Cranberry Festival #64
Follow the Cranberry Road
Photos by Steve McCasland
The volunteer festival committee, led by Chairwoman Colleen Showalter, promises all the traditional events plus a renewed focus on the town’s favorite berry.
This year’s theme is Follow the Cranberry Road, inviting all kinds of cranberry interpretations of ‘The Wizard of Oz.”
Bandon Chamber of Commerce Director Julie Miller says she is happy with the committee’s decision to move more of the events into Old Town, including reintroducing a parade grandstand at Delaware Avenue and U.S. Highway 101, the traditional cranberry food contest, a Bandon Dunes golf challenge and the new Cranberry City.
Photos by Steve McCasland
Familiar events return
The usual events still are planned, including the Blessing of the Harvest on Friday morning, the Queen’s Coronation on Friday evening, the parade Saturday morning, the Old Town market place, the Lions Steak Barbecue, and the Cranberry Bowl football game Saturday afternoon.
For years, local bakers and chefs have entered their cranberry creations in hopes of winning the title Queen or King of the Kitchen, sponsored by the VFW Auxiliary.
This year, the VFW will hold a craft bazaar instead, and the Cranberry Food Fair will be held at the Harbortown Events Center. Along with the change in venue, entrants can try a new category — non-edible homemade cranberry products.
Golf Challenge
The Bandon Dunes Golf Challenge was added to the festival a few years ago. This year, the virtual beat-the-pro game again will be sponsored by Bandon Dunes but located in Old Town.
Other family-friendly activities include hands-on art with the Art 101 Washed Ashore project on Alabama Avenue near the Minute Cafe, and a Bringing Jack Back mural project on Second Street near the Bandon Coffee Cafe.
Entertainment Saturday night will include a Bringing Jack Back Evening of Music and Dance fundraiser at the Sprague Theater.
The new Cranberry City will be located on the Pedway between Baltimore and Alabama avenues.
Vendor space on Cranberry City is dedicated to handmade, locally produced, cranberry-themed products.
Miller says she anticipates the best festival yet.
By Geneva Miller
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