The annual Berry Fest is back in downtown Abbotsford this Saturday (July 16) from noon to 8 pm
The 39th annual event – held along Essendene and Montrose avenues – kicks off at noon with a welcome address by Mayor Henry Braun, Abbotsford Downtown Business Association president Gerry Palmer, MP Ed Fast, and MLA Bruce Banman.
They will be followed by a performance from the Colleen and Gordie Howe dhol drummers.
Other highlights include The Great Berry Fest Bake Off at 1 pm, the pie-eating contest at 2:45 pm and several tribute artists through the evening.
New this year will be a car show-and-shine and carnival games.
This year’s festival will also feature food trucks, a full-site license to enjoy local craft beer, a vendor market, berry sales from Neufeld Farms, street entertainment, balloon twisting, face painting, main stage entertainment, and several rides, including a zipline above Montrose Avenue and a swing ride in the center of the event.
Entertainers include the JAM Dance Group (12:30 p.m.), Ben Cottrill (1:30 p.m.), Rossi on the Steel Drum (2:10 p.m.), The Realm (3:15 p.m.), Joy Chapman (3:45 p.m. ), Feelin’ Alright, a Joe Cocker Tribute (4:15 p.m.), Fab Forever Beatles Tribute (6:15 p.m.) and Roadside Attraction, a Tragically Hip Tribute (7:15 p.m.)
This is the first Berry Fest following a two-year break due to the pandemic. The event is expected to attract more than 12,000 attendees for a fun-filled day of family-friendly festivities created to celebrate Abbotsford’s long-time distinction as the Raspberry Capital of Canada.
Admission is free. Visit downtownabbotsford.ca for more information.
@CHWKcommunity
jessica.peters@abbynews.com
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
Want to support local journalism during the pandemic? Make a donation here.
CommunityEvents