A late-arriving spring made us wait for their juicy goodness, but strawberries are finally here!

Celebrate the berry this weekend at Garner’s annual Strawberry Festival, featuring food, music, family fun and much more, and click here for a “berry” special strawberry cake recipe.

This year’s fest will take place this Saturday, April 27, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with new activities including mining for gems. The daylong fest also offers face painting and fun for kids, numerous vendors, live entertainment, a classic car show and — what else — strawberries! 

The fest is held on Technology Drive in the Cleveland area of Garner, near the intersection of N.C. 42 and I-40.

Hosted by the Greater Cleveland Chamber of Commerce, the Strawberry Festival was founded in 2000 and has grown in popularity each year. Last year’s event drew some 40,000 people, said Marlene Hill, executive director of the Greater Cleveland Chamber of Commerce.

See a Classic

This weekend is also your last chance to see the Towne Players of Garner production of Our Town, the timeless American tale by Thornton Wilder.

Set in the fictional town of Grover’s Corners, the play stars local talents who take us back in time for a look at life and love via the everyday lives of the citizens of fictional small town Grover’s Corners.

Remaining shows are April 25, 26 and 27 at 8 p.m., and a matinee on April 27 at 2 p.m. All show are at the Garner Performing Arts Center.

Tickets $15 or $12 for students and seniors, and are available at the door.  

Relay for Life

Garner’s annual Relay for Life event will be held this weekend, beginning Friday, April 26 at 6 p.m., at Lake Benson Park and continuing overnight.

Join the community-wide effort to raise money for cancer research, with booths, food, games and more, as 60 teams take part to make a difference.

For more info, visit www.facebook.com/RelayGarnerNC.