The wait is over, today is the day the Queen of the Berry Festival will be crowned.

From 9am until 2pm, The Strand will be closed for the annual Whakatane Lions Club Festival and Berry Queen crowning.

Stalls will be lining The Strand for the Whakatane Lions Club Festival and Berry Queen crowning.

There will be a variety of stalls including food stalls, arts and crafts, entertainment and raffles.

People are being invited to head on down and enjoy and day out in Whakatane, while also proving support all the contestants who have been fundraising to help raise money for youth in our area.

In Opotiki, the Soul Time Summer Market is taking place at the Senior Citizen's hall on the corner of Nelson and Church Streets.

From 8.30am to 1pm, earth friendly, handcrafted quality goods will be on sale, along with homegrown food.

If you happening to be at either event, we would love to see some photos. Please email photos to [email protected]