Two Strawberry Festivals This Weekend

Image from the Burien Strawberry Festival website.

Strawberry growing has a long history in the Puget Sound region. Berry farms have dotted the area from Whatcom County to counties around the south end of the sound for nearly 200 years. While there are fewer berry farms now and the industry looks a little different these days, and kids don’t usually earn their pocket money picking berries by the flat in the summer like I did, we still love our strawberries.

That’s evident in the strawberry festivals that still take place around the region, with a proud nod to the past. This weekend, two festivals are happening in Burien and Marysville. The strawberry festival on Vashon Island doesn’t occur until July.

After a 2-year hiatus, the Burien Strawberry Festival runs on Saturday, June 18 from 10 am to 10 pm and Sunday, June 19, from 10 am to 4 pm. It takes place in Town Square Park, located at 480 SW 152nd Street.

Along with standard festival fare like live music, games, food, artists and booths, there will be a petting zoo for the kids on Saturday. On Sunday, Father’s Day, the highly popular annual Father’s Day Car Show takes place.

Farther north, the Marysville Strawberry Festival is even bigger and longer. It includes the 90th annual Twilight Grand Parade, which takes place on Saturday, June 18 at 7:45 pm. A carnival will be located on the grounds of Marysville Middle School and starts on Thursday, June 16 and ends on Sunday, June 19. Check the website for hours and the cost of rides.

Friday through Sunday features some excellent musical acts and a market loaded with arts, crafts, commercial vendors and food. Don’t miss the adult trike races on Thursday at 6 pm.

And of course you’ll find strawberries at both festivals.