Blackberry Festival...No blackberries

[Happinow]

Went to the blackberry festival today expecting to find lots of blackberries. Instead I found many vendors for this and that but no blackberries. What am I missing? I didn't go inside the American Legion building where there were many people lined up to get inside, maybe they were in there? I also thought they may have a booth or two with fresh veggies but there was none. All was not lost...we got a sign for our lamp post.

[casita37]

I was so disappointed to find just another flea market, and not a blackberry in sight! We were told the berries had been inside, but had already run out. The line to get inside was so long, we decided not to even try to find out if that was true.

[cquick]

Yup, we just got back from the Blackberry Festival. Took us a half hour to park, then we saw the huge line to get inside the American Legion hall to buy any food at all. And we were told they were out of blackberries, and someone was out picking some now.

I liked the vendors, but the Legion should have had some food vendors outside as well as inside.

Maybe they will improve next year,since they found out it is so popular.

We went to Ay Jalisco at Spanish Springs to eat lunch, and there were 2 other families there who had left the festival dissapointed.

Food is great there!

[Happinow]

Yup, we just got back from the Blackberry Festival. Took us a half hour to park, then we saw the huge line to get inside the American Legion hall to buy any food at all. And we were told they were out of blackberries, and someone was out picking some now.

I liked the vendors, but the Legion should have had some food vendors outside as well as inside.

Maybe they will improve next year,since they found out it is so popular.

We went to Ay Jalisco at Spanish Springs to eat lunch, and there were 2 other families there who had left the festival dissapointed.

Food is great there!

What kind of food does Ay Jalisco serve? Looking for a new place to eat.

[bkcunningham1]

Went went to the American Legion Blackberry Festival too. The vendors were nice, but like you said: No blackberries. My husband was very disappointed and said it was just like the square's vendor nights - on steroids. I asked someone standing in line waiting to get inside the Legion hall what they were standing in line for and he said he didn't know. He said they were told they were out of blackberries inside and someone was going to get some to bring back, but, he said laughing, "I still don't know why I'm standing in line in this heat."

We went to Golden Corral for lunch with our friend thinking we'd at least get blackberry cobbler. Nope. Only peach and blueberry cobbler. lol I had a wonderful day anyway.

[sandybill2]

We just got back as well. Took forever to park---thought there would be booths selling blackberries. Nary a one in sight. Don't know if they expected such a crowd. We didn't go inside either as the line was way too long. Husband is a member and we thought we would go inside member's lounge for a drink but was so crowded we just left.

[NotGolfer]

Ay Jalisco is a really great Mexican restaurant. It's on the opposite corner of the block that Ruby Tuesday is on. They also have another one in Leesburg! :mmmm:

[JAV0108]

My hubby and I were disappointed too. We also went to Brooksville "Blueberry" Festival earlier this year and they didn't have any blueberries either. Didn't expect the same ole, same ole crafts so was pretty disappointed. A fresh veggie stand would have been wonderful. Lets put a bug in someones ear for next year. I went to Walmart and bought some blackberries. Yum!

[bkcunningham1]

NotGolfer, have have you tried the Mexican restaurant El Ranchito's on Griffin Avenue off of state Rt. 441? Mmm mmmm, very good authentic Mexican food and even better margarita's.

[gmcneill]

We arrived just after 9 am. 15 minute wait to purchase blackberries, and a few minute wait to buy black berry cobbler and blackberry cheesecake.
Lines for all of the above were out the door long by 1015 or so.

At about 1030 they announced that they had run out of blackberries but expected delivery of more by 1130.

The berries we bought tasted just horrible; they were not large or sweet at all.



Ok. So I just lied so you who missed out wouldnt feel too bad.
Bad Georgie! Off to confession I go! ;)

[applesoffh]

Too bad! Tons of fresh blackberries at the Wildwood Farmers Market from Country Time Berries...huge, sweet, juicy and delicious! This family-owned operation will be bringing fresh blackberry cobblers and jams next week, in addition to two sizes of fresh blackberries. Saturdays, 9am - 1pm in front of Wildwood City Hall on 301. I don't work for them, but, reading everyone's disappointment, am posting the info off their blackberry package and passing along the info given to me by the women at the booth.

