Strawberry Festival serves up sweet treats July 5
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Updated: June 22, 2009 10:52 AM
For 23 years, Mayor Frank Leonard has helped dish out the traditional snack at the Saanich Strawberry Festival.
Strawberries and ice cream is the highlight of the annual summer event. It takes 520 litres of vanilla ice cream and more than 1,000 pounds of strawberries from Mitchell Farms to serve the 3,000 people who purchase the 50-cent treat.
"It's a quasi-military event," joked Leonard about the serving process, which involves 25 volunteers.
"I think the festival is now part of a broader series of events that really try and give folks a sense of community. In many ways it reflects Saanich. It's low-key and enjoyable."
In its 43rd year, the Saanich Strawberry Festival offers a variety of family activities. There's stage entertainment, interactive displays, petting farm animals, pony rides, inflatable castles, carnival games, model boats, and arts and crafts.
"With the economy the way it is now, I think local tourism is even more important than it has been in the past," said Rob Phillips, Saanich's special events co-ordinator.
"This is just a free event for families to spend quality time together and learn more about their community and some of the organizations that are participating. Next to Canada Day, it is our largest one-day event in the region."
Strawberry Festival started as a way to celebrate Saanich's agricultural roots with a family picnic at the beach. It's since grown into a festival attracting close to 5,000 people annually from around the region.
Strawberry Festival runs 11 a.m. to 3 p.m at Beaver Lake Park on July 5. Strawberries and ice cream are served at 2 p.m.
There will be free shuttle service to Beaver Lake from the overflow parking lot at the BC Hydro building next to the Royal Oak Shopping Centre. Service runs noon to 4 p.m.
For more information, contact Phillips at 250-475-5558 or by e-mail at rob.phillips@saanich.ca
kschoenit@oakbaynews.com
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