With Maine’s wild blueberry harvest season now underway, Governor Janet Mills today, July 27, declared Aug. 5–6, 2023 as Maine’s Third Annual Wild Blueberry Weekend.
The announcement came during a Blaine House celebration, where she was joined by the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Commissioner Amanda Beal, Wild Blueberry Commission of Maine Director of Programs Jennifer Maskala, and Maine wild blueberry growers and processors.
The event featured a tasting of fresh wild Maine blueberries and more than a dozen Maine wild blueberry-themed products, showcasing the bountiful harvest of these iconic berries. Maine produces nearly 100 percent of all wild blueberries in the United States. Last year alone, Maine farmers harvested 77.5 million pounds of wild blueberries.
Governor Janet Mills said:
I am proud to declare the third annual Wild Blueberry Weekend in Maine. I encourage everyone to visit one of the participating wild blueberry farms or to sample Maine-grown wild blueberry products at the many restaurants, ice cream shops, breweries, wineries, and distilleries selling them during Wild Blueberry Weekend. I know you’ll love it.
The Wild Blueberry Commission of Maine reports thousands of dollars in direct farm sales and thousands of visitors who enjoy touring the places where wild blueberries grow.
Jennifer Maskala, Director of Programs for the Wild Blueberry Commission of Maine said: We hope that both Mainers and visitors take the opportunity to visit a farm and experience firsthand the wild blueberry fields. Our aim is to establish this event as an annual summer tradition eagerly anticipated by all.
PHOTO: Commissioner Amanda Beal, Kate McAleer of Bixby Chocolate, and Governor Janet Mills celebrate Maine wild blueberries at the Blaine House.
