“Don’t miss out on the berrylicious treats and vibrant atmosphere”

I have been to the Middle Tennessee Strawberry Festival many times, and it’s always a highlight of the year in Portland, Tennessee.

From the website: In the early 1900s, Portland’s major industry was strawberries. The town was known for producing some of the country’s finest berries. In addition to numerous farms and agricultural businesses, Portland also had a cannery, a fruit processing plant, and a freezing facility that supplied strawberries for Breyers Ice Cream and other national brands.

At the height of the strawberry industry, Portland was shipping out as many as 30 railroad cars of strawberries per day.

The Middle Tennessee Strawberry Festival began in 1941, and the tradition continues today. Each year in mid-May, the festival draws more than 40,000 people who come together to celebrate the role strawberries have played in Portland’s heritage.

While Portland has become more industrialized over the past several decades, local strawberry farming is still part of the community. Farmers continue to bring fresh strawberries to the festival, and pick-your-own farms remain available in the surrounding area. Because weather heavily impacts the crop each year, the size of the harvest can vary, but the community’s celebration remains consistent.

The festival is a chance for people to visit Portland, enjoy local food, experience small-town charm, and take part in family-friendly events. From fresh, juicy berries to lively festivities, it truly is a “berry lover’s paradise.”

Each May, the community comes together to celebrate, and I always appreciate being part of that tradition. From juicy berries to fun festivities, it’s a berry lover’s paradise. Don’t miss out on the berrylicious treats and vibrant atmosphere!

Source: https://www.middletennesseestrawberryfestival.net/history