​

An annual summer gathering began to unfold with the smell of chicken barbeque in the air as the dew slipped away from the grass. The small town was a buzz of activity that morning, as baskets of blueberries lined the tables, deliveries of prize worthy baked goods were donated and local authors pulled out their latest creations for display and signing. Free children’s books were waiting for the touch of little hands and a room filled with all kinds of bargain priced books was truly inviting. Antique vehicles were arriving and vendors filled the spacious grounds. This was the start of the 5th annual Blueberry and Book Festival. The Berkshire Library, Community Hall and Fire Station quickly filled with the gathering crowd eager to sample delicious meals, mix with authors and artists, enjoy a non stop variety of entertainment, browse scores of vendor offerings and participate in games, contests and raffles. The Blueberry Festival which is sponsored by the Berkshire Free Library, has expanded geometrically since its inception. While it is a major fundraiser for the Library, the Berkshire Fire Department and the Helping Hands Food Pantry also reap benefits. More than 80 volunteers from the towns of Berkshire and Richford offer their time and talents, assuring the success of what has become a major, area wide “small town”celebration.