By Staff
Residents urged to give new festival location a chance
After months of planning, the Alabama Blueberry Festival is almost here.
And this year, the festival undergoes several changes - the biggest being the move from the campus of Jefferson Davis Community College to historic downtown Brewton.
We've heard some questions in recent weeks about why the festival is moving downtown this year. Some residents are skeptical about the change.
But we urge everyone to give this new idea a chance.
When the Blueberry Festival was founded more than a quarter century ago by the Lions Club, it was an opportunity to celebrate Brewton and the fruits of summer.
What better way to celebrate Brewton than to hold the festival downtown?
JDCC has done a great job hosting the event, but this year, it simply was time for a change.
Most of the activities this year will take place in Burnt Corn Creek Park, but other events - including the motorcycle and car shows and the public safety exhibit - will be held near the boardwalk behind downtown businesses.
That proximity gives those merchants and businesses an opportunity to benefit from the festival - and gives visitors a chance to enjoy downtown Brewton.
Festival organizers are hoping the central location of the event will draw not only residents but also visitors passing through on their way to the beach.
Seeing Brewton in a new light might give those visitors the idea to return to shop or eat at our downtown businesses.
We welcome the changes the Alabama Blueberry Festival is undergoing this year.
But keep in mind your favorite things about the festival will stay the same - including that blueberry ice cream.