It’s the most wonderful time of the year — strawberry season in Ontario!
To celebrate the start of the strawberry season, as well as the beginning of summer, Barrie Hill Farms has been busy watering and prepping for its annual Strawberry Festival, which is scheduled to take place Saturday, June 24 and Sunday June 25 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
The farm, located about 15 minutes northwest of downtown Barrie, has been hosting the festival for nearly two decades, said Morris Gervais, a second-generation farmer who owns and operates Barrie Hill Farms.
“The whole festival came about when farms across Ontario decided to do an Ontario-wide strawberry festival. We were one of the first farms to host a strawberry festival in one of the regional locations and we’ve just kept it going since then.”
Although there’s no longer an Ontario-wide festival weekend, Gervais said they have kept the popular event going.
“Strawberry season in Ontario is a real part of our culture and a real part of who we are as Canadians and as Ontarians," he said. "Everyone is so excited when it’s strawberry season. School is ending, it’s the start of summer. It’s a real tradition and a real part of living here.
"Ontario strawberries are ready to go and everyone knows how fantastic they are and how short the summer strawberry season here is," Gervais added.
The event will include the chance for visitors to head out to the field and take part in the pick-your-own strawberries or, if they prefer, they can grab ready-picked strawberries in the newly renovated farm market. Visitors can also enjoy live music and covered wagon rides.
“You can’t can’t forget about strawberry treats at our Silo Café, like our strawberry frozen yogourt or fresh waffles topped with strawberries and whipped cream … both made with our very own strawberries,” added Connor Maas, the farm’s marketing and promotions manager, who also noted the upcoming event will run rain or shine.
Barrie Hill Farms is located at 2935 Barrie Hill Rd., in Springwater Township.
