Franklin Farms’ “Berries in the Boro” weekend was nothing short of record-breaking. The farm doubled its strawberry sales from the year before, even after planting more to meet growing demand — and still, it wasn’t enough.
Crowds flooded the fields on Saturday, picking the patch nearly clean and wiping out the supply of U-pick baskets just after lunchtime. The turnout was so strong that Sunday’s U-pick had to be canceled altogether. Despite that, families stuck around to enjoy the festivities, turning the weekend into a massive celebration of strawberries, sunshine, and small-town spirit.
The farm, located at 10610 US Highway 301 South, was packed from the time the gates opened Saturday morning until the final hayride. And while the event was free to enter, folks came ready to support, with several vendors saying it was their best sales day ever.
“Saturday was crazy,” said Emma Heine, Franklin Farms’ Social Media Manager and Event Planner. “Every vendor told us they had their best day that they’ve had. We doubled our strawberry sales from last year, which is just wild.”
The popularity of the U-pick strawberry baskets came as no surprise, but even the farm team was blown away by how quickly things moved. At one point Saturday afternoon, Franklin Farms sold out of baskets altogether. “The first couple of hours, the berries were coming out big, red, and beautiful,” Heine said. “By the end, people were picking the ones that weren’t quite ready , but they were determined to fill those baskets.”
Despite the brief sell-out, the team was quick to reassure customers: strawberry picking continues daily, and there are usually plenty of berries to go around. “We’re open seven days a week — Monday through Saturday from 9 to 6, and Sundays from 11 to 6. So if you missed out or want to come back for more, we’ve got you covered,” Heine said.
Beyond the berries, the entire farm transformed into a mini festival ground. Kids lined up for face painting and bounced their hearts out in the free bounce houses, which were available with the purchase of a U-pick basket. Parents and grandparents browsed handmade goods and snacks from a variety of local vendors, including:
- Meme Pops
- Amorcitas
- Painters Alley
- Lolly the Clown
- A. Nicole Lemonade & Sweet Treats
- Crazy Nay’s
Of course, the homegrown vibe extended to the Franklin Farms stand itself, where shoppers could pick up fresh collards, mustards, spring onions, chicken and duck eggs, popcorn, olive oil, local honey, cane syrup, and even early-season tomatoes brought in from Florida.
“People really like just getting out with their families,” Heine said. “It’s wholesome, it’s outdoors, and there’s something for everyone to enjoy. That’s what we’re all about, making memories together on the farm.”
Looking ahead, Franklin Farms is already preparing for its next major event on Saturday, April 19, a farm-style Easter Egg Hunt. Taking place right in the strawberry fields, the Easter event will offer a golden egg prize hunt, bounce houses, hayrides, and a new lineup of vendors. Anyone who purchases a U-pick basket can participate in the egg hunt, and kids who find a golden egg will win a prize, including a special giveaway.
In the meantime, spring produce is just getting started. “Right now, it’s strawberries and spring onions,” Heine said. “But pretty soon, the fields will be full. We’re gearing up for a big produce season.”
If you missed it this time? Don’t worry. The berries are still ripening, the stand is still open, and there’s another round of family fun just around the corner.