Blueberry Festival Cancelled, Will Not Be Rescheduled in 2020

Earlier this year, the Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce announced that the 31st annual Texas Blueberry Festival, originally scheduled for June 13th, would be postponed for a date to be named later.  Organizers hoped that the situation with COVID-19 would improve enough to consider another date deeper in the Summer.  Monday, the decision was made to cancel the event for this year.

Nacogdoches Chamber Chair of the Board Clair Robbins cited the uncertain health environment, logistical concerns, and the ability to mobilize their volunteer force safely as primary reasons for the festival's cancellation for 2020.

Grace Handler, Chair of the Texas Blueberry Festival, said “I know that many people are disappointed in this cancellation including me. We gave strong consideration to our options but sadly came to the conclusion that it would be difficult to recreate this festival in this uncertain health and economic environment. We look forward to a bigger and better Texas Blueberry Festival in 2021 when things hopefully return to normal.

Although the festival is canceled for 2020, the Blueberry Color Splash coloring event will continue through June. Neal Slaten at Tipton Ford was thanked for leading the creation of the event as well as The Daily Sentinel for partnering in the contest component of the color splash.

The Texas Blueberry Festival attracts over 20,000 people annually and features scores of entertainment, food and retail options. It is one of the largest festivals in East Texas and provides Nacogdoches County with a great economic boost.

“We wish to thank our presenting sponsor, Tipton Ford, for their continued support for this important event,” said C. Wayne Mitchell, President & CEO of the Chamber. “Tipton Ford, along with dozens of other sponsors help to make this event possible. We promise that we will be back next year with a spectacular event!”