The Round Valley Blackberry Festival’s inaugural year was 1983. Its original organizers envisioned a community event that would promote tourism to Round Valley, provide an outlet for local artisans to sell their wares, and unite the community in a common cause.
Now, 39 years later, Round Valley’s Blackberry Festival is back after COVID-19 forced the community event into a two-year hiatus. On August 20 and 21, the 39th Annual Round Valley Blackberry Festival will feature arts and crafts booths, blackberry delicacies, Mendocino County wine tasting, a climbing wall, children’s games, and live music throughout both days.
Carmel Zadik, one of the Blackberry Festival Committee members, told us the two-year hiatus depleted the festival’s funds. The organizers are entirely unpaid volunteers and are asking the community to help raise $5,000 to keep bringing the important tradition to Round Valley. They have raised $3,000 so far, and are hoping for the community’s kindness to make it to their goal
It’s times like these when our community shows its best self. If you value the Blackberry Festival, community events, and the small-town ethos that defines our Mendocino County way of life, please consider donating.
