Hockinson Berry Fest growing slowly but surely

Event celebrates Hockinson’s agricultural businesses

The sign was updated.

“The 2nd Annual Hockinson Berry Fest” welcomed guests to the event Saturday morning.

The first one? It was last year, during the pandemic.

Berries from Prairie Berry Farm were among the many samples offered at the Hockinson Berry Fest on Saturday. Photo by Paul Valencia
Berries from Prairie Berry Farm were among the many samples offered at the Hockinson Berry Fest on Saturday. Photo by Paul Valencia

Yes, organizers said they were a bit nervous but everyone was respectful of the rules. So in the summer of 2020, when everything else seemingly was being cancelled, the new berry festival in Hockinson was a go.

“It was very well received last year because we were the only thing happening,” said Ada Carter, one of the organizers. “People were excited to be able to come out and do something.”

A year later, the berry fest returned.

“I’m excited to be back, maskless, and having it bigger and better,” Carter said.

This was the second Hockinson Berry Fest. The event took place last year, as well, one of the only community events to be held during the pandemic. Photo by Paul Valencia
This was the second Hockinson Berry Fest. The event took place last year, as well, one of the only community events to be held during the pandemic. Photo by Paul Valencia

In terms of scale, this is certainly not the biggest community event in Clark County. But it is a gem for this local community. 

“The whole event is about promoting the agricultural businesses in Hockinson,” Carter said.

Berry farms. Florists. Dairy (blueberry milkshakes). Live music. And just an opportunity to run into a neighbor or see a familiar face.

Maiw Looi and Polly Chan of Prairie Berry Farm gave out samples of their berries and sold a bunch as well. Photo by Paul Valencia
Maiw Looi and Polly Chan of Prairie Berry Farm gave out samples of their berries and sold a bunch as well. Photo by Paul Valencia

Across the county, across the country, summer events are starting to make a comeback. Harvest Days in Battle Ground returned this weekend, as well. There was a pancake feed, a parade, a carnival, and many other of the traditional attractions of Harvest Days.

Back in Hockinson, it was not about a comeback because this festival was here last year. Back at Hockinson, it was all about the berries. 

The blueberry shakes are fan favorites after two years of the Hockinson Berry Fest. Photo by Paul Valencia
The blueberry shakes are fan favorites after two years of the Hockinson Berry Fest. Photo by Paul Valencia
Brent and Cynthia Cheney were on hand representing Heirloom Family Micro Farm. Photo by Paul Valencia
Brent and Cynthia Cheney were on hand representing Heirloom Family Micro Farm. Photo by Paul Valencia
Hannah Schrager takes an order at her station at the Hockinson Berry Fest, representing Good Year Farms. Photo by Paul Valencia
Hannah Schrager takes an order at her station at the Hockinson Berry Fest, representing Good Year Farms. Photo by Paul Valencia
Three generations from the family business: Shauna Moys, Melissa Connolly, and Porter Lowery representing Majestic Farms. Photo by Paul Valencia
Three generations from the family business: Shauna Moys, Melissa Connolly, and Porter Lowery representing Majestic Farms. Photo by Paul Valencia
The Barn Dog Flower Farm had a set-up at the festival, too. Photo by Paul Valencia
The Barn Dog Flower Farm had a set-up at the festival, too. Photo by Paul Valencia
Jim and Bennie Swatosh take a rest in the shade provided by a colorful truck at the Hockinson Berry Fest. Photo by Paul Valencia
Jim and Bennie Swatosh take a rest in the shade provided by a colorful truck at the Hockinson Berry Fest. Photo by Paul Valencia
Kirby Swatosh provided live music at the Hockinson Berry Fest. Photo by Paul Valencia
Kirby Swatosh provided live music at the Hockinson Berry Fest. Photo by Paul Valencia
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