Blueberries are loved by one and all, and what better way to celebrate this delicious fruit than by attending blueberry festivals? These festivals provide a wonderful opportunity to experience the many ways in which blueberries are used in dishes and drinks, as well as the chance to participate in fun activities and events. Here are some of the best blueberry festivals to attend.
1. The National Blueberry Festival in South Haven, Michigan
South Haven is known as the “blueberry capital of the world,” and this is evident at the National Blueberry Festival. This festival spans a period of 4 days and welcomes around 60,000 visitors. The festival features a blueberry pancake breakfast, live music, a car show, and a classic 5K race, among other events. You can also indulge in a variety of blueberry treats, including pies, sundaes, and smoothies.
2. The Penticton Pacific Northwest Elvis Festival in British Columbia, Canada
This isn’t exactly a blueberry festival, but it’s worth mentioning because it features the world-famous ‘Blueberry Elvis’ – a tribute artist who performs songs and dances inspired by the King. This festival lasts for three days, and visitors can listen to different Elvis tribute artists, enjoy food sold by vendors, participate in themed contests, and admire beautiful views of Okanagan Lake.
3. The Blueberry Festival in Burgaw, North Carolina
The North Carolina Blueberry Festival is a two-day event held annually on the third weekend of June. It features a parade, street dances, live entertainment, and a wide variety of blueberry-themed food and drinks. The festival hosts a variety of fun contests including pie-eating, blueberry cooking and canning competitions.
4. The Brunswick Blueberry Festival in Brunswick, Maine
The festival features music, games, and events for the whole family. Folks can enjoy blueberry pancakes, pies, and jams along with demonstrations of countless blueberry recipes. It takes place during the first week in August and there are numerous venues around town where attendees can participate in various activities.
5. The Annual Blueberry Harvest Festival in Bethlehem, New Hampshire
This quaint, small-town New Hampshire festival celebrates the blueberry harvest with live music, scavenger hunts, and craft vendors. The star of the show, however, is the fresh blueberries which are abundant in this area
6. The Littleborough Arts Festival in Littleborough, England
This festival is held annually in July for 9 days and features blueberry pies, cakes, cupcakes, and muffins made by local bakers in their competition. Artisans exhibit their works of local crafts and visitors can enjoy lots of music and history in this small town in England.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a lover of blueberries or looking for a fun time in the sun, there’s a blueberry festival that’s perfect for you. Spend your weekends indulging in some of nature’s sweetest treats and discovering the best blueberry recipes across the globe. With all that these festivals have to offer, you will surely have a berry great time!
Dr. Sarah Smith is a blueberry expert and author of BlueberryExpert.com. She has been growing and studying blueberries for over 20 years. Her research has focused on the different varieties, growing techniques, and nutritional content of blueberries. She is passionate about helping people to grow their own healthy blueberries and has been a leader in the industry for many years.