Visitors to the Gush Etzion region near Jerusalem can enjoy a host of family-oriented activities during the Gush Fridays festival on 19 and 26 June and 3 July. The main event, the Gush Etzion Cherry Festival will take place in Kibbutz Rosh Tzurim  with cherry, raspberry and berry picking, (pick as much as you want and eat as much as you can while picking), cooking presentation with chef, workshops, tractor rides, farmers' market, creative corner for kids, performances and activities for the whole family.

In addition, on these selected Gush Fridays, discounts will be given on entrance fees to all the Gush Etzion tourist sites, including Deerland, Herodion, zipline, Biyar Aqueduct, Kfar Etzion Field School, Havayot Farm, Gush Etzion Winery and the audiovisual presentation at Kibbutz Kfar Etzion.

Other activities taking place include guided hikes and jeep tours, trail-blazing with the Gush Etzion field school guides, extreme sports and the longest zip-line in Israel, a tour of Herodion with Professor Ehud Netzer, the chief archaeologist who discovered Herod's tomb, wine-tasting and special discounts at the Gush Etzion Winery, a wet hike through the underground aquaduct and even musical jam sessions and laughter workshops.

More detailed information (in English) at: http://www.gush-etzion.org.il/cherry-2009b.htm