Blueberries were the name of the game Saturday and Sunday during the opening weekend of the 12th annual Tampa Bay Blueberry Festival.
The event is hosted by Plant City’s own Keel Farms at Keel & Curley Winery, 5210 Thonotosassa Rd., and is free to attend. Parking is $10 and the crowds flocked to the farm to take in the berry-sweet activities. Many stayed out of the heat by lounging under the patio of the winery while enjoying a crisp beer and a plate full of pub food. Others wove in and out of the rows of unique vendors, walking away with hand carved statues and homemade jams.
Children enjoyed the bounce house and playground and the adults waited in long lines to try unique brews found only at the establishment.
The highlight of the day by far was the blueberry u-pick, which ran $6 a pound with cash and $6.50 a pound with a card. Families were woven among the bushes as far as the eye could see as they searched for the perfect berry to add to their basket.
The festival comes to a close this weekend and will be open April 13 and April 14 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.