The Red, White and Blueberry Festival was especially sweet Sunday afternoon at Hammonton High School.
“It was a tremendous crop of blueberries this year, so we hope everyone enjoys,” said John Runfolo, executive director of the Greater Hammonton Chamber of Commerce.
Councilman Mickey Pullia along with Atlantic County Freeholder John Risley helped welcome people to the 31st annual event, which featured food and craft vendors, a classic-car show, games and amusements for children, and an all-ages blueberry pie-eating contest.
Atlantic County produces 80 percent of blueberries sold nationwide, with local farmers crediting the sand and soil for perfect blueberry conditions.
According to the New Jersey Department of Agriculture, blueberry season is between June 20 to Aug. 15, so the festival falls right in line with when blueberries are at their peak.
People stocked up for the season, buying crates of fresh-picked berries from local farmers such as Big Buck Farms and DiMeo Blueberry Farm and Nursery.
Local favorites Liscio’s Bakery and Cacia Bakery had fresh pastries and pies for sale, although on a Sunday that scorched up to 90 degrees, lines were long for blueberry lemonade and blueberry ice cream.
The blueberry festival is an annual tradition for residents and business owners in Hammonton, and one the Greater Hammonton Chamber of Commerce hopes to continue for many more years, officials said.