[CaptJohn]

Party at George's house. 6PM. Everyone's invited! :mmmm: :wave:

[buzzy]

The festival was truly lame. Not a sign in sight to say what was going on inside. So we waited on the line for 20 minutes or so, but we noticed a lot pf people just bypassing the line to go in. Finally a customer told us that the line was for the hamburger stand inside the building. So we on ahead to get inside and look for the blackberries. There were rows of tables with people eating burgers & snacks. One row against the wall was where the blackberry sales were supposed to be. When we approached, we were told that the blackberries were all gone, and would not be restocked today.

Now here's where it gets interesting. My wife grabbed the iPhone (substitute your favorite brand), and looked up the Back Road Berry Farm. So it's in Oxford, a couple of miles north of 466 on Rte 103. 15 minutes later, we pulled up, grabbed a bucket and went into the field. Another 15 minutes later we were checking out with 5 lbs of fresh berries @ 4.00/lb. Gosh darn berries grow on vines, you don't even have to bend down to pick'em. Good news is that the season lasts another 2-3 weeks.

[gmcneill]

Party at George's house. 6PM. Everyone's invited! :mmmm: :wave:

Still saying penance....looks like it'll be awhile ;)

Maybe next year :)

[duffysmom]

We had a lovely morning at the Wildwood farmers market. They had blackberries as well as vegtables and fruit (great peaches) at reasonable prices. A couple of miles west on 301 past the farmer's market you can pick blackberries for the next week or so and the good news is you don't have to bend over, they grow on trellises.:p

[graciegirl]

We had a lovely morning at the Wildwood farmers market. They had blackberries as well as vegtables and fruit (great peaches) at reasonable prices. A couple of miles west on 301 past the farmer's market you can pick blackberries for the next week or so and the good news is you don't have to bend over, they grow on trellises.:p

Did you get chigger bites Duffy's Mom? I always associate picking berries with chigger bites....in VERY uncomfortable places.:censored:

[Bettiboop]

Ok. So I just lied so you who missed out wouldnt feel too bad.
Bad Georgie! Off to confession I go! ;)

:1rotfl: :boxing2:

[Pturner]

Wow, a line out the door for Blackberries. What do they think they are, iPhones?

... oh wait, you meant the fruit, not the smart phone. NEVERMIND

-- Rosann RosannaP

[skyguy79]

Still saying penance....looks like it'll be awhile ;)

Maybe next year :)So, your canning comments got you in a jam and you were given a berry stiff penance for your seedly deed.
Preserves you ripe George!!! http://the-forever.com/forum/images/smilies/LaiPro_NewYahoo/68.gif

:evil6:

[Happinow]

So, your canning comments got you in a jam and you were given a berry stiff penance for your seedly deed.
Preserves you ripe George!!! http://the-forever.com/forum/images/smilies/LaiPro_NewYahoo/68.gif

:evil6:

You're way too crafty.....:BigApplause:

[Pturner]

So, your canning comments got you in a jam and you were given a berry stiff penance for your seedly deed.
Preserves you ripe George!!! http://the-forever.com/forum/images/smilies/LaiPro_NewYahoo/68.gif

:evil6:

:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[Villageshooter]

We got there about 2:30 about 30 vendors were broken down and getting ready to leave when inside the food was nothing to be nothing fancy why the members area was not opened up so that accommodate a larger crowd this was a showcase opportunity for them Very disappointing

[gmcneill]

So, your canning comments got you in a jam and you were given a berry stiff penance for your seedly deed.
Preserves you ripe George!!! http://the-forever.com/forum/images/smilies/LaiPro_NewYahoo/68.gif

:evil6:

hmmm...I'm thinking that some folks might be a little jelly-ous that I got cobblers and cheesecakes and ber(ries) Oh, my! ;)

[gmcneill]

hmmm...I'm thinking that some folks might be a little jelly-ous that I got cobblers and cheesecakes and ber(ries) Oh, my! ;)

So maybe that pun was really stinky. Sorry. It's back to church for me and my odorous pun for a pew time out.

