By Jessica Schultz
Who needs a break from all of the negativity going on in the world right now? We all do!! We all need to get out, enjoy some fresh air, good food and appreciate all that remains good. What better way to do that, than to head out to 2264 King Road in Forestville, NY for a visit to the Merritt Estate Winery on June 10-12, 2022 for their 41st Annual Strawberry Festival. This great event boasts live music, tasty food and fun for even the littlest ones in your family to enjoy. The Villager had the opportunity to speak with owner Bill Merritt about the event and everything going on during it this year.
Villager (V): Strawberry Festival is back for its 41st year, what is different for 2022?
Bill (B): “New this year is a Friday night concert featuring Western New York’s favorite country band, West of the Mark: The Prime Project, on Friday night from 7-10pm. They bring a lot of energy with their country music. There will be food and drinks available to enjoy. Like always, admission and parking are free. This year we will be offering a Strawberry Swizzle, a strawberry wine cooler for everybody to enjoy.”
V: What are the event hours and prices?
B: “The event kicks off on Friday at 5pm with the concert beginning at 7pm. There will be a limited food menu and beverages available. Saturday the event begins at noon with live music, an artisan market with 20 different vendors and a full food menu available. The classic car show begins at 1pm and runs until 5pm. The music continues until 10pm. The band line up is: Zen City from 12pm-3pm; Black Widow from 3:30- 6:30pm; and Freebird, a Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute Band from 7-10pm. Sunday begins at noon with Ion Sky from 12-3pm and DTO from 3:30-6:30pm. As always, there is free admission and parking. Guests may make a donation to the Northern Chautauqua Canine Rescue.”
V: What things will be offered food wise? (I’m sure strawberry desserts are in high order.)
B: “A variety of food will be available on Saturday and Sunday to please everybody. Hot dogs, hamburgers, cheeseburgers and french fries are a staple. There will also be chicken salad wraps, chicken breast sandwiches and a garbage plate. And you called it on desserts, guests can enjoy strawberry shortcake and chocolate covered strawberries.”
V: What is there for the younger family members to enjoy?
B: “We will have entertainment such as a bounce house and a balloon artist that kids always enjoy watching.”
V: Each year you accept donations for a charity; which charity are you supporting this year?
B: “This year we will be collecting donations for The Northern Chautauqua Canine Rescue in Westfield.”
V: What’s the next event at the winery has lined up after the Strawberry Festival?
B: “The next event that we will hold at the winery will be our Septemberfest on September 10 and 11, that will feature Chiavetta’s famous chicken BBQ.”
V: Anything else to add?
B: “We do ask that attendees refrain from bringing any outside food and beverages to the event but other than that, I hope everybody that wants to, brings a lawn chair to sit and enjoy the fun.”
Thank you, Bill, for taking the time to speak with us and for hosting this fantastic event. And a huge thank you to the whole winery staff for making the festival possible for our communities’ members to enjoy. Remember if you need more information or just want to keep your eye out for updates, check out the Merritt Estate Winery’s Facebook page, merrittestatewinery.com or call 888-965-4800.