Take a trip up-island from Victoria to the town of Powell River where the Blackberry Festival is in full swing.

Running August 16 through August 23, the Blackberry Festival is a week long celebration of those delectable berries that grow in abundance in Powell River on Vancouver Island. There are events every day culminating in a street party.

A new event this year is the blackberry reception, featuring First Nations dancing, wine & cheese, silent auction and Academy of Music's Kevin Wong. Other festival events include the Hospitality Olympics and an Open Air Market with a Blackberry Baking Contest and special Blackberry games for kids.

And don't miss the Blackberry specialty drinks and desserts at the local pubs and restaurants and Art in the Park on the last Saturday of the week. The highlight event of the week long celebration is the Blackberry Street Party; join thousands of people on Marine Avenue for music, dance, games and blackberry delights of all kinds.

If you would like more information please call the Powell River Visitor Information Centre 1-877-817-8669 toll free, or visit www.discoverpowellriver.com.

©2003 by Barbara Ballard. Reproduction of this work in whole or in part and reproduction in electronic media, without documented permission from the author is prohibited.

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