Anyone who has been a resident of South Lake County for any length of time has heard of Lake Catherine Blueberries. It’s the place to pick blueberries, enjoy a spectacular view, and have a good time.
The Tablet recently visited Lake Catherine Blueberries and spoke with the Lowe family about the farm’s history and some exciting news they want to share with the community.
Tablet: Do you have some news to share with the South Lake Tablet readers?
The Lowes: Yes! We are partnering with the City of Groveland to move all the July 4thfestivities from Lake David Park to our farm. The Star-Spangled Spectacular will include dueling fireworks, six bands, BMX stunt show, sanctioned steak cook-off, several food trucks, giant kids zone and much more. As with all our public events, there will be no charge for parking or admission to the farm. We are only asking for a voluntary donation of one non-perishable food item per person which will be donated to Faith Neighborhood Center.
Tablet: Dueling Fireworks! You had me on Fireworks. I can’t wait.
The new venue has received the unanimous approval of Groveland’s city council and, only yesterday, Dave Colby, president of the South Lake Chamber of Commerce, presented a check to the City of Groveland in support of this year’s 4th of July celebration, stating, “We encourage businesses and individuals to give generously to this exciting community event”.
For those who haven’t heard of the Lowe family or Lake Catherine Blueberries, would you tell the readers a little about the farm, its history, and the family?
The Lowes: The farm has been in our family for five generations, just short of 100 years. For most of that time, the farm was planted in citrus. Ten years ago, as the citrus industry in Florida began to decline because of state-wide disease pressure, we started transitioning into blueberries, blackberries, and agritourism. We live, work and send our children to schools in South Lake County. Our entire family lives on the farm.
Tablet: The farm is located on beautiful Lake Catherine, 5849 Lake Catherine Rd, off Hwy 19, Groveland. It’s a great place to pick blueberries. Are there other things for guests to do during the year.
The Lowe: Yes, we offer field trips and group tours which include Hay Ride Farm Tours, a picnic area, and playground. We have happy hour on Friday evenings from 5 pm to 10 pm.
We also host events that are open to the public and private events on the farm. We plan off-property events, offering catering and mobile bar service. We are very fortunate that Jamie has over 20 years’ experience in food and beverage and event management. The catering, mobile bar service and event portion of the business have been growing rapidly over the last couple of years.
Check our calendar of events for updates.
Tablet: What do you offer people who enjoy eating blueberries but not picking them?
The Lowes: Ava Grace’s Country Store offers a variety of berry items including jams, honey, syrup, and blueberry chipotle barbeque sauce.
Tablet: The family not only lives in the community but gives back to the community. Can you let the readers know how you have given back to the community?
The Lowes: Every penny of profit from our pumpkin sale last fall was donated to Buses ‘n Backpacks. Our donation provided needy local families with their entire Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. We are planning our Halloween festivities again this year for kids and adults of all ages.
Learn more about the history of Lake Catherine Blueberries by clicking Lake Catherine Blueberries
You can support Groveland’s 4th of July celebration. Sponsorships are available.
If you are interested in supporting the event, contact The City of Groveland, attention Rebekah Morgan.
