North Carolina Blueberry Festival in Burgaw: What to know about parking, food and music
It's almost blueberry season in North Carolina, which goes for mid-June to early August. The state is the seventh-largest producer of blueberries in the country and is known for its high-quality crop.
To celebrate, Burgaw will host the annual North Carolina Blueberry Festival. Here's what to know.
What's happening
The North Carolina Blueberry Festival is a celebration that connects communities by honoring the historic, economic and cultural significance of blueberries grown in Southeastern North Carolina. The festival will begin with the kickoff concert Friday, June 14, 7-10 p.m. and Saturday, June 15, 9 a.m.-10 p.m. The festival is free to attend and will be held in different locations on and around the Historic Courthouse Square, 100 S. Wright St.
The event features an array of attractions, including more than 175 artisan vendors, food, beer and wine. Coolers, tents, outside alcohol or loudspeakers are not permitted. Organizers strongly encourage festival goers to leave pets at home, due to large crowds and the heat. Restrooms, ATMs, and first aid will be available. Please do not bring coolers, tents or alcohol.
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The proceeds will be used to provide educational scholarships to students residing in the counties of Bladen, Duplin, New Hanover, Pender and Sampson. Proceeds are also used to support academic and sports related school programs, medical clinics in schools, and other local charitable efforts including Meals on Wheels.
More details are available at https://www.ncblueberryfestival.com/events.
Events
The Whole Hog BBQ Cook-off is sanctioned by the N.C. Pork Council and its Whole Hog Barbecue Series. Pigs will be cooked by many local contestants, along with champion cookers from across North Carolina, where they will compete to be named the N.C. Blueberry Festival Barbecue Champ.
Blueberry recipe contest
Mainstage lineup performance: Friday 7 p.m. — The Chairman of the Board. Saturday — 10 a.m. Massive Grass, 1 p.m. Main Event, 4 p.m. Gary Lowder & Smokin Hot, 7 p.m. Band of Oz
Craft beer
A 5K Run and 1-Mile Walk will begin and end in downtown Burgaw.
Cape Fear Cyclists, in conjunction with the N.C. Blueberry Festival, presents the Tour de Blueberry event. Helmets are required. Register at https://www.bikesignup.com/Race/NC/Burgaw/TourdeBlueberry.
The annual Car and Truck Show, Saturday. Registration 7:30-9 a.m. at West Satchwell St. Details: 910-259-2007.
Farm fresh blueberries are provided by local farmers from Southeastern North Carolina counties including Pender, New Hanover, Sampson, Bladen, and Duplin. Also bake sales by local churches and a variety of items from food vendors who offer blueberry treats.
Tours will be at the research farm located in Castle Hayne, led by researchers from N.C. State University. They will discuss the work to develop new blueberry varieties as well as what's being done to study and improve the health and nutritional value of blueberries.
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Where to park?
Remember not to park in areas with "no parking" signs. Your vehicle will be towed.
Downtown parking will be limited on Saturday. Handicap parking is available on the block of 200 E. Fremont Street. Festival shuttles will be available 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday. Parking for shuttles is located at Pender Landing Shopping Center (Food Lion parking lot), 602 U.S. 117, and at the Pender County Extension offices, 801 S. Walker St.
The Pender High School Athletic Club will park cars for a small fee in Rainbow International Restoration's parking lot at 302 S. Dickerson St.
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: What to know about the 2024 NC Blueberry Festival in Burgaw
