A "Berry" Good Time in Manasquan

Sweet baked goods and brightly colored berries were on display for the Berry and Craft Festival held by the Manasquan Seniors Association on Sunday.

Music, crafts and fresh pies were also sure-fire hits in Squan Plaza on Sunday.

The day started out cloudy and humid, but attendees did not seem to mind, as a one-man band entertained with uplifting music.

“Last year it was the first year we had this and it rained,” said event organizer, June Cunningham of the Manasquan Seniors Association.

“This is one of our four fundraisers for the year. (The organization) provides activities for  seniors to get together and get out of the house. It has been around for 10 years,” added Cunningham.

The Manasquan First Aid Squad asked the seniors if they wanted to take over the flea market that occurred the first Sunday of August in Manasquan. They accepted and came up with the idea of having the berry festival and having their members bake.

Just one hour into the event, the brownies were sold out and pies were getting low in stock. Temporarily, there was a wide selection of cakes, cookies and cranberry muffins.

With a bag in her hand that held a pie wrapped up in foil, Nancy Sonett of Manasquan got to the event early in time to take home a blueberry pie.

“I scarfed it up. They go very fast. I came to buy whatever kinds of berries,” said Sonett.

Her purchased pie had homemade crust with fresh blueberries.

“It’s nice and juicy,” said Sonett.

Jackie Gaynor, Manasquan, of the Manasquan Seniors Association made her special sauce.

“I made blueberry sauce. I use blueberries, lemon zest and maple syrup -- that’s the secret!” Said Gaynor.

In total, the Senior crew used 28 pounds of strawberries. Many of them made the baked goods in their own homes and throughout the day brought over additional baked donations. One of the eclectic goods the ladies were selling was a mixture of Gaynor’s syrup, cut strawberries and blueberries over pound cake topped with whipped cream.

Various crafts included photographs, art, jewelry, clothing, toys and more.

“We like to come to these events and the crafts are nice. The live music is my favorite -- it puts you in a good mood,” said Amy Wilson of Manasquan.

One man band Ed Austin banged out on his bass entertaining the crowd of about 500 people who came and went.

“It’s a lot of fun and we all pitch in. We hope to do this every year. The berries are very local throughout New Jersey,” Manasquan Seniors Association President Su Miscia, Manasquan.

And indeed, fun was had. The Seniors wearing their red shirts, were eager to serve attendees and have them try their wide assortment of berries and baked goods. Word of advice for berry lovers next year -- get there early!