The Berry Flower Faire will be held from 1 to 6 p.m. Saturday, May 10, at Camellia Park Shoppes in Olmsted Village, Pinehurst. Admission is free.

Local strawberries will be available for purchase as will both cut and potted flowers and herbs. Locally grown garden produce will also be available.

"Supporting our local farmers markets and 'u-pick' farms produce is not only a healthy eating regime that yields tastier foods, but it also supports the local economy," says Tammy Simmons-Morse, organizer of the festival. "It helps the environment too, by reducing the miles that food travels from producer to consumer."

Millstone Farm & Gardens, owned and operated by Harry and Sara Webster, will be participating. Farming has been in both lines for generations, but they have recently been involved in the sustainable farming movement.

"I took classes to learn how to use organic and natural methods so that the food we produce is healthier and better for the consumer," says Harry Webster. "It is also better for the environment and the people who work on the farm.

Sara Webster is responsible for the flowers.

"No harmful sprays are used on the flowers or vegetables," she says.

Harry Webster is the market manager for the Moore County Farmers Markets (Morganton Road from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursdays, downtown Southern Pines from 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays, FirstHealth in Pinehurst from 3 to 6:30 p.m. Mondays, and on Fridays in Robbins).

The Bee Keepers Associations of both Moore and Richmond counties will offer information about bees and the healing properties of honey. Handmade baskets, Seagrove-area pottery, wood carvings and other craft items will be available.

Eva D. Green, is a fourth-generation basket weaver. She was taught the art of basket weaving from her mother as a child.

"I make baskets in a variety of shapes and sizes, using various kinds of berries, flowers or nuts to create a natural dye for my baskets," she says. "I participate in craft fairs throughout North Carolina. I teach basket weaving to church and civic groups."

Green is a member of the N.C. Basket Association, the Chapel Hill Basket Guild, and the Chatham Weavers.

"To carry on my mother's legacy gives me tremendous pleasure and joy," she says. "My goal is to continue basket weaving for many years and pass this art to the next generation."

Animal Advocates of Moore County will hold an animal adoption.

Cypress Bend Vineyards will offer a wine-tasting booth, and music will be provided by The Parsons as well as Fayetteville Concert Master Bill Ayerbe, with Shannon Sullivan. A raffle will be held.

There will be a strawberry dessert and homemade jam "taste-off." Judging begins at 4 p.m.

Celebrity judges include Andy Frandenburgh, chef of Nina's Classic Cuisine; Todd Richter, executive pastry chef at the Carolina Hotel; Warren Lewis, chef of Chef Warren's; and Ted Oelfke, chairman of the hospitality and culinary arts program at Sandhills Community College.

Prizes for the contest were donated by Cameron and Company as well as H. Edwards and Company.

"Help support our local farmers, our local economy, and our environment by attending this event," says Simmons-Morse.

For information, call (910) 255-0012.