Ready to begin a new summer tradition in Maine? Well, we’ve got a new exciting event to share with you. The Wild Blueberry Commission of Maine is putting our state’s iconic, delicious, and healthy wild blueberry in the spotlight this summer with the first ever Wild Blueberry Weekend. Mainers and visitors will have the opportunity to eat, drink, and experience the taste of Maine summers by visiting 15+ wild blueberry farms and 40+ participating restaurants, inns, bars, wineries, and distilleries August 7-8, 2021. For a full list of the participating businesses and local farms (and the incredible activities they have planned), visit www.wildblueberryweekend.com.
“We want Mainers and visitors alike to experience the hardworking, vibrant, and distinctly Maine culture of wild blueberry farming,” said Eric Venturini, Executive Director for The Wild Blueberry Commission of Maine. “Wild Blueberry Weekend is a fun way to engage foodies, families, folks interested in the local food scene, residents and tourists in this iconic Maine food–and help our farms and businesses. Our goal is to make Wild Blueberry Weekend a new, annual summer tradition in Maine each August.”
Learn about Maine’s Wild Places
During the weekend, visitors will have the opportunity to visit 15+ wild blueberry farms located in Midcoast and Downeast Maine to learn how multi-generational family farms have stewarded and harvested this healthy, delicious berry for generations. Locations are offering a range of activities from farm tours to u-pick, hand-raking demonstrations, and even the ability to camp out in select fields. Additionally, visitors can purchase farm fresh and frozen wild blueberries and a number of value-add products like dried wild blueberry powder, jams, syrups, honey, and more.
“We want visitors to learn that wild blueberries are not ordinary blueberries. Wild blueberries have a rich, cultural history that we want to share, and they are grown and harvested in a way that is truly unique to Maine’s coastal landscape. Wild blueberries have thrived in this region for thousands of years–they are not planted like ordinary blueberries. Instead, they grow where nature put them, and are nurtured and harvested by Maine farmers,” continued Venturini. “Our farmers love what they do and are excited to share their stories with you. I encourage everyone to come up to Maine, see what the wild difference is for yourself, experience the natural beauty of a Maine wild blueberry field, and most importantly, eat and enjoy Maine wild blueberries.”
Plan Your Wild Blueberry Weekend Itinerary–Fun for the Whole Family
If you’re heading to Maine this August or simply live here plan your family’s weekend itinerary by browsing the Wild Blueberry Weekend map that highlights 40+ participating restaurants, bars, wineries, and eating establishments, as well as the 15+ participating wild blueberry farms. Plus, you’ll have a chance to highlight you wild experiences and win prizes by following along with @wildblueberries on Instagram and Facebook and using #WildBlueberryWeekend on social media.
“We’re very excited to launch this first ever, Maine wild blueberry weekend and hope to make it a tradition that Mainers and tourists look forward to each year. Don’t miss out on the fun. Plan your Wild Blueberry Weekend today,” concluded Venturini.
To learn more about Wild Blueberry Weekend, visit www.wildblueberryweekend.com. If you’re curious about the health benefits, origin, and eating wild blueberries, visit www.wildblueberries.com for research, recipes, and more.