Soergel's Orchards Kicks Off Summer Strawberry Festival

The following post was reported and written by Patch local editor Jessica Sinichak.

Sweet!

Soergel Orchards will welcome the summer at its annual Strawberry Festival Sunday, June 9, featuring pick-your-own strawberries, games, activities, fire truck rides and the first annual Soergel Orchards Very Berry Recipe contest.

Today's event features activities, games and strawberry desserts while celebrating the iconic first fruit of summer.

New this year is the addition of "Big Red," a 1973 fire truck providing rides around the grounds.

Visitors are invited to climb into specially-constructed benches atop the retired fire truck for a ride above the crowds and kids will have the opportunity to sound the horn and flash the lights.

The region's bakers and cooks are encouraged to bring their "A" game for the first annual Soergel Orchards Very Berry Recipe Contest. The contest is open to anyone with an original recipe featuring strawberries. There is no cost to enter.

All entries must be homemade. Store-bought items, including crusts, mixes or fillings are discouraged.

The winner of the Very Berry Recipe Contest will have their recipe considered for inclusion in the Soergel Orchards café and bakery menu as well as a $75 Soergel Orchards gift card.

More details and registration information are available at www.Soergels.com.

Attendees may also try a wide variety of strawberry desserts during the festival, ranging from the traditional strawberry shortcake to strawberry lemonade cupcakes.

Always an attraction for the Strawberry Festival, the pick-your-own strawberry fields will be open for the event.