Danny Federico
Summer is finally here, and that means it's time once more for one of Riverbend News’ favorite traditions. The Fourth Annual Riverbend News Blackberry Festival is set for Saturday, June 6. The community is invited to come out for a full day of fun, food and plenty of entertainment.
The festival will take place at Hamilton County Recreational Park, located at 4525 S.W. 107th Ave., in Jasper, and admission is completely free to the public.
Festivities begin at 9 a.m. and continue until 4 p.m.
Families will be able to enjoy the kid zone, visit the petting zoo, browse a variety of food and craft vendors, or just take in entertainment all day long.
Those with a competitive edge can test their skills in the Tossin’ Berries Cornhole Tournament or cheer on contestants during the festival’s inaugural pie- eating contest. Sign up for the cornhole tournament begins at 9 a.m., and bags will fly at 10 a.m. The pie eating contest – featuring delicious pies baked by Jennifer Gissoni of Sweets on Hatley – will begin at 10:30 a.m.
Of course, the festival wouldn’t be complete without the annual Miss Blackberry crowning, which will take place at 11 a.m.
Live performances will also fill the stage, including music from Bryan Wainwright of On Borrowed Time at 9:30 a.m.; an energetic performance from the South Georgia Rhythm Cloggers at noon; music from Jessica Heurtematte at 1 p.m. and music from Dalton Clifton at 2 p.m.
Bring your family, set up some lawn chairs, grab something good to eat and stay for the music, games and fellowship during this “berry sweet” start to summer.
Riverbend News would like to thank the following sponsors for helping make the Blackberry Festival possible: Accurate Health Plans, First Federal Bank, Fresh Prints Miami, Hamilton County Parks & Recreation, Jasper Foods, Medican US Inc., Pirates Gold, Pop’s Sanitation and Security Safe.