Blueberry festivals this weekend
I have a pint of local blueberries in my fridge waiting to be turned into muffins or folded into pancakes. I bought them at the grocery store. When I see Jersey Fresh produce at the grocery store, I try to buy it because I want the stores to know it’s important to carry local. Blueberries are also abundant at the farmers market right now.
However, if you are looking for the most authentic local blueberry experience, you need to check out one of these two blueberry festivals happening this weekend. I got the information off of the PineyPower website – the name cracks me up!
The Whitesbog Blueberry Festival is held annually the last Saturday of June at Whitesbog Historical Village in Brendan T. Byrne State Forest, 120-34 Whitesbog Road (off Route 530), Browns Mills NJ. This year’s date is Saturday, June 27, 2009. $8 per carload, or $3 per person arriving by bus/tour. Pinelands crafters and artists “alley” featuring art, handicrafts, and photography. The Pinelands Antique Engine Association’s displays, as well as walking and wagon tours, are interactive experiences festival goers can enjoy throughout the day. For the children, activities such as the blueberry pie-eating contest will keep the young ones entertained. Live bluegrass music lends the perfect soundtrack to the festival. For more nformation, call 609-893-4646.
The Red, White and Blueberry Festival takes place in Hammonton NJ (blueberry capital of the world!). The 2009 date is Sunday, June 28, from 10AM to 5PM at the Hammonton High School grounds on Old Forks Road, just off Rte 30 (White Horse Pike) in Hammonton. The combination of live music, kiddie rides, arts & crafts, a blueberry bake-off, a fantastic Classic Car Show run by Cruisin’ Classics, incredible food, and of course blueberries in every shape and form has made this day a family favorite for people from all over the Delaware Valley. Once again, admission and parking are free. Expanded trolley rides from remote parking areas will also be available free of charge.
For more information on these festivals and lots of other local food events that are going on this summer, hop on over to the ever informative John and Lisa are Eating in South Jersey blog.
