Berry Festivals in New England

Berry Festivals in New England
Credit: Brenda Darroch Most fairs are held over the course of one weekend during the summer. Strawberry and blueberry fairs and festivals usually begin at the crack of dawn with a fruity pancake breakfast, with the proceeds benefiting a local non-profit organization. Sometimes a fair will have a square dance or public concert to kick off or cap off the event. The main attraction is the fair ground—where a variety of information, resources and growing, preserving and canning tips for berries is provided. Berry pies, cakes, muffins, breads, tarts, jams and jellies may be sampled and/or sold. There is usually live entertainment and prize-driven games—such as a pie-eating or berry-recipe contest—going on throughout the day or weekend. Decadent treats such as berry pie and ice cream; berry sauces and syrups; berry cobbler and shortcake; dried berries; and chocolate covered berries are available. New and unusual uses for berries are introduced each year and are often times available to sample or purchase. I have seen blueberry skin care products—including a berry exfoliating face mask, berry scented candles, soaps, and berry lip balm. Organic berry baby and pet foods, and berry beer and wine. Some fairs have a special children’s section with berry themed activities and games. A good old fashioned New England blueberry or strawberry festival is guaranteed fun for all ages, and finding one near you is as easy as pie. For a complete listing of fruit and berry festivals throughout New England and Beyond please visit: www.pickyourown.org/PYO.php www.delaplanestrawberryfestival.com/ www.blueberry.org/festivals.htm

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