FORESTVILLE — Merritt Estate Winery will host its highly anticipated 44th Annual Strawberry Festival on the winery grounds from Friday to Sunday, located at 2264 King Road.

This family-friendly event offers free admission, free parking, and features live music from seven different bands, along with thirty craft and artisan vendors. Attendees can enjoy wine, beer, and their famous wine slush. Food options include chicken Caesar wraps, chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, cheeseburgers, fries, potato salad, macaroni salad, fruit salad, and delicious strawberry desserts.

The weekend will be filled with family fun, shopping, food, and beverages throughout Saturday and Sunday. Activities will include mechanical bull rides, a bounce house for kids, artisan vendors, and live music. This outdoor event will be held on the spacious open lawn, with seating and dining available in the large pavilion and patio. The event will take place rain or shine, so bring your camping chairs, and prepare for an epic weekend. Please note that outside food and beverages are not allowed.

The Friday Night Concert runs from 7-10 pm with Ten Cent Howl and Uncle Ben’s Remedy. Doors will open at 5 p.m., and a full food and drink menu will be available.

On Saturday, June 7, doors open at noon with various vendors selling home decor, beauty and wellness products, cooking, and personal accessories. Dark Horse Run kicks off the live music from noon to 3 p.m., followed by Black Widow from 3:30-6:30 p.m., and concludes with The Strictly Hip from 7-10 p.m.

On Sunday, June 8, the festivities continue starting at noon and run throughout the day, including music from Sequins the Band from noon to 3 p.m., followed by Run Away Train to close out the festival from 3:30-6:30 p.m.

Since its inception, the Merritt family has consistently supported the local community. This year’s Strawberry Festival will see them continue that tradition by collecting donations on behalf of the Boys & Girls Club of Northern Chautauqua County to help support this local club’s vital work.

Merritt Estate Winery is a farm winery located in the rolling hills of Chautauqua County. The Merritts were integral in establishing the Farm Winery Law in 1976 and have been creating award-winning wines ever since. The tasting room is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Saturday and on Sundays noon to 6 p.m. offering Merritts’ hand-crafted wines. For more information on Merritt Estate Winery, call 1-888-965-4800, visit www.merrittestatewinery.com, and follow on Facebook and Instagram.