The fifth annual Strawberry Shortcake Social takes place on June 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m at Tiverton Farmers’ Market, Tiverton Town Farm Recreational Area, 3588 Main Road in Tiverton. This event is free and open to the public.

What is commonly known as a dessert fruit could also be called a social one — the strawberry. This is because it is a fruit enjoyed by most, and especially kids. The annual strawberry social in Tiverton is in its fifth year this year, so plan ahead and don’t miss out on this strawberry filled event.

The strawberries used at the social are sourced from Quonset View Farm in Portsmouth — a place where visitors can come pick their own when the strawberries are ripe enough to do so (typically early June through early July). “We go over the Friday before with about six volunteers and pick about 150 lbs of their strawberries. It’s about 15 of those cute little crates,” said Meredith Brewer, the Director and Market Manager of the Tiverton Farmers’ Market.

There will be music filling the air from local musician Justin Sampson and because so many people came dressed in “strawberry” attire last year, this year there will be a costume contest for visitors to participate in as well.

The star of the show is the strawberry, though, and so there will be a host of local vendors selling anything and everything strawberry: Aquidneck Island Oyster from Portsmouth who uses strawberry mignonette for their oysters will be in attendance, June Loves English Bakery from Middletown will be there featuring strawberry rhubarb crumbles, strawberry rhubarb cake, strawberry scones, and chocolate strawberry jam buns, and Snookies Cookies from Tiverton who makes oat-based cookies featuring local strawberries will be there — to name just a few. There will be many more!

Some might wonder what’s so special about the strawberry, especially considering it’s not even really a berry. Maybe it’s because the strawberry-picking season comes and goes so fast that people want to cherish it while it lasts. Or maybe it’s because it — like Memorial Day — signifies that summer is actually upon us. Whatever it is, it’s worth celebrating the local farmers producing strawberries and restaurants using them, all while donning the best strawberry attire possible and listing to a local musician.

Note: Gluten-free and vegan options will be available.