South Haven’s annual Blueberry Festival returns this weekend with plenty of berries to go around.
The 61st National festival is one of the biggest events in South Haven, bringing in thousands of visitors. South Haven Digital Media Manager Trent Bulat says the festival is a chance for the area’s agriculture industry to take center stage.
“Folks can get a sort of a farm passport and visit area farms, get them stamped, and then come back for the Blueberry Social for a free slice of pie,” Bulat said. “There’s live entertainment each night, and the festivities really take place all over town. So it’s not just strictly the downtown area or along the waterfront.”
Thursday night the festival kicks off with the Blueberry Youth Pageant, a pie social, and carnival rides. In addition, the live entertainment featured will be The Last Mangos, a Jimmy Buffet tribute band. Band member Mike Minestra, a St. Joseph native, and his band are returning to the festival after 11 years. Minestra says he’s looking forward to playing in front of the big crowd.
“That’s like we never left. We, everybody appreciates us. I mean, we’re bringing the horns with us tonight. So that’s a good thing. Everybody likes the horn section.”
Activities are happening all weekend long including the Steel headers fish boil on Saturday evening, the 5k and walk, and more.
