Wild Blueberry Festival Continues Its Tradition of Supporting the Community

Welcome to Paradise, Wild Blueberry Capital of Michigan

During the 1920's and 30's large numbers of people migrated to a white pine forested area in Whitefish Township, Michigan, to pick blueberries.  At this time, cultivated blueberries were unknown; steamers parked in Lake Superior's Whitefish Bay to transport this "Blue Gold" cargo to Detroit, Chicago, and Buffalo.  Since 1984 during the third full weekend of August, the Paradise area commemorates this history with the Wild Blueberry Festival.  Showcasing informative programs of music, nature, arts, and crafts, large numbers of people continue to migrate to Paradise to indulge in blueberry pies, buckles, muffins, and blue streaks (blueberry pie, ice cream, and blueberry sauce)!

Each year, whenever possible, the festival has donated profits back into the local community as a dedication to all the volunteers that participate in this three day event.  On April 25, 2018, Wendy Skeans, Wild Blueberry Festival Chairperson, presented Tom McKee,  Whitefish Township Community Schools Superintendent, a check for $1,000 to the school's playground renovation project.  The Whitefish Township Community Library Director, Jody Halsey accepted funds to purchase a refrigerator to provide chilled snacks for children's programs and classic movie nights.  The Wild Blueberry Festival donated to the Paradise Area Chamber of Commerce's Winter Decorations Project  used in the business district of Paradise, along M-123.

(Left)Tom McKee, Whitefish Township Community Schools Superintendent, (Center) Wendy Skeans, Wild Blueberry Festival Chairperson, Jody Halsey,Whitefish Township Community Library Director

Continuing their efforts to enhance the community and given the success of the winter decorations,  the Wild Blueberry Festival committee at their April meeting agreed to purchase and display new banners celebrating, Paradise's designation as the Wild Blueberry Festival Capital of Michigan.   The new banners were purchased through Bronner's Commercial Display Division of Frankenmuth Michigan and installed with the support of Bob Youker Construction, LLC of Paradise, and local volunteers.

Wild Blueberry Festival Donates Banners Celebrating Paradise, the Wild Blueberry Festival Capital of Michigan

 The 2018 Wild Blueberry Festival is scheduled for August 17, 18, and 19. Information about the 2018 Wild Blueberry Festival is available on their website at www.WildBlueberryFestival.org.