McRay Farms Opens U-Pick Strawberry Market

McRay Farms’ first strawberry season officially opens Saturday, April 27, 2019. The road signs went up on Friday afternoon to guide strawberry hunters to the Matt & Melissa’s family farm. It’s up Luther Road, over on Waterloo, up Dobbs and over to Simmons. Just follow the signs, they will guide you and along the way you will see some pretty countryside (biased, though true, opinion).

Melissa McCray, her mom and her niece, are three generations working together at McRay Farms.

The whole family and a few friends got the beds ready last fall in anticipation of this time, the first fields of strawberries. Then came the wait of the winter and the drama of the weather. Farming is a gamble. Anyone who has ever dug a little plot of earth to try to grow strawberries, tomatoes or a field of wheat knows the ups and downs and drama and hard work involved. The gamble looks like it’s going to have a pay out with a strawberry field filled with healthy plants, and even rows of plump red berries. There’s a strawberry cutout scene for selfies, fresh buckets for picking, and lots of generations of family ready to help when the season opens officially on Saturday.

Fresh-picked strawberries from McRay Farms.

There will be some already picked berries to buy as well. The berries are so abundant and ripe, it takes just minutes to fill a bucket. Just get the red ones, and don’t eat them before you buy them. But after you do, eat one that is still warm from the sun, and then you’ll be happy!

Melissa said they expect to be open until about June, so get your shortcake and jam recipes ready. It’s strawberry season.

On your way to McRay’s Saturday there are several of other stops to make in the area. Josephine’s Farmer’s Market will be open at Second and Ash in Luther from 8 am – 1 pm, and the Luther FFA’s greenhouse will be open to sell the rest of their plants grown by the high school horticulture class.

Josephine’s Farmers Market will be open each Saturday in Luther.

Down The Road farm is one of the local growers participating in Josephine’s Farmer’s Market. Wondering about these mushrooms or how to cook with them? Try them sauteed in light oil or butter; use them in tacos, on a sandwich, or in a sauce. They are very versatile and locally grown.

Farmer’s Market pop up vendors on Saturday, so far, include: Felicia’s Country Corner (Oklahoma artisan products), White House Herbs (dried/fresh herbs/plants, asparagus, radishes, greens, duck/chicken eggs), Marshall’s Memories (jewelry and photography), Naani’s 5 Acre Farm (goat milk soaps and bath products), Pidcock Farm (produce, cinnamon rolls, drinks), Down The Road Farm (specialty mushrooms), BD Creations (items made of wood and crafts), Ginger Hulsey (gift baskets), Sassy’s Home Made Goodies.

In addition, there will be STORY TIME at the Farmer’s Market. The Metropolitan Library System will have storytellers and info for us to celebrate reading.

No Saturday MUST DO LIST would be complete without mentioning that The Chicken Shack is turning three and will have a celebration featuring crawfish, shrimp, primerib, and, of course, chicken, with live music all day. In addition, Joe Baxter is playing on Saturday morning at the Arcadia Round Barn with Andrea MacMullen. It’s great music and a great scene.