[chuckinca]

We got there about 2:30 about 30 vendors were broken down and getting ready to leave when inside the food was nothing to be nothing fancy why the members area was not opened up so that accommodate a larger crowd this was a showcase opportunity for them Very disappointing

The members area is for members and their guests only - sort of like Katie Belle's. A very large oval bar, some games, pool table room, Juke box type device, dance floor, maybe 20 banquet tables and chairs.

.

[Villageshooter]

I am very much aware of being the members and guest only area, however on special days like today when they had a huge crowd it gave them a chance to show off their facility unless there are something in there they don't want people to see like maybe illegal video poker games or other things? After yesterday I have no do desire or interest to return as a guest or even consider joining

[Bill-n-Brillo]

We went to the blackberry festival at the American Legion as well. Fortunately, we were able to thread our way (legally!) past the long lines of cars (from all directions!) waiting to get in to park and parked in a vacant lot across 466 from the facility. Easy in, easy out. No police presence to help with traffic flow when we arrived around 9:45 but the sheriff's crew was there in force helping to move things along when we left. All the blackberry-related items were inside the building. Sandy was able to get a blackberry cobbler which she said was very good but that's when they announced they'd run out of the blackberries and would have a new supply arriving around 11-11:30. It was confusing getting into the building but a lady working there did come out to tell the new people coming in which way to go/what line to get in for the various things they might be looking for.

JMHO - I think the American Legion were completely caught off-guard by the turnout as this was their first year for the event. Hopefully they'll work to invoke some improvements for their next iteration. I think the traffic tie-ups to get in and out of their parking area are going to be unavoidable, though, as there is only one lane going in and one lane going out.

Bill :)

[buzzy]

Yes, they were overwhelmed. But, even on their first attempt, they should have had a sign outside the building to say what was going on inside.

[zcaveman]

I am very much aware of being the members and guest only area, however on special days like today when they had a huge crowd it gave them a chance to show off their facility unless there are something in there they don't want people to see like maybe illegal video poker games or other things? After yesterday I have no do desire or interest to return as a guest or even consider joining

It is too bad you feel that way. But it is a state law and is in effect in all of the states that I know of. If a non-member or a non-guest is caught buying drinks the Legion could lose its license and be fined lots of $$$$.

However, the Legion can rent its other facilities for public use.

[zonerboy]

I don't understand all the complaints on this thread. Running out of blackberries, too crowded, etc., etc.
According to the article in the Daily Sun this morning, the festival was just plain wonderful!
How can this be????

[jblum315]

Everything is always wonderful in the Daily Sun. That's why they don't report too much on accidents and disasters - hard to make them wonderful.

[coz120]

We just got back as well. Took forever to park---thought there would be booths selling blackberries. Nary a one in sight. Don't know if they expected such a crowd. We didn't go inside either as the line was way too long. Husband is a member and we thought we would go inside member's lounge for a drink but was so crowded we just left.

your husband is a member and he did not know the line was for food and not entrance into the building?? Apparently not a very active member?
I think the vendors were nice, had tons of interesting stuff. And isnt it nice to support locally operated businesses?
I think people just like to complain too much

[Happinow]

Respectfully, when you hold a specific festival, say blackberry, blueberry, cherry.....people expect to be able to buy, taste or look at the featured product. Those of us who couldn't stand in the heat outside the legion, were out of luck. My husband and I saw all of the people standing in line but had no idea only members could enter. What if we had stood in line for 1/2 hour or so only to be turned away because we weren't members? There should have been a sign saying that it was for members only and that the berries were inside the legion. How were the rest of us supposed to get berries if we couldn't get inside? What am I missing here? There were lots of vendors but nothing that made it worth cruising around in the sun and heat and fight the parking. I think people were disappointed because there weren't many to be had and they ran out. Too much hype for what it was. Good effort, but in my opinion, it fell short. Sorry.

