Preparations are being made for the 4th Annual Florida Blueberry Festival for this weekend April 11th and 12th in Downtown Brooksville. The festival is put on by the Florida Blueberry Festival Inc. and is supported by the County and the City of Brooksville. It also depends on the labor of community volunteers.
There will be 85 fine artisans and 120 exhibitors in attendance. Island Grove Ag Products out of Hawthorne, Florida will be selling blueberries at the Blueberry Market and Store. There will also be an Island Grove Wine Garden, Blueberry Patch Kid Zone, Monster Car and Truck Show, Art Show and a Pancake Breakfast. Over 25 bands will be playing on 3 different stages. Throughout the duration of the festival there will be 7 different family entertainers performing. There is also a Kia Travel Getaway $2000 Prize for guessing the number of “blueberries” inside a Kia. Admission Prices are as follows: Children 5 & under are free, Ages 6 to 17 cost $5.00, and Adults (18+) cost $8.00.
Despite all the fun, as with any large production, the Blueberry Festival has seen its share of controversy. Some elected officials have voiced concerns over who is reaping the benefits and others have had concerns on when the Festival would be able to sustain itself. President and Festival Coordinator Michael Heard has emphasized that the Florida Blueberry Festival Inc is a marketing agency for the City and the County. The dollars that are given to the festival by the City of Brooksville are strictly spent on marketing the City. This year the City of Brooksville gave a cash contribution of $20,000 which came from Reserves. With this money Michael Heard says the City will see a return of approximately $156,000 in marketing which in turn will bring about 50,000 visitors to the City. She estimated that 25 million people are reached in the 8 weeks prior to the festival through billboards, magazine, television and radio ads.
In response to Brooksville Councilmember Erhard’s questions regarding sustainability and transparency, Ms. Heard stated that the Florida Blueberry Festival is a non-profit independent organization which plans to sustain itself within the next 5 years. Additionally, all financial records are published and available online.
Ms. Heard told the Brooksville City Council that the festival donated $10,000 to the Brooksville Vision Foundation and $6000 to the County for electrical appliances in the Bandshell. The Brooksville Vision Foundation is “a non-profit 501(C)3 grass roots organization formed in 2010 with the mission and purpose of revitalizing the City’s downtown and stimulating economic growth in the City.” According to Ms. Heard a therapeutic riding academy helping disabled children received $5000. Additionally, several charities worked the festival in 2014 which gave them the opportunity to earn money for their causes.
The City of Brooksville is providing office space for Festival organizers and agreed to waive permitting and personnel fees estimated at $11,961.70.
The County agreed to support the Blueberry Festival through providing the necessary traffic control services that included maintenance of traffic rental costs at $20,000 and maintenance of traffic staff time at $21,000. They also agreed to marketing sponsorship of $5000. The County waved $600 in fees for facilities and permitting.
Michael Heard stated at the February 2 Brooksville City Council meeting that the Florida Blueberry Growers Association has decided to make Brooksville their “home city” and are sharing office space with the Florida Blueberry Festival. According to Michael Heard, The FBGA plans to eventually build office space in Brooksville. According to Mrs. Heard, since the FBGA has moved to Brooksville, there is a strong chance that the Florida Blueberry Festival will continue to be held there as well.
The Florida Blueberry Growers Association is a nonprofit association that offers membership to growers in and out of Florida as well as educators and researchers. A grower membership costs $100. Their goals include advancing the blueberry industries and promoting the best interest of its members. Michael Heard mentioned that the FBGA plans to triple the number of blueberry farms in the state this year. Hernando County listed members include JG Ranch, Bob’s Blueberries, Brooksville Ridge Blueberries, Margo’s Blueberry Farm and D&S Blueberry Farms.
According to the University of Florida, Central Florida including Polk, Orange, Pasco, Hernando, and Hillsborough Counties is the region of fastest growing blueberry production in the State. Central Florida makes up roughly 35% of the total acreage and possibly has the greatest future growth potential. Given this, Hernando County has an opportunity to benefit from the growth of this industry as well as the fun and publicity that goes along with it.
Go to https://www.floridablueberryfestival.org/ to learn about upcoming festivities as well as where to park.