Berry lovers, rejoice.
Dianna Biringer of Biringer Farms, between Marysville and Everett, says strawberries are about two weeks early and the crop usually lasts three to four weeks.
The season is right on schedule with the Marysville Strawberry Festival, beginning Saturday, and the 15th annual Pig Out on the Farm at Biringer Farm, which is part of the festival, on June 19 and 20.
The second-generation farmers follow a rich history. Dianna Biringer’s husband, Michael, took over the strawberry farm in 1954, when his parents, Viktoria and Michael Biringer, decided it was time to retire.
While still in high school, the younger Michael lost his own first crop of raspberries when a freeze killed them. But he remained determined to continue the farm’s legacy.
Dianna Biringer says her husband, the oldest of four boys, made it clear to her that the farm is where his heart is and the marriage wasn’t going to interfere.
“Don’t ever try to take the farmer out of me,” she said Michael told her.
Michael’s parents came to America from Germany during the 1930s and began a farm in Pennsylvania. After hearing relatives speak of the beauty of the Northwest and making comparisons to the German landscape, the elder Biringers decided to head west and start the original farm on 88th Street in Marysville.
In 1948, the Biringers cultivated the land for strawberries, among other things.
Dianna Biringer said Snohomish County produced approximately 2,000 acres of strawberries at the time.
Marysville soon became the strawberry capital of the county.
The Biringers purchased a large parcel of land on Spencer Island in the late 1970s. In 1985, after their partner passed away, the Biringers moved to the new location. They sold the property to the Port of Everett in 1993 and currently rent the land from the port.
Although the number of farmed strawberry acres has dwindled to 25 this year, Dianna Biringer is certain that there are enough strawberries to go around, and that her husband isn’t going to stop farming anytime soon. She says they are busier than ever.
“Our goal is to bring people back to the dirt. It’s where the history is,” she said of the Pig Out on the Farm event.
This year’s Marysville Strawberry Festival and the Pig Out on the Farm feature a plethora of events centered on celebrating the strawberry.
New to the festival is a 14U Invitational Baseball Tournament (for those 14 and younger), a karaoke contest and a Motorcycle Show &Shine.
The grand parade and Kiddies Parade will return, despite construction on State Avenue, and more than 100 vendors will sell handmade goods.
Dianna Biringer says they are bringing back the pig roast for the Pig Out on the Farm. The traditional dinner features a pig on a spit, corn on the cob and salad. And, of course, don’t forget the “pig trough” strawberry shortcake dessert.
Hog calling remains the most popular event at the strawberry harvest celebration.
Hydroplanes, canoes and vintage cars: Events focus on modes of transportation as the 34th annual Salty Sea Days continues this weekend with the limited hydroplane races, outrigger canoe races, and the Rusty Relics car show.
On Saturday, 14 classes of outboard boats will compete on a three-quarter-mile course for top honors at the limited hydroplane races on Silver Lake. Admission is free. The event is produced by the Seattle Outboard Association.
The annual Sprint Regatta outrigger canoe races return to the west shore of Silver Lake for the eighth year on Sunday.
Races start at 9 a.m. with the 10 years and younger boys and girls and continue in categories through the golden masters.
Outrigger canoe races are becoming more popular and competitive each year. Clubs from Portland to Bellingham will compete for a spot at the International World Sprint Championships in August in Hilo, Hawaii.
Hawaiian plate lunches and shaved ice will be available for purchase.
Hui Wa’a O Puget Sound Canoe Club hosts the event.
The 14th annual Rusty Relics “On The Waterfront” car show returns Sunday to Legion Park.
The open show will feature 1949 and older through 1970 and newer stock, and 1939 and older street rods through 1940s and newer street rods. Additional vehicles featured will be classic, specialties, muscle cars, customs, stock and custom trucks.
Awards will be given in each category. Trophy-winning cars are selected by participant ballots.
A grand prize winner will receive a $400 gift certificate toward new tires and wheels courtesy of Everett Les Schwab.
Participation fee is $20, and spectators are $2 adults, children 12 years and younger free.
Stephanie S. Cordle / Herald file photo
The crew of a past Marysville Strawberry Festival float, “Strawberry Tropics,” shows off their creation in 2001.
Stephanie S. Cordle / Herald file photo
Jessica Gianola of Lake Stevens peers from an opening in the “Castle Maze,” during the Pig Out on the Farm at Biringer Farms in 2001.
Strawberry Festival schedule
Saturday
Tulalip Tribes Parade, 11 a.m., Marine Drive
Tulalip Tribes First Salmon Ceremony, 1 p.m., Tulalip Longhouse
Tuesday
Fashion show, noon, Leifer Manor
Wednesday
Adult trike race time trials, 7 p.m., Delta Avenue
Thursday
Talent show, 6 p.m., Cedarcrest School
Carnival, Marysville Middle School
June 18
14U Invitational Baseball Tournament, 5 p.m., Marysville-Pilchuck High School and Cedarcrest School
Golf tournament, 8 a.m., Battlecreek Golf Course
Arts &crafts market, 3 p.m., Asbery Field
Carnival, Marysville Middle School
The Fabulous Road Stars, 5:30 p.m., Asbery Field
KBSG personality appearance, 6 p.m., Asbery Field
Adult trike race, 7 p.m., State Avenue from Fifth to Seventh streets
The Viceroys, 7 p.m., Asbery Field
June 19
14U Invitational Baseball Tournament, 9 a.m., Marysville-Pilchuck High School and Cedarcrest School
Pig Out on the Farm, 10 a.m., Biringer Farms
Arts &crafts market, 10 a.m., Asbery Field
Motorcycle Show &Shine, 10 a.m., Asbery Field
KMPS 94.1 live remote broadcast, 10 a.m., Asbery Field
A-T Children’s Walk, noon, Jennings Memorial Park
Karaoke contest, noon, Asbery Field
Alice Stuart, 3:30 p.m., Asbery Field
KBSG Meet The Beatles, 5 p.m., Asbery Field
May Palmer &Her All Star Band, 5:30 p.m., Asbery Field
Kiddies Parade, 6 p.m., State Avenue between Seventh and Fourth streets
Berry Run, 7 p.m., Marysville Junior High School
Black Jack Fly Over, 8 p.m., downtown Marysville
Grand Parade, 8 p.m., State Avenue
Fireworks, 10 p.m., State Avenue
June 20th
14U Invitational Baseball Tournament, 9 a.m., Marysville-Pilchuck High School
Pig Out on the Farm, 10 a.m., Biringer Farm
Arts &crafts market, 10 a.m., Asbery Field
Carnival, Marysville Junior High School
KBSG Meet The Beatles, noon, Asbery Field
Salty Sea Days fun
Limited hydroplane races: Noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, west shore of Silver Lake, Everett; www.saltyseadays.org.
Hu Wa’a O Puget Sound Hawaiian outrigger races: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Silver Lake, Everett; 425-339-1113, www.saltyseadays.org.
On the Waterfront car show: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Legion Park, 145 Alverson Blvd., Everett; 425-337-3882, www.saltyseadays.org.
Salty Sea Days fun
Limited hydroplane races: Noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, west shore of Silver Lake, Everett; www.saltyseadays.org.
Hu Wa’a O Puget Sound Hawaiian outrigger races: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Silver Lake, Everett; 425-339-1113, www.saltyseadays.org.
On the Waterfront car show: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Legion Park, 145 Alverson Blvd., Everett; 425-337-3882, www.saltyseadays.org.
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