PHOTOS: Celebrating Strawberries at Benner's Farm

Strawberries have been tied to the success of since the Benner family bought the farm 34 years ago.

According to Bob Benner, they were the first cash crops that enabled them to survive financially – beginning with two-and-a-half acres of strawberries they planted and watered by hand. "Strawberries mean a lot to us," Benner said on Sunday, the second day of the farm's 25th annual Strawberry Fair.

The festival averages 1,200 people each year, he said.

This year's event, though, differs from the typical fair, where the majority of the strawberries used are usually grown at the farm. Because of the early arrival of the warm weather this year, the strawberries were three weeks early. For the festival, Benner said, the farm had to bring in some strawberries grown on the East End.

The fair featured fresh strawberries for sale, strawberry jams, chocolate covered strawberries, strawberry lemonade, and other treats.

In addition to the strawberries, families flocked to the farm's petting zoo and famous tire swing hung from a big tree at the back of the farm. The fair attracted people from all over northern and central Suffolk.

"It's really great for kids and families because you get exposure to the animals. ... It's a learning experience," said Courtney Buoncore, 16, of Centereach.