By James Windell
West Michigan is the leader of the blueberry industry because of the ideal acidic soil and the lakeshore climate that promotes a thriving crop. Although blueberries are now grown all over the U.S., West Michigan is still recognized as having the best tasting fresh blueberries. And Van Buren County has thousands of acres of blueberries.
So, it is only right that The National Blueberry Festival is held every year in South Haven. The festival, one of the longest-running blueberry festivals in the country, celebrates the richness of the sweet tasting blueberries grown in our area. This annual celebration brings 50,000 visitors each August for the three-day event that has fun for everyone.
According to Brianne Hooper, President of the Blueberry Festival Board, the festival was started by a small group of residents who started the event with a contest. “It started the first year with a recipe competition,” says Hooper. “That was the big draw. Over time the festival has grown and now there are many events throughout the weekend.”
The festival takes place throughout South Haven from Thursday, August 7 through Sunday, August 10, 2025, but it features a parade at 11:00 am on Saturday, August 9. Hooper remembers the parade from her childhood growing up in South Haven. “Growing up here, I always went to the parade and watched the marching bands,” she says. “Although we love the bands, it’s good to see how many local organizations get visibility during the parade.”
Besides the parade, Hooper says there will be musical events, a kids’ pie-eating contest, carnival rides, and the craft fair. But there is something new this year.
“We have added an additional umbrella event which is a pickleball tournament that will be happening at Lake Arvesta Farms,” Hooper says. “It is really nice to have Lake Arvesta Farms on our team, and an athletic tournament brings so much fun energy to the festival.”
One of the showcase events of the festival is the Craft Fair that takes place in Stanley Johnson Park on Saturday and Sunday, August 9 and 10. More than 175 artisans and craft vendors will display jewelry, paintings, crafted woodworks and captivating yard art. Food trucks will also be available in the park.
Hooper says there will be plenty of activities to keep children happy. “We really pride ourselves on being a family-friendly event,” she says. “There are events throughout the entire festival that are family friendly. For instance, on Friday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm there will be activities on the riverfront lawn on Water Street in which local groups and organizations will have booths and activities for children.”
Hooper also says that there will be musical events each night featuring different bands. And there is a quilt show at Peace Lutheran Church on Friday and Saturday, August 8th and 9th.
Throughout the hours of the festival there will be a shuttle service, courtesy of the South Haven Area Chamber of Commerce, which takes visitors from North Shore Elementary, 7320 N. Shore Dr, to the event. This shuttle is free and handicap accessible.
“This festival is truly a celebration of what our area is all about,” says Hooper. “We are really excited to be back for the 62nd anniversary of the National Blueberry Festival.”
For a schedule of events, visit the National Blueberry Festival website at www.//www.blueberryfestival.com/schedule
