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Thursday, June 05, 2003

Compiled by Arlene Burnett, Post-Gazette Staff Writer

This is the time of year when strawberry farmers arise early and look skyward. Cool weather or hot weather, rain or shine, the berries will come.

If you want to pick your own berries, call first to check availability. The farther north the farm, usually, the later the harvest. Here is a sampling of farms that feature U-pick patches:

DUDA'S FARM, 157 Creek Road, Brownsville, 724-246-7601. Hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

ELBEL'S PRODUCE FARM, routes 119 and 210, south of Punxsutawney, Indiana County; 1-814-938-5878. Hours: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.*daily.

HUFF FARM, Prospect, north of Pittsburgh off New Castle exit of I-79, 724-865-9593. Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays.

KISTACO FARM MARKET, 3491 Balsiger Road, Apollo; 724-478-4361. Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturdays. Closed Sundays .

PASKORZ FARM, Star Road off Russellton Road, West Deer, near Deer Lakes High School on Orange Belt; 724-265-3073. Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Fridays; 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.

REILLY'S SUMMERSEAT FARMS, 1120 Roosevelt Road, Mount Nebo; 412-364-8270. Hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays.

SCHRAMM FARM MARKET, Export Road, Harrison City; 724-744-7320. Hours: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Fridays; 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays.

SCHRAMM'S FARM MARKET, 291 Cresswell Road, south of Butler; 724-282-3714. Strawberry hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Call for availability.

SIMMONS FARMS, 170 Simmons Road, McMurray; 724-941-1490. Hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Fridays; 9 to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Pick-your-own customers should call for an appointment. Pick-your-own hours are 8 a.m. to noon and 6 to 9 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays; and 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays.

SNYDER'S FARM, Route 68 East, Chicora; 724-445-3116. Hours: 8 a.m. till dark daily. Pick-your-own during hours of operation.

SOERGEL'S, Brandt School Road, Wexford; 724-935-1743. Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays; 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Call ahead for pick-your-own.

TRIPLE "B" FARMS, off Route 51 at Elizabeth exit; 724-258-3557. Hours: 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays.

TRAX FARMS, Route 88, Finleyville; 412-835-3246. Regular store hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays; 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays. Strawberry Festival hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. tomorrow, Saturday and Sunday. Pick-your-own hours are 8 a.m. to noon and 4 to 7 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays and Sundays.