Pick of the Bellarine’s strawberry patch

THIS Sunday will see swarms of Bellarine families head to Wallington Primary School for its 40th annual Strawberry Fair.

The Wallington Strawberry Fair is the oldest of its kind on the Bellarine Peninsula and is the school’s major fundraiser for the year.

Event organiser and teacher Amy Boland said the fair’s formula remained the same each year as it had become a family favourite for locals and visitors alike.

And while the school may not be the biggest in town, its heart is as big as its exceptionally generous community.

“I’m excited to see the whole community come together. It’s such a small school, and all the parents and students rally together to make it such a great event. We really put in the long hours to get it done,” Ms Boland said.

“We’re hoping for better weather this year, as last year the fair was held in 46-degree heat.”

This year’s fair offers rides, fresh produce grown by Wallington Primary School pupils, live performances, roaming entertainers, sporting displays, and of course strawberries galore.

Ben Clark (The Voice), Infinite Dance Studio, Pineapple Head, The Lyric Theatre and Anna Flint will entertain visitors as they sit back and enjoy gourmet delights from the food tents, along with strawberries served up on pancakes and pavlovas.

There will also be homemade jam and chocolate coated strawberries on offer.

This year’s auction was named in honour of the late Ken Drysdale, who offered his time as the auctioneer for much of the fair’s 40-year history.

“He’ll be sadly missed,” Ms Boland said.

Off-road parking will available across the road from the school, with a local farmer offering up his paddock to vehicles for the day.

Traffic management will be on hand to ensure safe crossings throughout the day.

The Wallington Strawberry Fair is taking place this Sunday, February 29 at Wallington Primary School (608-610 Wallington Road, Wallington). It’s on from 10am-4pm.

People are asked for a gold coin donation on entry. It is a dog-free event.