Berkshire’s Blueberry and Book Festival keeps growing

“Living Local” gets bigger and better. That’s what the third annual Berkshire Blueberry and Book Festival was all about – getting bigger and better. A steady crowd graced the event from beginning to end.

On Saturday, July 22, there were more blueberries, more blueberry pancakes (330 to be exact), more vendors, more artists, more entertainment, and more people enjoying the festival.  

The Berkshire Free Library, the lead organizer of the festival, along with the fire hall and Community Hall on each side of it and the surrounding lawn area, all were bustling with

activity.  

Ten authors were present to offer autographs for the books they sold. Several other local writers also had their books available for purchase. One author, who has participated all three years, sold more books this year than both previous years combined. 

The highlight in the food department was the Blueberry Bake-Off. Jeff Mann took first place in the muffin category with his gluten free blueberry muffins. There was a tie for first place in the blueberry dessert category between Cecelia Whitney and Janice Merrill. Janice

Merrill also took best in show.  

A total of $216 was raised through the bake-off, and will go to Helping Hands Food Pantry. The blueberry pancake breakfast and the chicken barbecue also received rave reviews, not to mention the other delectable desserts that were offered for sale.

This year’s art show featured more local artists and more wonderful

artwork, 81 pieces in all. One observer called it, “Over the top amazing!”  

The festival provided two awards this year, each receiving a cash prize and a medal. Festival participants were asked to cast a ballot for their favorite work of art, the “People’s Choice Award.” Jeff Mann of Newark Valley won that award with his medal owl sculpture mounted on wood. One juried award was also given, won by Bob Merwin of Owego for his acrylic of a robin’s nest.

There was entertainment presented in two venues, in the fire station and in the Community Hall. In the first station, Ed

Nizalowski offered up some Baroque flute, Robert Beck and his band played popular rock, Story Laurie entertained the young and young at heart, Andy G. Fagan even played some of his own compositions and Farrah Fiacco sang popular hits. In the Community Hall, the Full of Grace dancers performed for an enthusiastic audience, Sister Moon

graced the audience with folk music, Valley Harmony sang all sorts of a cappella music, and Melissa Collins played her harp.  

Besides the authors, there were vendors with all sorts of products and services, including a booth there to register new voters. And the antique cars were also a big hit. One 1956 Oldsmobile owner said he relished the opportunity to talk

about cars with the people who stopped by.  

Bob Connelly offered a presentation titled “The Changing Value of Antiques in Today’s Market or What’s Hot and What’s Not,” before he offered his own appraisal of the items brought to him.

Co-organizer Karen McNally had this to offer, “My personal goals for this event were to make connections that build partnerships, to enhance community pride, to share our local

arts, and help nonprofits and businesses in our local communities. We all can do so much more together than we can do separately.”

This event directly benefits the Berkshire Free Library, which serves both the Towns of Berkshire and Richford, and the Berkshire Fire Department.  So many wonderful volunteers, over 75, came together for this enjoyable and rewarding summer community event to include

Farrah Fiacco, who once again offered her services and smiling face as Miss Blueberry.