From Fats Domino’s 1950’s ditty “Blueberry Hill” to the 2007 romantic movie “My Blueberry Nights,” America’s second favorite berry has long played a part in pop culture. Since 1989 the East Texas town of Nacogdoches has held its own ode to the sweet treat with a fete that’s a delicious way to spend a day: the Texas Blueberry Festival. It ranks as the only only state-sanctioned blueberry festival in Texas.
Food Fun at the Texas Blueberry Festival
Rise and shine with a blueberry pancake for breakfast served in the town square, where a potpourri of musical performances on three stages provide a soundtrack to an event filled with family fun.
America’s second favorite berry is a prominent feature in the pie-making contest and ice cream and cobbler competitions. If looking at all the culinary confections makes you hungry, sign up for the pie-eating contest.
More Activities
The oldest town in the Lone Star state pays homage to a pastime deemed the “national game of Texas” as domino players duel for supremacy at the “42” competition, while contestants take aim at a spike driven in the ground at the the horseshoes and washer tournament.
For automobile aficionados, the Deja Blue Car Show offers an array of four-wheel wonders ranging from vintage Model T’s to muscle cars vying for best in show or best paint job trophies. Chopper enthusiasts will get revved up at the motorcycle show.
Those looking for a souvenir of the day can browse among 100 vendor booths stocked with arts and crafts. After shopping, stop for a snack at the Blueberry Soda and Sweet Shoppe.
Festival attendees that want to delve deeper into the production of blueberries in Nacogdoches or who simply want to bring some berries back home can hop on board a free shuttle to The Blueberry Place, where for a nominal fee visitors can pluck their own sun-sweetened selection from the 1,200 plants growing on the 10-acre farm.
Children’s Activities
Energetic imps can hop to their heart’s content on the inflatable jump houses at Bounce Park, while tweens and teens can tackle the challenge of a rock climbing wall. Creative kids can construct a keepsake at the crafts area, help to paint a mural, or express their individuality in a costume contest.
Before heading home, little ones can make a new furry friend at the petting zoo, wave to their four-footed friends during the pet parade and climb aboard Elsie’s Borden Express train.
For more information:
• visit www.texasblueberryfestival.com