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A One-of-Kind Island Event at the Chincoteague Island Blueberry Festival

Just off stunning eastern coastline of Virginia, you’ll find the island vacation oasis of Chincoteague Island, an unmatched East Coast destination perfect for your next getaway.

 

While many other island vacation destinations have been commercialized and dominated by infrastructure, Chincoteague Island offers you a refreshing alternative. Media outlets such as Coastal Living, Budget Travel, USA Today, and Country Living have showered accolades upon the island for its great community and natural beauty. If you're in the market for fun things to do, then this is the island for you. The unique geography of the area, combined with its unique vegetation and diverse wildlife, make this a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. From tours of the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge to relaxing on Assateague Beach, the island has much to offer. This is the perfect spot for other outdoor activities such as wildlife viewing, kayaking, boat tours, exploring, photography and the list goes on. History, culture and education also have their place in the community as nearby sites and attractions include the Museum of Chincoteague Island, NASA Visitor Center, and Delmarva Discovery Center & Museum. All of these options are fun, educational, and worth your time. When searching for the ultimate Chincoteague Island experience, schedule your visit during the highly anticipated Chincoteague Island Blueberry Festival.

   

For just about three decades the Chincoteague Island Blueberry Festival has been a can't-miss experience for the people of the island, surrounding communities and beyond. Recognized as the most well attended event on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, the festival has built up a large and dedicated following. Being that this is a blueberry festival, you’ll find just about anything and everything associated with blueberries. As an added bonus, the ESVA Woman's Singer/Songwriter Showcase will be showcasing their talents for all to enjoy. You’ll encounter plenty food and refreshment vendors and a wide assortment of blueberry flavored foods. Make your next vacation a fun filled island adventure and head to the Chincoteague Island Blueberry Festival. We got the chance to interview Sam Serio, Producer of the Chincoteague Island Blueberry Festival, to talk about this great event.

 

RAL: Tell me a little bit about the event.

SS: This will be the 29th Annual Chincoteague Island Blueberry Festival. This event is the home to the largest fine art and craft event on the Eastern Shore of Virginia and features the ESVA (East Shore of Virginia) Woman's Singer/Songwriter Showcase.

 

RAL: How many annual participants do you draw?

SS: This is the most well-attended event on Virginia’s Eastern Shore. While I don't have exact attendance numbers, each and every year there are thousands of people. The event seems to keep growing in popularity and size.

 

RAL: What is the typical demographic makeup of the event? Children? Families? Couples?  

SS: The crowd at the festival primarily consists of families and couples, although there are also groups of friends, single people, etc. All interested parties are encouraged to come down to the Chincoteague Center and join in all the festivities and fun.  

 

RAL: What makes this event unique?

SS: Chincoteague Island itself is a unique aspect of the festival. Chincoteague is the only inhabited Barrier Island off the coast of Virginia. The Blueberry Festival is the opening act for the most active tourist week which includes the world famous Pony Swim.

 

RAL: What can attendees expect for activities at the festival?

SS: Here is a quick rundown of what people will find:

  • Amazing food

  • Non-stop Live Music

  • An incredible array of fine arts and crafts with exhibitors from 16 states

  • Blueberries in every imaginable form

  • The list goes on and on!

 

RAL: What can an attendee expect to find for local lodging?

SS: Chincoteague Island offers a full spectrum of chain hotels, mom and pop establishments, cabins, bed & breakfasts, and camping grounds. Make sure to plan in advance! Finding appropriate lodging during the week of the festival can be difficult.

RAL: What does the event mean to the community?

SS: Chincoteague Island Blueberry Festival is a highly anticipated and welcomed event each and every year. Many of our partons have been coming to the festival for years and plan to continue that tradition well into the future. This is a great way to meet the people of the community, while enjoying all the festival has to offer.

 

RAL: Does this drive business to your local economy?

SS: Definitely, many of the local businesses have this time of year marked on their calendars. All the extra people entering the community spend money at various shops, restaurants, gas stations and beyond.

 

RAL: Does the event support a special cause in the community?

SS: Net profits from the fresh blueberry sales are donated to to the Chincoteague Police Department Run for Kids.


For more information about the Chincoteague Island Blueberry Festival, please visit their website.