The Tropical Fruit Club will have a field trip next Saturday, May 22 in Lake County at Yalaha.  There is no set time to start picking blue berries at Blue Bayou but pickers should arrive about 10AM.  Blue Bayou has a nice assortment of fresh vegetables and fruits, plus many plants on sale.  U-Pick blue berries are $4 per pound.
 
After picking berries, go next door to the Yalaha Bakery and find our group under the shade outside listening to live music.  You can order German food and drink at the grill outside, or go inside to order and eat. Depends on your gusto.
 
Driving instructions: From Howey in the Hills, go west several miles on County Road 48 to Blue Bayou and Yalaha Bakery, on the left, next to each other.  From the south of Leesburg on US 27, go east on County Road 48 for a few miles and turn right.  To print a map from Mapquest or Google, the address is: 8210 County Road 48, Yalaha FL 34797.  Blue Bayou and the bakery have a common nieghborly parking lot.

After numerous phone conversations to determine individuals interest and our potential for success, the first official meeting of TFCCF was held in Leu Gardens on July 23, 1990.

The second meeting was held at the same location on Aug. 27, 1990. Larry Shatzer, owner/operator of OUR KIDS NURSERY in Winter Garden and who was the prime coordinator in bringing the small group together, was elected President at this meeting. Annual membership dues were set at $15.00 for single and $20.00 for family. These dues remain the same today.

The purpose of TFCCF is for members to learn about many different Tropical and sub-Tropical fruits and vegetables that can be grown in Florida. The free exchange of information among our members about various cold hardiness and cultivation techniques is invaluable. 

No where else can you find or experience an organization with the unity and diversity of TFCCF. One of the best attributes of TFCCF is its ethnicity. Our membership ranges from backyard gardeners to agricultural PHD Scientists. We have members from nearly every continent in the world who share their ethnic foods and culture with all of us.

All members benefit and enjoy our sense of togetherness, while we learn and share from each other.

Numerous trips in Central America have been sponsored by TFCCF and are always well received and participation has been very good.