Strawberries, cherries ripening for Bacchus Marsh fest next weekend

A CELEBRATION of the start of the Victorian strawberry and cherry growing season is coming to the centre of Bacchus Marsh next week.

The Bacchus Marsh Strawberry and Cherry Festival will take place on Main Street and the Village Green from Friday 14 to Sunday 16 November, and organiser Felicity Ashman said there will be market stalls, a carnival, food trucks, all-ages entertainment and an author panel.

“We’ll have Victorian strawberries and cherries for sale on the site, but those who would like to pick local berries need to go to the farms,” she said.

“In the public hall we have stalls, the CWA with their Devonshire tea and sandwiches, the local authors’ group in there, and quite a few community groups.

“Down the street at the Village Green we’ll have food trucks and over 200 stalls, including the Victorian strawberry and cherry farms, baked goods, gifts, and garden art. Many of them have made strawberry and cherry items.

“The Royal Hotel opens up and has a side street arm. They’re one of our lovely sponsors.”

First-time stallholder Jennifer Trinh has crafted handmade strawberry and cherry-themed gifts and stationery especially for the event.

“Having the strawberry and cherry theme to work with is awesome because it gives me new skills and inspiration,” she said.

Throughout the weekend, a kids’ area will include an animal farm, face painters, a Scouts rockwall climbing activity, and a barbecue.

Pentland Calisthenics and Ballan Choir are some of the live entertainers booked. On Friday night, the carnival will have a locals’ night.

“Ninety per cent of the entertainers are Moorabool-based this year,” said Ms Ashman.

Visit strawberrycherryfestival.com.au for the full program, updates, and access, parking and road closure information.