"Strawberries are what makes life taste wonderful,'' said author, Anthony T. Hincks. We dare you to find anyone who would disagree. These ruby-coloured gems make any meal wonderful whether you cook, juice, freeze or blend them. Sigh, they're even perfect as is - fresh from the farm.
In South Africa, spring marks the start of the strawberry season. Why not pop by George? The town bursts into life this weekend with their famous strawberry festival.
What is the George Strawberry Festival?
It's an annual celebration of strawberries. The festival is presented by Ola and combines everything fun: good food, live shows, outdoor activities, sports and adventure.
When is the George Strawberry Festival?
Just three more sleeps until it starts. The festival is on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd of September. It's a sweet way to kick off the September school holidays.
Where is the George Strawberry Festival?
The festival takes place at Redberry Farm in George. Set against the gorgeous backdrop of the Outeniqua Mountain range, it's the prettiest place to make memories.
How much for a ticket?
You can pick up your ticket at the gate. Adults pay R55 while kids between three and 12 years pay R25. If your child is two years and under, they get in for free.
What you can do at the festival
- Grab some goodies: The outdoor country market has good food and handcrafted products. If your cash is burning a hole in your pocket, treat yourself to some jam and strawberry soap.
- Make your kids happy: Emphasis on "happy". There are magic shows, face painting, Lollos performances and mascot photo opportunities. Your kids can play on jumping castles, do target shooting, ride the Redberry Express mini train or explore the largest permanent hedge maze in the Southern Hemisphere.
- Fill your belly: If you need a berry break, there are lots of other foodie favourites. The eateries and stalls have wine, craft beer, wood-fired pizzas, handcrafted ice cream and coffee.
- Watch a show: The festival is packed with performances. Our country's best musicians and vocalists including Brighitte Deister, Rhino and the Rasta and Daniel Fernandes will showcase their talent.
- Learn a new recipe: Do all these juicy flavours have you inspired? Nice. Celebrity chef, Francois Ferreira, will show you how to whip up a masterpiece.
- Get picking: If you're one of the luckiest (read: earliest), you can get a picking voucher with your ticket. This lets you forage for your own strawberries at the farm. See who can find the biggest, sweetest or prettiest.
- Compete in the eat-off: Like you needed an excuse to devour strawberries! Adults can compete to see how many they can eat in three minutes. Kids can enter their own strawberry and ice cream eat-off for a chance to win great prizes.
- Take on the trail: There's no need to abandon your health goals. You can take part in a 9 km trail run or 5 km fun run/walk. They take you through strawberry and kiwi fields for a truly scenic journey.
- Cheer on the girls: The Ace Models Miss Strawberry Pageant will see teens modelling their best-dressed strawberry outfits. Go show them your support.
- Catch the match: Rugby fans, you won't have to miss that Rugby World Cup clash between South Africa and New Zealand. Sip on a beer or strawberry cocktail and watch the match live on a big screen.
- Feats of strength: CrossFit George will have participants battle for the title of "Fittest in the Garden Route". The challenge has men, women and teams test their strength, determination and character. Don't miss it!
The strawberry festival promises a family-friendly day. It's just one of the many delicious events on George's social calendar. Upcoming gatherings include The George Gin Festival 2019, The Big Bug Expo and George Lights Festival. As a local, you can be a part of this wonderful community spirit. Check out our listings for a taste of the good life you can have.