Hilger’s Strawberry Picking

Hilger’s Farm is kicking off the summer right with some family fun in the form of strawberry picking. Friday marked the beginning of their annual U-Pick Strawberries event. Co-Owner John Hilger says “ U-Pick Strawberries is where you go to the field and have a chance to pick strawberries from the field and taste them and bring them back and buy them to take home.” Hilger’s Farm has been shuttling people out to their strawberry fields for 35 years and they have many loyal fans. One visitor told FOX Fort Wyane “We come back every year, and the kids have fun picking strawberries instead of going to the grocery store.” There are 35 acres of strawberry picking, and they say the fruit is so sweet you would think it was sprayed with sugar. The best time to stop by is in the next couple of weeks. Hilger explains “Strawberries are a June berry they are not an ever berry. So they are best only in June! Hilger’s Farm is no exception to these tuff economic times. In the last year they have closed both their restaurant and gas station, and shelves that were once full with produce are now bare. Hilger says “we used to sell all kinds of produce, but this year we backed off because of the economy.” Hilger sees his business as an economic escape and encourages people to stop by for some family fun. And you wont be surprised to find out what John Hilger’s favorite fruit is…”Strawberries! And that’s the truth! I love strawberries I love to grow them, I love to eat them, I love to pick them!” Every year Hilger’s Farm holds their annual Fall Festival. They say this year it’s not looking like they will be having the festival, due to funding. But one of the owners is optimistic and says that could change closer to October. Hilger’s Farm Hours of operation: 8am to 5pm Friday& Saturday 8am to 2pm weekdays Pricing: $1.29 per pound $3.95 a quart: prepicked Wagon rides to the strawberry fields are free.