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SIOUX LOOKOUT — The 43rd annual Blueberry Festival kicked off on Friday in Sioux Lookout with over 100 events planned over the 10 days of festivities.
“It is a great time for the community to unite,” said Dori Hopko, the Blueberry Festival's president.
Some highlights of the festival include opening ceremonies, the annual home, craft and trade show, Bert’s birthday party, the annual pride parade, the second annual renaissance fair and several golf tournaments, she said.
“Opening ceremonies is happening Aug. 1st and in opening ceremonies, there will be a presentation of the (John Alexander) Jack McKenzie (Memorial) Award, which is done as well as celebrating the 43 years with the founders,” Hopko said.
“And, Bert's birthday party is the next day, Aug. 2nd from 10 a.m. until noon. And this year we brought in a petting zoo, so that will be there celebrating Bert's birthday, cake and cupcakes, little candy bags for the kids and a Shriners barbecue, so it is going to be lots of fun.”
Most of the events and activities at the festival are free of cost, unless you are a golfer, she added.
“Most of the events are all free to the public, the only ones that would not be free is if you are registering for the ladies' golf tournament, the men's golf tournament, or the mixed golf tournament,” she said.
Additionally, Hopko said there is a fee for other physical activities like bocce and baseball.
“It is a lot of fun, there is a lot of laughs, a lot of different events for different age groups for people to attend, whether you are a senior, you can do stuff as well, or you are a youth and even the little people, so it is wonderful," Hopko said.
The annual festival brings a variety of benefits, from economic advantages to family-friendly fun, she said.
“It brings economic stimulus to our community,” Hopko said.
“A lot of families and classes do grad reunions and family reunions (and) a lot of people will do weddings (and) memorial events. These are all based around the blueberry festival.”
“It also gives all the organizations within the community an option to fundraise for their events. So, rotary does a pancake breakfast that fundraises for the rotary so that they can bring in international students to experience our environment,” she continued.
As the name suggests, blueberry picking will also be a part of the 10-day long festival, but attendees must find their own patch for picking, Hopko said.
“Do not ask me where, because it is everybody's secret. Nobody shares where they want to pick, but there is lots around, which is really nice.”
Community members looking for more information on the event can go here.
