To the Editor:

Hope everyone is having a good winter. This note is just to remind everyone to start thinking blue! The Blueberry Festival this year is July 31. We were rewarded with being named one of the “Top Ten” events in the summer by The Vermont Chamber of Commerce, so let’s live up to our reputation!

Many were surprised at the traffic their establishments saw due to the buzz and excitement their affiliation with the Blueberry Festival and advertising in the brochure we produced. Several new activities are in the planning stages. There are a couple of activities that will require sponsors, some advertising options out there, and plenty of room for new activities that can help beat the blues!

Another point of interest is that many of the annual calendars have deadlines in March; the more activities posted on them the more exposure and publicity our festival gets! Collectively we have quite an impact! The chamber, Celebrate the Valley, Deerfield Valley Community Partnership, Rotary, Masons, various church groups, and all of the shops, restaurants, inns, real estate and agricultural establishments were well represented. There is always room for more events, sales, exhibits, tours, desserts, or activities! Please share your thoughts or idea’s with me or the chamber. We are open to suggestions!

It goes without saying that I believe our agricultural past needs to be embraced and encouraged on every level. But I also am so proud that we have developed a festival that has room for everyone to participate in and enjoy regardless of their role, profession, or economic status. I believe working together will allow us the added benefit of not only increasing our collective bottom line but encourage us to get creative, remind us why we like our career choice, and why we love living in the Deerfield Valley!

Yours truly,

Janet L Boyd, The Boyd Family Farm

Wilmington