It's blueberry time in East Tennessee! On Thursday, June 16, from 3 until 6 p.m. the New Harvest Park Farmers Market will celebrate all things blue when it presents the first Blueberry Festival at the Third Thursday event. From tasty blueberry treats to painting with blueberries, and even learning to grow blueberries, there will be something for everyone in the family to enjoy.
At 3:30 p.m., the Pellissippi State Culinary Institute in conjunction with UT will demonstrate how to prepare three original recipes using blueberries including Blueberry Compote with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream, Blueberry and Bacon Biscuits, and Blueberry and Strawberry Cream Cheese Cake. After sampling each recipe, the public will vote for their favorite which will go into the New Harvest Blueberry Hall of Fame. The recipes will then be made available to all.
For those interested in gardening and growing their own blueberries, Glenda Ross and Paul Baxter from Greenbriar Farms, will present a "How to Grow Your Own Blueberries" workshop at 4 p.m. inside the community building. Glenda and Paul are frequent vendors at the market and have designed a blueberry planting system which allows you to enjoy fresh blueberries throughout the East Tennessee growing season.
From 3 p.m. - 6 p.m., children will enjoy painting with blueberries and the Blueberry Run as well as the park’s splash pad and playground.
In addition to everything blue, the Farmers Market will be in full swing with more than 20 vendors offering the best and freshest local produce and gourmet foods. Look for blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, lettuces, onions, potatoes, salsa, freshly-baked goods, cheese, honey jelly, all-natural meats, hand-made crafts and more. Cool drinks will also be available from the vendors.
New Harvest Park Farmers Market is open every Thursday from 3 until 6 p.m. April through November. The park is located at 4775 New Harvest Lane, just past the Target shopping center on Washington Pike.
For more information, contact Knox County Parks and Recreation at 215-6600.