Community Corner

Hundreds Flock to Strawberry Festival

Strawberry picking was just one of many activities that attracted event-goers to the first annual Strawberry Festival at Washington Farms in Watkinsville on April 30.

Under bright sunny skies, hundreds of strawberry lovers descended onto in Watkinsville on Saturday to take part in festivities offered at the first annual Strawberry Festival.

Customers picked their own strawberries by the bucket, vendors set up craft tables, live bands kept the crowd engaged, and a variety of farm activities --hayrides, a cow train, a jumping pillow and a petting zoo, just to name a few-- entertained children.  And there were plenty of barbecue sandwiches, hamburgers, strawberry shortcakes and other festival foods to go around. 

"We thought about doing it for a long time, and it was a huge undertaking," Donna Washington said. "Most festivals are put on by cities with many volunteers."

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Washington Farms had a paid staff of about 90. She and her husband, John, and their 5 children and family friends all helped out.  Daughter Amy, a University of Georgia Marketing graduate, and her friend, Elizabeth Selden, were key to the event's success, Donna Washington said.

"It was fun to plan," Amy Washington said. "I just thought about what would make it fun for the whole family and tried to plan something that I would enjoy going to."

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Although feedback has been very positive, this first event was still a learning experience, Donna Washington said. For example, next year they will have a plan in place for better handicapped parking, she said. 

The farm will also likely add activities to future festivals. A strawberry cook-off is just one of the ideas circulating, Washington said.


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