Photo: Jay Willet/WBZ NewsRadio
FRAMINGHAM, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — Despite the dreary weather that might have some wishing the rain would go away, Thomas Hanson, owner of Hanson's Farms, says the rain is essential for this season's strawberries.
"It's sizing them up, which is good. Strawberries are very shallow-rooted so some rain is very important."
June marks the beginning of strawberry harvesting season and the kick-off for their month-long weekend Strawberry Festival. Attendees can partake in various activities including interacting with the farm animals, eating strawberry shortcakes and hayrides.
"We're gonna have cider donuts. The ice cream bus is gonna be open. We have a band coming," said Hanson.
Located 25 miles outside of Boston, the Hanson family has grown a variety of fruits and vegetables on their land since 1913. In 1981, Hanson convinced his father to allow locals to pick their own strawberries, a practice that has become a staple for their business. Outside of the festival, strawberry enthusiasts can purchase strawberries in June and July. Additionally, blueberries are available in July, flowers from July to September, blackberries in August, and pumpkins from September to November.
While he acknowledges the necessity of the rain for the produce, Thomas Hanson is looking forward to sunnier days.
"Right now I would like for it to calm down and stop raining."
WBZ NewsRadio’s Jay Willett (@JayWilletWBZ) reports.