[philnpat]

Respectfully, when you hold a specific festival, say blackberry, blueberry, cherry.....people expect to be able to buy, taste or look at the featured product. Those of us who couldn't stand in the heat outside the legion, were out of luck. My husband and I saw all of the people standing in line but had no idea only members could enter. What if we had stood in line for 1/2 hour or so only to be turned away because we weren't members? There should have been a sign saying that it was for members only and that the berries were inside the legion. How were the rest of us supposed to get berries if we couldn't get inside? What am I missing here? There were lots of vendors but nothing that made it worth cruising around in the sun and heat and fight the parking. I think people were disappointed because there weren't many to be had and they ran out. Too much hype for what it was. Good effort, but in my opinion, it fell short. Sorry.

Even though I wasn't there, I believe that all the berry products were inside the building in the large room to the left where the general public is welcome. There is a seperate room not being used for the festival that is for members only which was not part of the festivities.

i

[Bogie Shooter]

What a bunch of complainers.............
:blahblahblah:

[RedChariot]

What a bunch of complainers.............
:blahblahblah:

I think we have a right to complain. Parking was difficult but we managed. We were willing to stand in line so we did. We stood 30 minutes in the sun. One women was getting very red faced and had to sit down. We finally got inside. I'm anticipating getting blackberries. We stood in line for another 30 minutes. It was at least air conditioned. We had arrived at 11:15 am. It was now 12:30 and they yelled No more blackberries. They should have had enough berries. It was a berry festival and they played it up all week in the Daily Sun. I won't be there again.

[CaptJohn]

I'm trying to figure out how one can run out of blackberries for very long when there is a blackberry farm just up the road and it is loaded with them. :shrug: All someone putting on the festival had to do was run there and fill up again. Just a little thought required.

[CaptJohn]

hmmm...I'm thinking that some folks might be a little jelly-ous that I got cobblers and cheesecakes and ber(ries) Oh, my! ;)

George, that's a serious break in your penance. Party back on at Georges!
Noon Monday. All the blackberry cobbler and cheesecake you can eat! :laugh:

Your punishment is to bring a large supply of berries and ice cream to the June Crispers meeting.

[sandybill2]

your husband is a member and he did not know the line was for food and not entrance into the building?? Apparently not a very active member?
I think the vendors were nice, had tons of interesting stuff. And isnt it nice to support locally operated businesses?
I think people just like to complain too much

We knew which door was what-----The line outside at the door for the food/ and blackberry products was almost the entire length of the building and you had to wait in this outside line to get into that area. The member's lounge did not have a line outside but the lounge was completely full with standing room only. I just assumed--as others did-- that there would be more blackberries to purchase and not just one booth inside. We always attend the American Legion Festivals.

[graciegirl]

Oh for Pete's sake. I am sure they didn't expect such a crowd. It is the American Legion, a nice group of folks. The person in charge of planning is probably in the dog house.

Now here is what I would do if it was hot and there were long lines.

I would go home and get some ice cream out of my freezer and eat it on my porch with Sweetie and Helene and never think another thing about it.

Just a bump in the road.

[coz120]

I think we have a right to complain. Parking was difficult but we managed. We were willing to stand in line so we did. We stood 30 minutes in the sun. One women was getting very red faced and had to sit down. We finally got inside. I'm anticipating getting blackberries. We stood in line for another 30 minutes. It was at least air conditioned. We had arrived at 11:15 am. It was now 12:30 and they yelled No more blackberries. They should have had enough berries. It was a berry festival and they played it up all week in the Daily Sun. I won't be there again.

