LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – Mayor Artemio Galwan dubbed the Strawberry Festival a success.
Despite the absence of a lavish street dancing and a parade of floats Galwan said many people have come out to participate in the town’s annual celebration of the strawberry.
“We have toned down the festival in respect for those affected by the typhoons last year,” he said.
Galwan has tagged the valley as an exhibition area for vegetables, cut flowers and strawberries.
The valley is also the seat of the organic movement with a bulk of practitioners stationed in the area, selling their produce in Baguio and the rest of the region.
Galwan opted to scale down celebrations of the annual festival this year choosing more community events for people to participate in.
For the first time the annual flower arrangement competition, local fruits were utilized, mainly strawberries.
A strawberry lane has also highlighted the annual trade fair at the municipal grounds with products of the luscious fruit on display.
A two-point firework display also treated locals Thursday night, courtesy of the Department of Tourism.
The local One Town One Product center also opened last week at the old market building which will be the permanent display center for strawberry products.
As the festival closes this week, the search for Miss Strawberry 2010, the battle of the bands and barangay talent night are set on the 22nd and 28th, respectively.
A coffee berry festival is also slated on the 22nd at the municipal grounds.