The rich, warm scents of blackberries in August carry a bittersweetness: summer’s end is near. But first, gather ye berries while ye may! This is a time for seasonal treats – pies, muffi ns, jam, wine, purple fi ngers, scratched legs, and in Powell River: the 13th Annual Blackberry Festival.
Its roots fi rmly set in a time when blackberries were a fruit and not a handheld communication device, the Festival now draws visitors from across North America. “The world has discovered it!” says organizer Danita Senf.
The festival’s hallmarks – great food, great music, great arts and crafts and family-friendly entertainment – are in evidence this year, as always.
Blackberry week launches August 14 at the Paradise Valley Fair Grounds’ Saturday Open Air Market with a Bake-off, games for the kids and a variety of fun stuff. The standard for great music is set that evening at Dwight Hall in the Historic Townsite, with the Blackberry Festival Kickoff Concert featuring the legendary Carl Dixon (of Coney Hatch, April Wine and the Guess Who tour.) At just $15 each, tickets for this event will evaporate.
Call 604.485.0010 or 604.485.2552 to reserve seating.
Sunday, stroll through the annual Art in the Park exhibition under the trees at Willingdon Beach. Literary readings, music, demonstrations and exhibits provide a feast for the soul.
Throughout the week that follows, restaurants and pubs will provide a feast for the body with original entrees, desserts and drinks featuring the Festival’s favourite fruit, and struggle to outdo one another at the Hospitality Olympics as well.
At the Recreation Complex, the Townsite Heritage Society operates the Blackberry Express and Café – serving and even making deliveries of spectacular blackberry desserts for lunch and coffee breaks. But the ultimate food event this week is the Blackberry Wine and Cheese Reception.
Held at the Evergreen Theatre and spilling into the Cedar/Arbutus Rooms at the Recreation Complex, the reception (sponsored by Tourism Powell River) offers blackberry-themed treats, entertainment, a silent auction, prizes and demonstrations.
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The highlight must be the Professional Chefs’ Blackberry Dessert Contest. They make enough so everyone can share! Tickets for this event are a modest $10 each or 5 for $40 (available from the Visitor Info Centre – see ad on page 7 for details.)
Marine Avenue in downtown Powell River is closed as the Blackberry Festival culminates in an amazing street party. Four different sound stages scattered along its length offer a band extravaganza, open mike and talent contest. Stunt cyclists, a vintage car Show ‘n’ Shine, pipers, plenty of kids’ activities, and lots and lots of wonderful arts and crafts and food booths ensure fun for everyone.
For more information: www.discoverpowellriver.com/visitors/Blackberry
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