Sudbury was treated to a summer tradition once again, with the revival of the Sudbury Blueberry Festival on Aug. 16.
This new iteration of the event was hosted by Autumnwood Mature Lifestyle Communities, and the festival of everything blueberry was very well attended at the Ste. Anne Road site of Red Oak Villa.
Organizers of the original Sudbury Blueberry Festival had been looking for another organization to host the event, which was started by former Sudbury Mayor Peter Wong in 1987.
Autumnwood’s version of the festival featured several beloved events, including the blueberry bash, and the traditional celebrity blueberry pie-eating contest.
This year included celebrity contestants such as reigning champion Julia Williams of Pure Country 91.7, Sydney Hutchins from Team Elite at Re/max Crown Realty, Patrick “Coach Pat” Drolet of the Nickel City Ninjas, Ward 5 Coun. Mike Parent, and Connor LaRocque of Social Rise, who won the competition. (Sudbury.com reporter Jenny Lamothe also took part in the event, and did not win, but enjoyed being called a celebrity).
To add to the community spirit and excitement, Sud-Berry Blueberry Bear and Sudbrina Bear made an appearance, hugging and taking photos with all.
There were musicians “jamming” (oops! OK, one more pun) and many people dancing and as well as face painting, games and a chance to sample everything wonderful about blueberries, including a free blueberry dessert for all who came.
Tomorrow, Aug. 18, the Amberwood Suites will be hosting a blueberry pancake breakfast, in partnership with the Minnow Lake Lions Club, that is sure to delight blueberry lovers.
For more information about the festival, visit the Autumnwood Mature Lifestyle Communities Facebook page here.
Jenny Lamothe is a reporter with Sudbury.com.
