Nacogdoches, Texas- The 26th annual Texas Blueberry Festival is upon us! The Texas Blueberry Festival will return to the oldest town in Texas this weekend with a celebration of the annual blueberry harvest, featuring delicious blueberry fare, live entertainment and activities for all interests and ages. The festival is the only state sanctioned blueberry festival in Texas, making it unique and extremely popular.

The festival will kick off with a Friday night,  Blueberry Bluegrass Concert in the Park on June 12, from 5-10p.m. On Saturday, June 13, the blueberry celebration will kick off at 8a.m. in downtown Nacogdoches. The festival is free to attend though some specific events have a cost. Activities include a bounce park, petting zoo, make-and-take arts and crafts, a pet parade, “The Big Blue” mural painting, Blueberry Hill Soda & Sweet Shoppe, motorcycle show, pie-eating contests, washers tournament, and food and arts vendors.

For information visit tbf.nacogdoches.org.

Fun Facts About Blueberries

• Blueberries are the second most popular berry in the United States.
• U.S. Senator John Cornyn’s favorite food is “anything that contains blueberries.”
• A one-cup serving of fresh blueberries gives 5 grams of fiber (more than most fruits and vegetables) at a cost of only 80 calories.
• There has been a 50 percent increase in consumption of blueberries during the last 10 years.
• Indians in the Northwest Territory smoked wild blueberries to preserve them for the winter.
• Blueberries contain no cholesterol or fat and are also low in calories. They are also a good source of vitamin C and fiber.
• Blueberries are ranked No. 1 in antioxidant activity compared with 40 other commercially available fruits and vegetables. That means a serving of blueberries has more of the antioxidant power you need to fight aging, cancer and heart disease.
• Blueberry season is from May to September. Look for berries with a silvery ‘bloom’, this is a natural protective coating. They should be refrigerated as quickly as possible and kept dry. Do not wash until you are ready to use them. They will last for up to 2 weeks if stored properly.