You people do know this is Florida right?.....OF COURSE its hot!!!
I assume everyone who attended has either a television or radio with access to some sort of weather report. If heat is that much of an issue, STAY INSIDE. Aside from that, there was a nice breeze (with some big gusts toward the end BTW) and it wasnt that hot anyway. I just moved here from Central NY and I was ok with the days heat. There was air conditioning in the building and if you wanted AC that bad, you always could have jumped on the big red bus and donated a pint......Just sayin'

[skyguy79]

I think we have a right to complain. Yes, you have the right to complain, everybody has a right to complain if they're prone to doing so. However, this is an event put on by veterans and those veterans are volunteers and not professionals.

I've planned and ran several (at least 7) events years ago for a pro veterans organization I belong to up north, where it was easier to anticipate the number attending than it would be for an event like the A.L. was having. Despite it being easier, it was still difficult at best to estimate all the volumes and needs to successfully provide what was needed to pull the event off.

As for myself personally, I would rather not criticize or dis those veterans for their current faults or alleged faults in favor of being expressively thankful for their past service to all of us.

So, if anyone wants to continue complaining about the shortcomings of those veterans like it's an everyday commercial restaurant or business, feel free to do so. After all... that is your "right"... thanks to them!

Kudos to those who have served, both past and present! :thumbup:

[asianthree]

Maybe you were to bring your own:thumbup:

[RedChariot]

As for myself personally, I would rather not criticize or dis those veterans for their current faults or alleged faults in favor of being expressively thankful for their past service to all of us.

So, if anyone wants to continue complaining about the shortcomings of those veterans like it's an everyday commercial restaurant or business, feel free to do so. After all... that is your "right"... thanks to them!




SKYGUY:
For you to equate the good people here voicing their opinion of a berry festival as attacking the good deeds the veterans have done for our country is way out of line. Not one person said a negative thing about our veterans. The OP nor anyone else had that in mine and it was unkind for you to put that in print.

[graciegirl]

I think Skyguy was just trying to make a point. I understood his view. I think he was just saying it was a not for profit, charitable event held by amateurs tryin' to do a good thing.

If say...Publix was advertising something about selling Blackberries and ran out than we might have a beef since they are in business to turn a profit.............imho. But probably not since it falls to me under don't sweat the small stuff.

So it was a little disappointing to go to something you looked forward to and not have what you expected.

But if everyone looked at things the same way,.............................


I wouldn't have all these damned accumuated posts.:grumpy:

[quirky3]

If say...Publix was advertising something about selling Passover supplies..........
:angel:

[Bogie Shooter]

Yes, you have the right to complain, everybody has a right to complain if they're prone to doing so. However, this is an event put on by veterans and those veterans are volunteers and not professionals.



I agree.
The complainers are now beginning to whine......give it up.

OR sit down and write a nice letter to the sponsors.

[skyguy79]

I think Skyguy was just trying to make a point. I understood his view. I think he was just saying it was a not for profit, charitable event held by amateurs tryin' to do a good thing.

If say...Publix was advertising something about selling Blackberries and ran out than we might have a beef since they are in business to turn a profit.............imho. But probably not since it falls to me under don't sweat the small stuff.

So it was a little disappointing to go to something you looked forward to and not have what you expected.

But if everyone looked at things the same way,.............................


I wouldn't have all these damned accumuated posts.:grumpy:Thanks Gracie! As a very pro-veteran person, I simply voiced my opinion about what I (me, self, personally) myself would do in the situation, I stated it from the heart and even though individuals were making complaints directly against the veterans actions, I did not tell anyone what they should do and made my comments without directly addressing any individuals and without making it a personal attack on anyone. Anyone can go back are re-read my post where I thought I made that apparent!

Apparently, from this incident and others in the past, some have the notion that I'm not supposed to voice my opinions while they are free to voice theirs. Either way, the voicing of my opinion does not give license to anyone to spin my comments in order to engage in a personal attack on me, It's not the first time this kind of behavior has happened to me, it's uncalled for, and it probably won't be the last. Even more importantly... I thought direct personal attacks are against the rules of the forum!

