The annual North Carolina Blueberry Festival returns to Burgaw in Pender County on Friday, June 14. The action begins at 6 p.m.
“The town of Burgaw is the county seat of Pender County, known for its historic downtown area, which features buildings dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, making it home to many movie and television backdrops,” says Pender County director of tourism Olivia Dawson.
North Carolina blueberry cultivation ranks sixth in the nation, with nearly 40 million pounds grown each year.
Blueberries are often called a superfood because they are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
“Burgaw and Pender County’s soil is great for growing blueberries,” Dawson says.
There are dozens of varieties of blueberries, with each variety having unique characteristics and that bear fruit at different times.
Farmers working in conjunction with NC State’s blueberry breeding program have developed more than 40 varieties since the 1940s. Popular varieties include O’Neal, Star, Duke, New Hanover, and Legacy, one of the most dominant varieties locally. It ripens in late May and lasts until mid to late June.
It takes about five years for a plant to reach full crop potential. Bushes are cultivated for two years before they are planted in the field. After the first year, there is sparse production, then a bit more the next.
“Historically, Burgaw’s economy was based on agriculture, which is still a substantial industry in the area,” Dawson says.
The 21st festival will occupy a great deal of downtown Burgaw, beginning on East Wilmington Street in the 100 block.
An estimated 175 vendors are expected, including arts and crafts sellers, and of course everything blueberry — fresh local fruit from farmers in Pender, New Hanover, Bladen, Duplin and Sampson counties, and all manner of food and treats flavored with the local berry.
“The 2023 festival saw over 40,000 festival-goers flood the town,” says Dawson.
There will be a car show located on West Satchwell Street, a 5K run and 1 mile walk, as well as the Tour de Blueberry bicycle ride in conjunction with Cape Fear Cyclists on Saturday, June 15 at 8:30 a.m. The 10, 22, 33 and 66-mile rides start at Burgaw Middle School.
June 14 has a whole hog barbecue cook off. A blueberry recipe contest with five categories will be held at the historic Burgaw depot on June 15.
There’s a great deal of music and fun on both days.
Is it too late to get involved in the barbecue cook-off for the 15th