ST. PETERS BAY BLUEBERRY FESTIVAL

Since 1982, the community of St. Peters has held an annual “Blueberry Festival” during the last weekend in July. Since its initiation, the Blueberry Festival has developed to become one of the biggest community festivals on the Island. From the outset, there has been a chairman and committee of volunteers each year who have seen to the organization of every aspect of the festival including the dances, parade, brunch, entertainment, children‘s activities, and the barbecue.

Aquinas Ryan, Chairman of the first Blueberry Festival, recalls the initial years of the Festival:

In 1 982 the Community Council hired Joan MacDonald to find ways of improve the economy in St. Peters and area. After several brain storming sessions at council meetings and numerous meetings with residents by Ms. MacDonald, it was recommended by council to proceed with a festival. The community council and Ms. MacDonald felt it must be a community effort, which would improve community pride and give residents an opportunity to work together. The first years of the community festival were a success because of the financial support and resources of the community council made up of councilors, Louis MacKinnon, Danny Larkin, Aquinas Ryan, Chairman, and Ruth MacKenzie, Administrator. There were many volunteers from the community and surrounding area and the success of the festival is a testimony of their generosity and dedication in the beginning and ensuring years. (54)

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The Maclnnis Farms float entry for the annual blueberry festival parade. Photo courtesy of Ronnie MacInnis.

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