Burgaw prepares for Blueberry Festival as iconic downtown artwork gets fresh touch-up

BURGAW, NC (WWAY) — With the North Carolina Blueberry Festival just days away, Burgaw is making final preparations to welcome thousands of visitors to the annual celebration.

One of the most visible touches of preparation can be found on Fremont Street near the courthouse, where longtime community member and Burgaw Town Councilman William Rivenbark spent about 3 hours last Friday freshening up the town’s well-known blueberry display.

Rivenbark originally designed and painted the landmark with his son, Scott, and has returned each year for more than 20 years to help maintain it ahead of the festival.

As crews and volunteers work across town, officials say the finishing touches help set the stage for one of the area’s biggest summer events.

The North Carolina Blueberry Festival is expected to draw large crowds this weekend, bringing vendors, entertainment, and visitors from across the region.