Strawberries 'N' Art Festival

It's Caroline's third year at Westford's Strawberries 'N' Art Festival. 

For most people the main attraction is the scrumptious strawberry shortcake, a biscuit-like cake, topped with recently-picked strawberries and a light and fluffy whipped cream. The treat is a staple of the festival, ever since the festival began 36 years ago.

But, the nine-year-old has yet to taste it, she said.

Sitting next to Caroline on the ground, her six-year-old sister Rosie, mother Katie Sawrey and friend Katey Schwind eat away at their own piece of cake. 

"We always come here after lunch and I'm always full," said Caroline, folding her arms in exasperation. 

Sawrey, makes a note of her daughter's dilemma and laughs. She said she keeps attending the festival because she said it's a fabulous time. "We also love the arts stalls," Sawrey said. "We do a lot of window shopping." 

The festival, held annually, is a sign that summer is upon Westford. 

"It's the coming out party for Westford," said Schwind, who works at the First Parish Church United which organizes the festival. 

Sawrey agrees. She said that it's a time for the community to come together after months of hiding and staying inside during the bitter winter. 

Festival Chairman Glen Anderson believes the continuing popularity of the festival is a testament to the small-town community feel of Westford. 

"It's kind of like a Westford tradition," Anderson said. "A lot of people look forward to it."

According to Anderson, the festival usually averages 3000 attendees. 

The strawberries, which Anderson said were picked on Friday, come from Parlee Farms in Tyngsboro. 

In order to serve all those that want to try the cake, 360 quarts of strawberries are prepared early in the day by volunteers, said Anderson. 

To hide from the sun, Nancy Smallenberger and Muriel Walsh sit underneath a tree's shadow to enjoy their shortcake. The two finished biking 20 miles and decided to relax and eat some well-deserved dessert. 

"We will be back," Smallenberger said. "It's a wonderful event, a nice outpouring of people."

The festival also gives local vendors and artisans the opportunity to sell their goods. 

Handmade bracelets, jewelry, dancing marionettes were among the items available for sale. There was even a booth for henna tattoos. 

One booth, Odd Socks, sold dolls and stuffed toys made from multicolored socks she collects. 

Owner Claudia Zahn said it's a good opportunity for her to sell her critters.

"There are a lot of kids and adults that appreciate handmade items," Zahn said. 

Rod Wood of Tyngsboro waited for his wife to bring him his piece of shortcake. He looks forward to the festival because the strawberries are the first of the season. 

"It's nice getting the first bunch," Wood said. When the wait was over and his cake arrived he took a bite, smiled and said "It was worth it."