.”

Her ambassadorship comes at a pivotal time for the festival itself. Now entering its third year, the Lincoln Strawberry Festival has quickly evolved from a small hometown gathering into a signature spring event in Loudoun County. What began as a grassroots effort has blossomed into a multi-day celebration drawing families, farmers, and visitors eager to experience the region’s agricultural heritage.

The addition of the Miss Lincoln Strawberry Festival title represents more than ceremony—it signals the continuation of a scholarship initiative aimed at supporting young women across the region. 

Beginning next year, organizers plan to implement a formal application and interview process open to participants from Loudoun and neighboring Clarke County, expanding both the reach and impact of the program.

The Wegmeyer Farm Foundation, founded by Harriet and Tyler Wegmeyer, celebrates the “natural wonder and taste of the strawberry” and goes beyond farming to provide educational opportunities for local students while lifting up other nonprofit organizations.

Harriet Wegmeyer, a driving force behind both the festival and the scholarship program, emphasized the importance of creating meaningful opportunities within the community. During the event, she highlighted the foundation’s growing portfolio of scholarships, which already includes awards for student artists and high school community contributors.

The crowning ceremony itself reflected the warmth and humor of a close-knit community. Hosted by members of the Lincoln Community League, the evening included heartfelt thanks to organizers, volunteers, and longtime supporters who have helped shape the festival’s growth. 

Attendees gathered for photos, conversation, and celebration—underscoring the sense that this was not just an event, but the continuation of a shared story.

That story will unfold further this May when the festival returns for its full weekend lineup, scheduled for May 15–17. Festivities will kick off with the “Berry Important Person” Denim Gala, an evening of dinner and community connection. 

The weekend will then burst into full flavor with strawberry-themed competitions, including pie- and ice-cream-eating contests, live music, and family-friendly activities.

Sunday’s highlights include a pancake breakfast, a strawberry toddler fashion show, and opportunities for visitors to pick their own berries—an experience that connects attendees directly to the agricultural roots the festival celebrates.

In just a few short years, the Lincoln Strawberry Festival has become more than a seasonal attraction. It is a reflection of a community investing in itself—honoring tradition while creating new pathways for growth. With Cochran as its first ambassador and the scholarship program, the festival is poised to deepen its impact even further.

For Lincoln and the surrounding countryside, it seems the future is looking bright—and just a little bit sweeter. For more information go to LincolnStrawberryFestival.com.