The 36th annual Blueberry Festival at Burnside Plantation arrived to a mixed bag of weather. Saturday was hot and sunny, and drew the largest crowds. This year, the festival hours were extended to 7 p.m. July 17 started with clouds and rain, but as the sky cleared, more crowds appeared. Overall, attendance reached around 3,500 for the two day festival.

There was also am online sale of blueberry goods, with pickup on the Monday after the festival.

Attendees could watch artists at work, and Historic Bethlehem volunteers in period garb discussed and demonstrated the High Horse Powered Wheel, an old-time one room schoolhouse, and Colonial beer making. Craig Larimer, beer maker and member of Historic Bethlehem, explained the beer of the time was made with just four ingredients. Larimer and his friends produce the beer as a hobby, only providing beer for family and friends. There was even a Town Crier, Ted Moyer, ringing a bell to draw people to the demonstrations. The National Industrial History Museum offered a metal melting presentation.

Food trucks occupied the upper field, and vendors and crafters the lower field. Musical acts complemented both areas. For children, there were pony rides and a petting zoo from Sunset Boarding Stables, the one-room schoolhouse, a story walk and more. The Banana Factory provided fun crafts for kids to make. The Read to Dogs program offered friendly dogs for children to read to. Neverland K-9 gave dog agility demonstrations.

A small shop beside the schoolhouse was filled with various jams and jellies, and blueberry coffee, as well as other items for sale, including Musikfest mugs. There was a take home tent near the exit with delightful Blueberry baked goods, and even ice cream.

The next big festival at the Burnside Plantation will be Apple Days, Sept. 16 and 17.