This year’s Blueberry Festival at Burnside Plantation was a hit. The Festival took place July 19 and 20. Attendance on Saturday alone was 4,000 and parking was hard to find, though shuttle service was available for those fortunate enough to park in the lot. Some patrons found parking along Eaton Avenue as well.

Blueberry treats were in abundance, with a dessert tent on the lower fields, and desserts to go near the upper exit. Adding to the dessert selections was the DonutNV food truck, which offered blueberry donuts and a very popular frozen lemonade. They already planning a blueberry pancake doughnut for next year. More blueberry fare such as jams and jellies, were in the Johnson barn on the main concourse. On the lower front end of the barn, the High Horse Powered Wheel was attended by a volunteer.

Large tents for live entertainment and food were on both fields this year, providing shade, a place to sit, as well as food and entertainment.

The scavenger hunt was back again, and so were the old fashioned games and demonstrations, located in the corn crib this year. These activities began with last year’s Apple Days. Beth Beatty, Special Events Manager for Historic Bethlehem Museums and Sites, said, “The Valley has so many festivals, my goal is to differentiate, and bring our mission to the community.” The live Blacksmith was especially popular.

The Burnside farmhouse was open for tours, and the summer kitchen open for demonstrations. The Louise W. Dimmick garden was also open.

Pony rides were in the orchard again, and a petting zoo was behind the large barn by the garden, where for a small fee, children could feed goats, sheep and a donkey. There were rabbits to pet as well. Both were provided by Sunset Boarding Stables.

The Spinners Club were spinning again, and food trucks, vendors, and an activity tent also graced the lower field. In the smaller Haas barn, the Story Doctor and Friends had activities for kids, heralded by a bubble machine. They also gave story times on the lower field stage. The Art Alliance also offered painting for children, along with art for sale.

“Online tickets sales are growing more and more every year, and desserts to go did very well, we sold out of everything! “ said Beth Beatty Special Events Manager for Historic Bethlehem Museums and Sites.

New this year was Saint Luke’s Get Your Tail on the Trail. St. Luke’s also had activities at edge of the trail by the garden. The scavenger hunt had a new layout, 12 items to locate at the historic demos, learn a little, and return the page for a sticker.

Beth said it was important to have a connection to the mission of Historic Bethlehem Museums and Sites, and to local businesses. Profits from the Blueberry Fest went back to Historic Bethlehem Museums and Sites. Deserts came from local family owned businesses. Security was provided by Omega Protective Services on East Union Boulevard. Performers and equipment were provided by City Entertainment, in partnership with Godfrey Daniels.

Apple Days will be the next festival at Burnside Plantation, Sept. 20 and 21. There will be online at ticket sales and an advance Market to Go. Visit historicbethlehem.org/visit-us/experience/apple-days/ for more information.