Summer Events Were Good for Business, Say Farmers

Sweet Berry Farm's free weekly concert series had its last show of the summer  Tuesday night featuring the Honky-Tonk Knights' blend of rockabilly blues, paired with an optional specially prepared Oktoberfest menu.

All summer, hundreds of people gathered on Tuesday nights on the café lawn to listen to an eclectic mix of music from local acts and bands, as well as dine on special themed menu offerings or bring their own picnic dinners.

Recent weather delays hadn't added stress for owner Michelle Eckert. She said recently, perhaps as only a farmer can, "The beauty of it is there is nothing we can do about weather so there is no reason to worry about it."

Owners have been happy to report the season has been great, not only for the community, but for how good business has been at the farm because of the weekly free event. "It's made what was once a slow day into a 'weekend day' and it's been fun," said Eckert.

The farm this summer also hosted such events as an Aquidneck Island Land Trust lecture featuring an Aldo Leopold Foundation conservation speakers, as well as a newportFILM screening of "No Impact Man," followed by a Q&A with the filmmaker.

The concerts also seem to have been bringing together many of the farm's regular customers on a regular basis. Eckert said she sees "a lot of the same regulars and a lot of neighbors."

The different bands have also given Sweet Berry Farm new exposure outside its regular customer base, a form of agro-tourism. With the recent Bluegrass Invitation Band's performance, the farm welcomed the arrival of fans from Tiverton who might not have previously known about the farm.

While the thought of serving meals for so many people was once daunting, Eckert said they've got a smooth system now, even after selling out of meals on several nights. "It's been a fantastic season and virtually stress free."

Joannah Daley of Newport has attended the farm's concerts all summer.

"The Sweet Berry concerts are by far my favorite events of the summer," said Daley at last's week's rain-postponed show featuring the Bluegrass Invitation Band. "There's nothing better than relaxing with good music and good food in a beautiful setting. Even my two-year-old daughter, who doesn't know the days of the week yet, knows that Tuesday means Sweet Berry!"

For more information, visit www.sweetberryfarmri.com.