Sunshine and strawberries take over Farmer's Market

Clearwater's strawberry growing heritage is once again celebrated after being held off and on for decades.

It was a day of family fun on Saturday, July 5, as dozens of children with their parents, friends and neighbors took part in the Strawberry Feastival in Clearwater.

The event, organized by the Clearwater Farmers’ Market and Clearwater Ski Club, celebrated B.C.’s 150th birthday as well as the area’s strawberry-growing heritage. It appears to be the latest incarnation of the Strawberry Festival held off and on in Clearwater for decades.

Activities started in the morning at the Interior Whitewater building with Clearwater Elks serving strawberry breakfasts and the Kettle Café providing strawberry smoothies. The first paying customers after 9 a.m. received complimentary strawberry runners to plant.

Kids of all ages, including some adults, took part in the strawberry-eating contest, a fun event.

For the gastronomically inclined, there was a baking contest. Strawberry shortbread from Neal Broswick took first in the Sweets category, while Mrs. Handy’s bumbleberry pie and strawberry shortcake took second and third respectively.. Sabine Cooperman’s salad with strawberries and garlic took first in the Savory category. A strawberry smoothie created by Jan Trotter took first place in the Other category in the Strawberry Feastival baking contest, followed by a strawberry breakfast submitted by Clearwater Elks.

A strawberry-shaped piñata filled with small gifts attracted much attention from youngsters. Lined up smallest to largest, they took turns trying to break it open with a paddle.

An event tent in the Clearwater Farmers’ Market area contained displays about the strawberry-growing history of the area.

Strawberry Moose donated a B.C. 150th birthday cake for the festivities.

After lunch the fun moved across town to a strawberry tea at the ski club chalet. A variety of local entertainers performed for the audience.