If you live in Southern California and buy produce at one of our local farmer's markets, you probably already know about Harry's Berries. A family owned farm that was started in 1967 by Harry Iwamoto, Harry's Berries is now run by Harry's daughter and son-in-law, Molly and Rick Gean. Their strawberries, raspberries, green beans and salsa are the main reasons why my children are willing to wake up early on a Sunday morning to come with me to the farmer's market in Ojai.
When my friend, Lisa told me about the Harry's Berries farm fresh dinner that takes place every July at their 57 acre farm in Oxnard, I thought it would be fun to enjoy this event that is now in our own Oxnard "backyard". What I didn't expect to experience was a fantastic night thrown at an incredibly charming place created out of the simplest materials...
Almost 400 Harry's Berries devoutees drove from up and down the coast to attend this leisurely evening at the farm. With the sun still high in the sky when the party began at 4:00 , many of us drank strawberry drinks in the shade of the rustic pavillions, made from inexpensive wood and corrugated metal.
Each pavillion was surrounded by planters of wildflowers, made from old painted tires.
As the sun began to set, more guests began to fill the seats at the long tables set up on the grass.
These tables were set up to take advantage of the gorgeous view of the farm fields.
The tables were simply adorned with the wildflowers that were planted throughout the farm.
As we waited for dinner to be served, we took a short tour around the farm...
I admired these simple grape arbors that provided beauty, shade, and support for the most delicious grapes!
The gray wood matched with the green of the grape leaves was a natural and beautiful palette.
The same gray wood was used to create these horse shoe boxes... a new addition to the Patina Farm design!
A hammock was hung on two wood beams next to...
this gorgeous pavillion that was built last year for the wedding of Rick and Molly Gean's son.
Leila and Nick had fun exploring the various tractors and off road vehicles...
We all had loved the tractor tour of the Harry's Berries Farm.
The wildflowers, blooming along the roadside added color to our tour.
After the tractor tour, we waited outside the dining hall...
More wildflowers filled the wood planters around the building.
The inside decor was equally rustic and charming.
After eating way too many delicious strawberries, beans, chicken, and fresh strawberry ice cream, we still couldn't resist buying a few goodies to take home.
We took one last look down the country farm road and said our goodbyes to Harry's Berries...
until next year... or next Sunday at the Ojai Farmer's Market!
xo
Brooke
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