[Pturner]

If say...Publix was advertising something about selling Passover supplies..........
:angel:

tee hee. And I love your Norman Rockwell adjusted avatar.

[paulandjean]

Lets see "No Blackberries" Boy O Boy, To many people have it too good....

[OldDave]

We just went and visited the two places I've seen mentioned on here with fresh local produce. First, for you blackberry folks, and I would have been as disappointed as you. We went to Browns Country Market north of 466 on 301 this afternoon. They had 6 pints of locally grown blackberries. They also had lots of other stuff. My wife and I thought they were the best we'd ever tasted. Whether there will be any left, who knows.

We also went by the house someone mentioned just east of Colony Plaza on 466a. I thought it looked like something a couple of kids build. The farm obviously grows produce commercially. There are trucks parked everywhere. But up by the house there are a couple of tables with some shopworn looking tomatoes, squash and a few other things there. No one was working there just a bucket for money. And really no where to park.

So I would highly recommend Browns and thanks to whoever mentioned it recently.

[skip0358]

They ran out of Berries and cobbler and the like. They also made 2 additional trips to pick up more Berries and about 3 PM announced there would be no more. Yes they could have posted a sign stating where they were however whether they were located inside or outside the fact would still be the same they RAN OUT. So they had a sell out crowd good for them The vendors that were outside not selling Berries paid to have those stands on the property. So it was a very succesful fund raiser. Good for them. At Christmas time more like the day after Yhanksgiving people stay up all night to catch the great sales. The lines are long and there's a good chance your item will be sold out but guess what you still do it year after year. Thanks to the Legion for sponsering the event and congratulations on a sell out event. As for the Private room that's exactly what it is. If they have a members there to open the room for viewing fine if not it is Members only. Right away a suggestion is made of illegal things behind locked doors. If you go to a store and the sign says employees only behind these doors wow I wonder what goes on back there. Give me a break.

[paulandjean]

Amen

[skyguy79]

They ran out of Berries and cobbler and the like. They also made 2 additional trips to pick up more Berries and about 3 PM announced there would be no more. Yes they could have posted a sign stating where they were however whether they were located inside or outside the fact would still be the same they RAN OUT. So they had a sell out crowd good for them The vendors that were outside not selling Berries paid to have those stands on the property. So it was a very succesful fund raiser. Good for them. At Christmas time more like the day after Yhanksgiving people stay up all night to catch the great sales. The lines are long and there's a good chance your item will be sold out but guess what you still do it year after year. Thanks to the Legion for sponsering the event and congratulations on a sell out event. As for the Private room that's exactly what it is. If they have a members there to open the room for viewing fine if not it is Members only. Right away a suggestion is made of illegal things behind locked doors. If you go to a store and the sign says employees only behind these doors wow I wonder what goes on back there. Give me a break.http://th63.photobucket.com/albums/h128/petesarah/Smilies/th_smiley-good-post-sign.gif
In regards to the members only room. Saying it should be open to non members is like your having a garage sale in you garage or driveway and are expected to allow those coming to it free access to the rest of your house!

[Bogie Shooter]

They ran out of Berries and cobbler and the like. They also made 2 additional trips to pick up more Berries and about 3 PM announced there would be no more. Yes they could have posted a sign stating where they were however whether they were located inside or outside the fact would still be the same they RAN OUT. So they had a sell out crowd good for them The vendors that were outside not selling Berries paid to have those stands on the property. So it was a very succesful fund raiser. Good for them. At Christmas time more like the day after Yhanksgiving people stay up all night to catch the great sales. The lines are long and there's a good chance your item will be sold out but guess what you still do it year after year. Thanks to the Legion for sponsering the event and congratulations on a sell out event. As for the Private room that's exactly what it is. If they have a members there to open the room for viewing fine if not it is Members only. Right away a suggestion is made of illegal things behind locked doors. If you go to a store and the sign says employees only behind these doors wow I wonder what goes on back there. Give me a break.

That sums it up very well.:agree: