A bounty of berries for picking

They will also find out how the berries are cultivated and processed and will be able to taste some of the hand-made treats such as muffins, cordials and vinegars produced on the farms. Farm gates will be open from 9am to 4.30pm and berry picking will cost R30 for adults and R20 for children.

In keeping with the “Berries For Health” theme, one of the highlights of the festival is a trail run for all members of the family on Sunday February 16. There is a 3km race for children under 8 years, a 5.5km race for older children and intermediate runners and a challenging scenic 9km race along forest trails, along Stanford Lake and Ebenezer Dam for experienced runners.

A romantic Valentine’s dinner-dance will be the “berry on top” on Saturday evening with a three-course meal and music by Straight Ahead.

OUTDOORS. Berry picking is a fun experience for children.
Pictures: Supplied.

Besides the chance to pick your own berries, the village of Haenertsburg will be holding a Harvest Market on Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 5pm. Stall holders will be selling fresh vegetables and farm produce. Fresh and frozen blueberries, raspberries, strawberries and gooseberries will be for sale and there will also be a mouth-watering selection of pickles, preserves, mustards, jams and jellies as well as frozen and fresh berry pies, homemade berry ice cream, berry-filled pancakes, muffins and more.

Children can enjoy games and entertainment on the Village Green and the restaurants will offer scrumptious fare which will include berry specials on the menus. Cheese tours and cheese platters will be available at Wegraakbosch Organic Farm.

RUBY RED. Raspberries hang ripe on the canes as the morning mists roll back.

Magoebaskloof offers some wonderful opportunities to explore the outdoors. Activities include hiking, mountain biking, birding and adventure sports. The historic village of Haenertsburg with its unusual shops, delightful restaurants, small museum and picturesque cemetery is well worth exploring.