North Carolina Blueberry Festival draws hundreds to Burgaw for 23rd annual celebration
BURGAW, N.C. (WWAY) — Excitement filled the streets of Burgaw Friday evening as the 23rd Annual North Carolina Blueberry Festival officially got underway, bringing together residents, visitors, vendors, and local farmers for a weekend celebration of one of the region’s most important crops.
Festivalgoers enjoyed a variety of activities, including live music, dancing, shopping with local vendors, and family-friendly entertainment. One crowd favorite returned once again for participants in the N.C. Blueberry Scholarship Pageant: blueberry stomping.
“I absolutely love it,” one attendee said.
When asked about her favorite part of the festival, a pageant participant quickly replied, “The people stepping on blueberries.”
While blueberry stomping remains a popular attraction, visitors also flock to the festival to enjoy the many blueberry-themed foods and treats available throughout the event.
For local farmer and vendor Morgan Sykes of Altar Cross Farms, the festival offers an opportunity to connect with the community while highlighting the importance of agriculture in southeastern North Carolina.
“A lot of people don’t know how many farms are in this area, so it really highlights the importance of agriculture to this state and this area in particular,” Sykes said.
The region plays a major role in North Carolina’s blueberry industry. Approximately 90% of the state’s commercial blueberry crop is grown in southeastern North Carolina, with Pender County consistently ranking among the top-producing counties.
Beyond celebrating agriculture, the festival also provides a significant economic boost to the area. Organizers estimate the event generates roughly $2 million in economic impact for Burgaw and surrounding communities.
Sykes said many visitors come specifically for the festival’s signature blueberry treats.
“Blueberry cobblers, popsicles, jams, lemonade, blueberry ice cream — that’s what we really highlight at the festival,” she said.
The North Carolina Blueberry Festival continues on Saturday with an opening ceremony at 9 a.m.
