Linda Bitnar – Family Fun for All at the Wild Blueberry Festival in Paradise

Paradise, Michigan – What’s better than homemade blueberry pies, pancakes, mimes, ventriloquists, and crafts? Not a whole lot, unless you can find them all in one place! That’s exactly what the Wild Blueberry Festival held in Paradise, Michigan delivers.

Located in the eastern U.P. about one hour north of the Mackinac Bridge and overlooking the beautiful Whitefish Bay is where the uniquely-Yooper fest takes place from August 17th-19th, 2018. Linda Bitnar, who helps out with the festival, gave listeners the low-down on the fest with Todd Pazz on The 8th Day.

Linda Bitnar explains that Paradise, dubbed “The Wild Blueberry Capital of Michigan,” used to hire commercial blueberry pickers to gather berries and ship them as far as Chicago. The Wild Blueberry Festival celebrates blueberries and history of Paradise and attracts over 100 vendors every year. Vendor offerings include one-of-a-kind souvenirs — such as nautically-themed arts and crafts — as well as food throughout duration of the event such as brats, grilled lunches, and a blueberry-themed bake sale.

In addition to the unique vendors, the festival also brings family-friendly fun for all who attend. Some crowd favorites include a ventriloquist, a mime, and pie eating contests. There is also a Blueberry Brunch, which Bitnar says is always a huge hit. People can’t seem to get enough of their blueberry pancakes! Friday and Saturday nights also feature a “Blueberry Jamboree”, complete with live music and entertainment as well as horse-drawn carriage rides.

The next Wild Blueberry festival will be held August 16th-18th, 2019. For attendees that wish to make the festival a weekend affair, Bitnar said information on hotels can be found by contacting the Paradise Area Chamber of Commerce. Campsites at the Tahquamenon Falls State Park can also be booked at (800) 447-2757, but be advised, hotels and campsites fill up quick!

The 8th Day thanks Linda for the history of the Wild Blueberry Festival in Paradise, Michigan. For more information, visit www.wildblueberryfestival.org.

Listen:

• Great Lakes Radio Player: ( 8 Min. mp3)
• Default Device Player: (8 Min. mp3)