Georgia Blueberry Festival

History:

In the early 1970's some Bacon County farmers began experimenting with the growing of blueberries.  The number of farmers growing blueberries and the number of acres under cultivation gradually increased over the years.

In 1975 the first festival was held, to honor, recognize and show appreciation to those blueberry farmers and the people who were supporting them.  It featured a parade, speakers from local and State Government, a beauty contest, a cooking contest, a motor cross race, and BBQ.  Over the years, through the guidance of the City of Alma, Bacon County, the Chamber of Commerce, The Lions Club, and Exchange Club, the Georgia Blueberry Festival has continued to expand and grow.

Currently, the festival is organized by the Georgia Blueberry Festival Committee which is appointed by the Alma/Bacon County Chamber of Commerce.

Beginning in 2011, the Georgia Blueberry Festival Committee made a decision to add a new element to the festival.  Since the festival occurs the weekend following Memorial Day, it seemed appropriate to help honor our Veterans and those currently serving in the military.  The Committee also invited Civil War re-enactors so that those attending the festival could get a glimpse of what military life was like in the 1860's. This patriotic theme is not an integral part of the Georgia Blueberry Festival