The Berry Fest

I’m starting to see red. It’s perhaps my favorite sign of summer when I see those little green bulbs turn into juicy red strawberries in the backyard. Or popping up in farmers markets, supermarkets and makeshift roadside stands in my neighborhood. Strawberry season is upon us, Sacramento, and it’s time to eat the deliciously sweet yet tangy fruit. Nowhere can you get a better taste of many of our local strawberry growers than at the 2011 Roseville Berry Fest. Among others, there will be growers representing Placer, Sacramento, El Dorado, Yuba and Sutter counties.

Happening this Saturday and Sunday, the festival features food, contests, exhibitions and kid’s entertainment. Live music will be provided by 2Tight, Briefcase Full of Blues, Innersoul and Beatles tribute band Because. Another one of the many highlights is the annual shortcake-eating contest. Ocurring daily at 4 p.m., the contest pits contestants against each other to determine how many strawberry shortcakes they can eat in two minutes, without using their hands. Kid-friendly events include a petting zoo, pony rides, kids theater entertainment and a “Berry Go Round.” Throw in strawberry cooking demonstrations, a Little Miss Strawberry Pageant and a classic car show and you’ve got all the makings of a berry delicious weekend. Oh yeah, there’s also strawberry pie, salsa, cookies, pancakes, pizza and a beer garden.

Berry Fest happens Saturday, May 7, and Sunday, May 8, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Placer County Fairgrounds, 800 All America City Boulevard in Roseville. Tickets cost $8 for ages 9-59, $6 for ages 60 and above and admission is free for children under 8. Parking is $5 and some activities cost extra. For more information, call (916) 787-0101 or visit www.feedmestrawberries.com.