The North Carolina Blueberry Festival Association is celebrating over 20 years of providing scholarships and donations to high school programs. The annual festival is held on the 3rd week in June in Downtown Burgaw, with attendance of over 40,000 people. The festival host 200 arts and crafts vendors, food trucks, a whole hog cook off, recipe contest, car show and many live bands. People come from all over NC, VA and SC to attend this annual festival. It is one of the largest and premier festivals in the state.
Get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the science and innovation behind blueberry cultivation at the NCSU Horticulture Crops Research Farm in Castle Hayne, NC. This is an exciting opportunity to dive deeper into the research and crop production practices that drive the blueberry industry, led by top experts from NC State University and NC Cooperative Extension.
What participants can expect:
1.Bus Ride and Arrival
Bus pick up will be at Mission Baptist Church on 607 S. Walker St. Participants will enjoy a 20-minute air-conditioned bus ride to the NCSU Horticulture Crops Research Farm. Along the way, tour hosts will introduce participants to the vital role Pender County agriculture plays in North Carolina’s blueberry industry and give a preview of the cutting-edge research led by NC State and NC Cooperative Extension.
2.Educational Content
Upon arrival, attendees will take part in a series of fascinating educational presentations led by experts in various fields related to blueberry production:
. Plant Breeding – Dr. Massimo Iorizzo will discuss the development of new blueberry varieties aimed at improving taste, yield, and disease resistance.
. Disease and Insect Management – Dr. Lorena Lopez will explore strategies for controlling pests and diseases that impact blueberry crops and are key to maintaining sustainable
production.
. Soil Microbiology – Dr. Mallory Choudoir will share insights into microbiome research and its effects on blueberry soils.
. Harvest Management – Bill Cline will provide techniques for optimizing blueberry harvests, ensuring high-quality fruit reaches consumers.
. Drone Research and Data Mapping – Dr. Jing Zhang will show how drones are being used to assess plant health and vigor in blueberries.
. Beneficial Insect Management – Dr. Hannah Levinson will discuss Integrated Pollinator Pest Management research to support blueberry farmers in developing sustainable practices.
3.Return to the Festival
After the informative tour at the research farm, participants will be returned to the NC Blueberry Festival to continue enjoying the festival's offerings.
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Also check out other
Festivals in Castle Hayne,
Food & Drink events in Castle Hayne,
Health & Wellness events in Castle Hayne.
