Danny Federico
news@greenepublishing.com
Get ready to “berry” your day in fun as Riverbend News hosts its third annual Blackberry Festival from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. this Saturday, June 21. The festival, which promises a jam-packed day of family-friendly activities and flavorful treats, will take place at Jasper City Park, located at 205 Hatley St.
Along with live music performed by Faster Than Flash, there will be plenty of other fun events planned throughout the festival.
Bakers from all over the area will have the opportunity to submit their own decadent confections for judging at this year’s “Treats for Transplants” Bake-Off Fundraiser. The competition will run from 10 a.m. to noon on the tennis courts at Jasper City Park, and all proceeds will benefit a family in need.
This event will feature two categories: Pies and Cobblers, with bakers vying for first and second-place trophies in each. Entry costs $25 per submission, and all entries must be blackberry-flavored to fit the festival’s theme. Judging will be based on taste, presentation and consistency.
Aside from offering a bit of friendly competition, the bake-off will also be supporting a family in need. Sixteen-year-old Hannah Albritton will be undergoing a bone marrow transplant on Tuesday, June 24, as a result of an autoimmune disease. Funds raised will assist Albritton and her family as they prepare for the procedure.
All bakers are encouraged to participate in this inaugural event.
More friendly competition, along with beanbags, will fill the air in another of the Blackberry Festival’s inaugural competitions. The “Tossin’ Berries” Cornhole Tournament will offer a relaxed yet competitive edge to the fun-filled day. Participants can register for $25 per person. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top competitors.
In addition to the tournament itself, Riverbend News invites local businesses and community members to contribute as Cornhole Tournament sponsors.
All sponsors will be announced during the festival, and proceeds will go toward the tournament’s prize pool of over $500.
This year’s tournament is being presented in partnership with the Interchange Cornhole Crew. Don’t miss out on this chance to show off your aim and enjoy some lighthearted rivalry in the heart of downtown Jasper.
One of the festival’s popular attractions is back and better than ever. The “Berry Big” Touch-a-Truck section invites festival-goers to climb aboard and explore a wide range of emergency, utility and specialty vehicles.
This free exhibit will be available throughout the entirety of the festival, giving youth and adults alike the chance to interact with vehicles and the professionals who operate them. From fire engines and police cruisers to ambulances and heavy machinery, this event will put the community in the driver’s seat—literally.
Additionally, there will be a special Kids Zone, featuring Sinkin’ Putts Portable Mini Golf, axe throwing, cornhole, giant Connect Four, ring toss, and much more. Wristbands providing all-day entry into this section will be available for $5.
From handmade crafts to sweet treats and everything in between, the “Berry Bazaar” is set to be one of the most vibrant and bustling features of this year’s Blackberry Festival.
Festival-goers can expect to see a wide array of booths lining Hatley Street, featuring local food trucks, produce stands, arts and crafts, and information from local service organizations, along with much more. With dozens of vendors already confirmed, attendees will be able to browse through displays of homemade goods, fresh lemonade, boutique clothing, seasonal produce, jewelry and unique handcrafted items.
Among the confirmed vendors are Horne’s Sweet & Spicy Pepper Sauce, Lazy Days Lemonade, Sandy’s Sips & Sweets and Wilbur’s Wagon, alongside craft vendors including The Olive Branch Boutique, Sweetlinks Permanent Jewelry, Butterfly Tree Crafts and GG’s Art Barn. Informational and service booths—such as Three Rivers Legal Services, CareerSource and All American Gutter Protection—will also be on hand to share resources and connect with the community.
Entry to the festival is free of charge. Individuals interested in entering a confection into the bake-off, sponsoring the cornhole tournament, or those seeking more information can call (386) 364-4141 or email bookkeeper.riverbendnews@gmail.com.