North Carolina Blackberry Festival draws record number of attendees

Jul. 18—LENOIR — A record number of roughly 21,000 visitors attended this year's North Carolina Blackberry Festival in downtown Lenoir this past weekend.

Light rain sprinkles didn't dampen Friday night's (July 15) festivities, as roughly 8,000 people came out to enjoy purchasing artisan arts and crafts, food and to enjoy the entertainment.

Bryan Moore, president of the Caldwell Chamber of Commerce, expressed that this year's event was a success.

"The weather cooperated. We had lots of vendors, lots of attendees, and really good music — it was really nice weather, even the couple of sprinkles on Friday didn't last long," said Moore.

Saturday's (July 16) sunshine drew in an estimated 13,000 people.

Even with the large crowd, the festival offered a calm, family-oriented experience.

"We're very fortunate, we had a great festival," said Chief Brent Phelps, Lenoir Police Department.

"The crowds were probably at record numbers for Friday night and Saturday. Folks seemed to enjoy coming out and interacting with the vendors and with each other and the different activities and events."

Volunteers, visitors, vendors, and downtown business owners expressed they had a positive experience.

Festival volunteers Kira Thomas and husband, Antonio, were at the festival on Saturday (July 16) to welcome festival guests, answer questions, and guide visitors.

"It's been all positive vibes," said Thomas.

Mother Susan Pritchard and her daughter, Katie Rosa, an artisan duo from Gamewell, were selling their crafts and wares at the festival. Pritchard is a seamstress and owns "Prairie Crafts" in Lenoir. Pritchard was selling her hand-woven coiled roped cotton baskets at the festival.

"The rope is 100% cotton. It's made in North Carolina and I buy it from a store in Blowing Rock," said Pritchard.

Rosa was selling her canvas paintings and quirky niche jewelry, like coffins and eggs, at the festival. Rosa's daughter, Bridget Carter, a student at Gamewell Elementary School, was helping her mother and grandmother.

"It's been phenomenal — honestly, we've blown away," said Rosa, talking about the successful Saturday sales.

Ashley Guase of "Ashley Inspired Designs" was selling her t-shirts and tumblers.

"We've been doing very well up here," said Gause. "It has been great. Everybody has been real friendly. It's been very busy — a lot of good turnout."

Meredith Carswell of "Fur Babies Rescue" in downtown Lenoir offered festival goers a chance to step out of the heat and enjoy the cuteness of kittens.

"Fur Babies Rescue" matches kittens with qualified pet owners through an application and verification process.

"Since yesterday, we've had 15 applications," said Carswell, talking about potential adoptive families for the fur babies.

Sgt. First Class Thomas J. Mease represented the United States Army Recruiting Station of Hickory. Mease was at the festival to raise awareness about educational and career opportunities that are offered through the United States Army.

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"The United States Army is currently offering a lot of opportunities to be able to assist our youth with getting a college education, valuable career experience, and most importantly, protecting this great nation of ours," said Mease.

Mease said the Army offers the opportunity to serve in 150 different careers and only 13 of those careers are combat related. Careers range from cyber defense and jobs in the medical field to engineering.

Moore said that downtown businesses experienced record sales and that there were intentional efforts made this year to ensure the festival would have a positive impact on downtown businesses.

Rebecca Phillips, owner of Moonjoy Meadery, said that they had a positive experience.

"We did amazing. We kind of hit on a group of Lenoir that didn't know we were here yet," said Phillips. "We're grateful for the Chamber and what they do for our city. We are excited about the growth momentum that Lenoir is experiencing right now, and we would really like to continue to foster that."

The Little Miss North Carolina pageant drew an early crowd. The pageant brought in guests from over 20 different towns across North Carolina as well as Johnson City, TN.

There were five entries from Lenoir, three entries from Granite Falls, two entries from Hudson, as well as entries from Newton, Morganton, Boone, and Taylorsville, North Carolina.

Pageant director Carolyn Marley said that it was a wonderful day in Caldwell County.

"Everyone was so nice," said Marley. "I had a wonderful feeling from all the people who were there — the spectators, the contestants and their parents. I think it was a success. I think it is a real star in the crown of Caldwell County."

Christa Nicholson, along with her family, visited the festival from Kannapolis, North Carolina. Nicholson's daughter, Rebecca Page, won second runner-up in the "Tiny Ms. Division" of the Little Miss North Carolina Pageant. Nicholson said that they had a good time at the festival.

Lea Boyd from Bath, North Carolina was named overall Blackberry Queen.

Winners of the Little Miss North Carolina pageant include: Valentina Winebarger of Hudson, Baby Doll Miss; Eleanor Mae Icenhour of Lenoir, Toddler Miss; Hadley Brown of Lenoir, Miniature Miss; Lea Boyd of Bath, Tiny Miss; Serena Phillips of Lenoir, Little Miss; Chloe Dixon of Ellenboro, Junior Miss; Ashlyn Grace Robinson of Clyde, Young Miss; and Moriah Miller of Taylorsville, Teen Miss.

Overall winners include: Roxanne Clark of Granite Falls, most beautiful; Lea Boyd of Bath, Blackberry Queen; Nova Anderson of Morganton, Miniature Majestic; and Sophie Colinger of Johnson City, Tennesse, Grand Majestic.

"I personally want to thank Bryan Moore and the Caldwell County Chamber of Commerce for their belief in Little Miss & Teen Miss North Carolina and for allowing us this wonderful opportunity," said Marley, pageant director. "A special thank you also to Hwy 55 for the gifts they presented to each and every contestant and the extra special gifts to our two Majestic Winners."

Moore expressed his gratitude to all those who were involved in making the festival a success.

"We're just grateful for all the volunteers, vendors, sponsors, downtown business, and everyone who came out," said Moore. "We can't say 'thanks' enough to people who helped pull it off."

Moore expressed gratitude for the city of Lenoir and their partnerships for making the festival a successful and positive experience from start to finish. Moore described the coordinated efforts as an orchestrated effort, including the quick and effective clean-up that was complete by 7 p.m. on Saturday.

Moore said that next year the city will celebrate its 20th North Carolina Festival and plans are already underway.

Mayor Joe Gibbons was pleased with the turnout and enjoyed seeing those in attendance and is looking forward to next year.

"This year we were happy to have our Blackberry Festival back. It was a wonderful success. It was great to be back," said Gibbons. "We hope that everyone that was here had a wonderful time and enjoyed seeing Lenoir and Caldwell County and this beautiful part of Western North Carolina."

"Next year, we look forward to planning the 20th Blackberry Festival — which will be a big celebration. We invite you to come back," said Gibbons.