With the 33rd annual Sudbury Blueberry Festival starting July 15 and running to July 22, here's the word on this year's blueberry crop from those in the know — they're ripe and fairly plentiful.
“We're just taking the word of those who have been out already,” said festival chair John Lindsay.
Why have a blueberry festival? Sudburians love their blueberries, which are free for the picking in this area of the province, he said.
“How many things in life are really free?” Lindsay said. “If you've got the time and energy and are prepared to make sure the bears don't take your berries from you, then they're there for the picking.”
The Sudbury Blueberry Festival, which features more than 30 events, many of them free or low cost, is one of the few area festivals that has events all across the city, including in outlying communities, he said.
This year features a new event, where area bakers are invited to bake blueberry buns, a “rather decadent” calorie-filled treat once widely enjoyed in the Toronto Jewish community.
A recipe has been posted on the Sudbury Blueberry Festival website for those interested in trying their hand at making a batch.
The Sudbury Arts Council will be awarding prizes for the best blueberry buns at 10 a.m. July 21 as part of the Blueberry Bash at The Market on Elgin St.
For more information on Sudbury Blueberry Festival events, visit the festival's Facebook page.
Don't miss:
Celebrity Blueberry Pie Eating Contest – July 19 from 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., centre court at the Rainbow Centre Mall
Blueberry Bash – July 21 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., The Market
