There was a time (not that long ago, really) when berry farms carpeted the Eastside. Blueberries and strawberries, mostly, in a patchwork quilt between Lake Washington and Lake Sammamish, and the end of June would bring berry festivals to Main Street in Old Bellevue or to the downtown park. This year, the Bellevue Strawberry Festival will be held at Crossroads Park under the sponsorship of the Eastside Heritage Center.

Activities include agricultural displays, a strawberry shortcake eating contest, a display of classic cars, several food booths, and musical entertainment, along with the usual games, clowns and face-painting.

If you go: Saturday, June 26, and Sunday, June 27 at Crossroads International Park (NE 8th St. & 164th Ave. NE). Admission is free. Web site: www.bellevuestrawberryfestival.com.