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Sudburians flock to farmer's market for Blueberry Bash

Festival organizers name winner of first-ever Blueberry Bun Baking contest

Hundreds of blueberry-loving Sudburians showed up at the farmer's market on Elgin Street Saturday for the Blueberry Bash.

The event is just one of many that take place during the Sudbury Blueberry Festival, which wraps up Sunday.

This year's festival has been “great,” said festival chair John Lindsay.

“It's hard to believe it's been 33 years since Mayor Peter Wong instituted the Sudbury Blueberry Festival,” he said. 

“It keeps going year after year. People want to participate. How long can it go? As long as blueberries exist, I guess.”

The Blueberry Bash included a blueberry pancake breakfast put on by the Minnow Lake Lions Club, a visit by Sudbury-Berry Bear, live entertainment and a new event — the Blueberry Bun Baking Contest.

These are a rich treat that used to be very popular in Toronto's Jewish community which were made from blueberries shipped from Northern Ontario.

Lise Dugas and husband Bradley McDonald stayed up until 2 a.m. Saturday morning creating several types of blueberry buns to enter in the contest.

In the end, Dugas' buns, which included a lemon sugar glaze and a blueberry topping, took home first prize.

The baked goods were judged by members of the Sudbury Arts Council. 

“I know what I like, and absolutely the baking delivered,” said arts council member Judi Straughan. 

“I must give all the chefs a thumbs up. It was a difficult choice, but you know, things in life can be difficult choices, and we did make it, and we're very happy with the winner.”

Dugas, who said she got her inspiration for her winning recipe on Pinterest, said she was excited to win the baking contest.

“When I saw that recipe, I knew it had a lot of potential, and I put my love into it,” she said. “So maybe that has something to do with it.”


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