Blackberries
It's all because of rubus
By Linda Wegner
Psst... wanna know the latest scoop on one of Powell River's prickliest subjects? Keep on reading and then check out the landscape; there's plenty of evidence of increased activity.
Although the central characters in the tale go by names such as Rubus macropetalus, Rubus loganobaccus, and Rubus ursinus, we know them better as blackberries and they're everywhere. Native to all continents except Australia and Antarctica, centuries of inter-crossing have made it impossible to identify the original species but what we can say is that variations include the Loganberry, the Boysenberry and the Youngberry. For most of us waiting for the succulent fruit to ripen, however, a blackberry by any other name tastes just as sweet.
Not only are blackberries sweet, they're also a tempting snack. If you're not sure about that, just check with every kid who waits with anticipation for the day he or she can begin the annual ritual of gorging, straight from the bush. For that matter, few adults can resist stripping vines either.
Chock full of things like tannic, antioxidants and anti-aging properties, they're the epitome of value-added scrumptious dining... but honestly, many folks aren't as concerned about their nutritional content as they are that the black beauties come wrapped in pie crust, muffin batter or end up sitting on top of an ice-cream sundae.
But there's even more good news: It's Blackberry Festival time in Powell River!
For the past century Powell Riverites have cleared, jeered and perhaps cursed the invasive vines that blanket the area and ravage bare arms and legs. That said, they've also have canned, jammed and gorged on the delectable summer crop. It wasn't until the summer of 1980, however, that the idea of celebrating the blackberry came to fruition.
Townsite resident Cathy MacDonald is president of Marine Avenue Business Association (MABA) and coordinator of the Festival.
"I'm very excited about this year's events. It's the twentieth anniversary of the Street Party and it just keeps getting bigger and better every year," she says
That's true but there's more! The Open Air Market kicks off the festival this year on Saturday, August 14 with Blackberry Days (what else!). Coordinator Jesse Black says there'll be lots of blackberry delicacies along with special entertainment.
Then there are The Hospitality Olympics held in Lund. Representatives from local hotels, bars and restaurants compete for the title of Best All-Round Server and a trophy to prove it. This year organizers are offering first, second and third prizes.
If you're getting ready for a quieter evening prior to the rest of the week's activities, plan to take in Tuesday evening's Movie Under the Stars on August 17. Pack the appropriate number of lawn chairs and blankets under your arm and head for Larry Guthro Park for the Credit Union's sponsored family treat.
Wednesday evening, the 18th, the festival takes on a classier atmosphere with the launch of Blackberry Fête: a Celebration of Local Flavours and Local Impact. This kickoff event for Powell River and District United Way's annual fall campaign features delectable treats and blackberry-flavoured wines grown and produced almost exclusively within the boundaries of the 100 Mile Diet and provided through the generosity of Quality Foods.
"It's about partnering for mutual benefit," says Sean Melrose, Chair of the organizing committee. "United Way is a community impact organization that needs to be in synch with the rest of the community. To truly be in synch with Powell River is to promote local food."
And then... drum roll... there is Friday night. "The Street Party. "Top Berry" of the week. It's a family-friendly party attended by folks of all ages, an assortment of musicians, vendors offering blackberry treats from cheesecake to lemonade and lots in between and the grand finale of the evening: Fireworks, sponsored by Quality Foods.
Looking to end the week's festivities on a gentler note? Take in Arts Alive in the Park at Willingdon Beach on August 21 and 22. You will be amazed at Powell River's treasure trove of talent.
And just to think that all this takes place because of that pesky vine wrapping its prickly vines around our community heart.
