The 35th annual Sudbury Blueberry Festival is just around the corner, which means loads of blueberry-themed activities, entertainment and treats for the whole family to enjoy during the week-long event.
Since being introduced by former Sudbury Mayor Peter Wong as an opportunity for economic development, the Blueberry Festival has become a beloved family tradition in Sudbury, celebrating what is considered the city's best above-ground natural resource.
John Lindsay has been chair of the Blueberry Festival for many years and was present in the founding of its executive team. Despite the passing years, Lindsay said it has remained "the people's festival," rooted in tradition and dedicated to honouring the impact blueberries have had on the northern city.
"During the (Great) Depression, many people made a fair living during the summertime by picking blueberries and (sending them) by train up to Toronto -- and that still happens," he said. "Blueberries have been a constant over the years, so regardless of how the economy has gone in Sudbury, ups and downs, hirings and layoffs, blueberries still remain with us."
In addition to providing viable employment for residents, Lindsay said blueberries continue to draw tourists intrigued by fields of wild blueberries scattered across Sudbury's immense geographic landscape.
"We have people coming from all over Canada who come here and are fascinated by the fact that they can actually go out in the bush and pick blueberries," said Lindsay.
"It's something that I think identifies Sudbury in a very positive way."
Many Blueberry Festival events across Greater Sudbury are free, said Lindsay, or offer a sizeable meal or entertainment in exchange for a small entry fee.
This year's festivities will include many old favourites, such as the 33rd annual Blueberry Breakfast and 30th annual Blueberry Garden Party, as well as a few new changes, such as the introduction of 'Baby Bear' at the Monique Legault Studio.
Once again, the Blueberry Festival will be hosting a raffle over the course of the festival, ballots for which will be provided at each event held across the city. For the second year in a row, the prize will be a Sudbury Passport to the Arts valued at more than $1,800, featuring 13 exclusive offers to festivals, plays, workshops, one restaurant and more.
A full list of Blueberry Festival events can be found here.
Main Events:
-- Festival Kick-Off takes place Sunday, July 14, from 7-8:30 p.m. at the William Bell Gazebo in Bell Park and will feature live music by Ashley Woodroof.
-- Celebrity Blueberry Pie Eating Contest will be held Thursday, July 18, from 12-12:30 p.m. at the Rainbow Centre.
-- Blueberry Bash will be hosted across from the Sudbury Arena in the CN Railway parking lot Saturday, July 20, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
-- Closing Ceremonies will take place Sunday, July 21, from 7-8:30 p.m. at the William Bell Gazebo in Bell Park and will feature live music from Newcastle.
