It’s blueberry picking time and the deliciously sweet berries are chock full of health benefits. Known as the king of antioxidant foods, blueberries can reduce DNA damage, which may protect against aging and cancer, protects cholesterol in your blood from becoming damaged and may even lower your blood pressure. So, grab a bucket, put on a straw hat and get ready to go. Listed here are places to go berry picking right here in Genesee County:
Coyner’s Blueberries
7101 Gillette Rd., Flushing
810.659.6677
9am-5pm U-Pick $2.20 a pound
Montrose Orchards
12473 Seymour Rd., Montrose
810.639.6971
9am-6pm U-Pick $2.20 a pound
Azure Acres
1233 W. Lake Rd., Clio
810.639.6971
(Family-owned U-Pick blueberry farm and farm stand)
Montrose Blueberry Festival
To celebrate healthy, delicious blueberries, you can visit the upcoming Montrose Blueberry Festival on August 16-18, which is in its 48th year and there is something for everyone. There are festivities all month long, starting with the “Kick off” Car Show on Aug. 11 in Lion’s Park. The 7th Annual Craft Beer and Wine tasting is set for Thursday, Aug. 15 in the Entertainment Tent. This event has gained popularity over the years. At the tasting tables you will find a selection of locally brewed craft beers and international wines.
The annual Blueberry Super Parade will take place on Sat. Aug. 17 at 1pm, following the kids’ parade, which is held on Fri. Aug. 16. The annual Festival of Races takes place on Sunday Aug. 18, followed by a kids fun run. The Men’s and Women’s Slo-Pitch Softball tournaments are a Blueberry Festival tradition, taking place on Friday, Aug. 16-Sunday, Aug. 18.
It wouldn’t be a festival without mouth-watering food. Festival-goers look forward to the annual Pancake Breakfast on Sat. Aug. 17 and Sunday, Aug. 18. This delightful breakfast features heavenly blueberry pancakes, hot off the grill, sausage, juice and coffee. You can visit the Blueberry Pie Fundraiser to pick up a blueberry pie to go, or visit the Blueberry Store in the Entertainment Tent for a variety of blueberry baked goods.
Schmidt Amusements Carnival and Midway is returning with a vast array of rides, games and food concessions. Visit https://www.montroseblueberryfestival.net/our-events for more information about the Montrose Blueberry Festival.
