Head to Klukwan this weekend for everything blueberry: blueberry-themed games, desserts, prizes, photos and even a burger feed.
The first Blueberry Festival kicks off 8 a.m. Friday and continues into Saturday afternoon.
Organizer Joanne Elsie Spud said she and Don Hotch Jr. were brainstorming last fall when the idea for a blueberry festival arose.
Spud emailed people asking if they’d be interested in putting together the festival to celebrate the blueberry, and each responded with an idea of what they’d like to do. “It’s something we’ve done in Klukwan forever, going out and picking them and using them in different things.”
A blueberry pancake feed happens 8 a.m. Friday and Saturday, with gluten-free cakes available. From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on both days, festival-goers can view blueberry-themed photos, poems, arts, crafts and jelly and jam exhibits at the ANS Hall and church.
From 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. both days, people can try various jellies and jams on fresh fry bread. “The biggest thing that people are interested in is the fry bread that is going to be sold, and the jams and jellies you’ll be able to taste on top of your fry bread. When we posted all the stuff that is happening (on Facebook), that’s the thing that really took off,” Spud said.
On Friday, there will also be a silent auction from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and coloring for children in blueberry-themed coloring books at the Klukwan library.
From 1 to 2 p.m. Friday at the ANS Hall, elder Evelyn Hotch will share stories about blueberry-picking.
Saturday will feature blueberry bingo from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. and a burger feed with blue side dishes from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Both events are at the ANS Hall.
The burger feed will include light side salads with blueberries and blueberry gelatin.