Bremerton Blackberry Festival Celebrates its 17th Anniversary It's not exactly blackberry season yet, but the Bremerton Main Stream Association has already begun its biggest street party of the year. The 17th Annual Bremerton Blackberry Festival takes over Bremerton's picturesque waterfront on September 2nd and 3rd. From modest beginnings in 1990, the berry-fest has evolved into THE summer-ending extravaganza for the Puget Sound. Last year, more than 50,000 revelers turned out for the free entertainment and festive atmosphere. This year's event is bound to bring in even more blackberry devotees. "This festival has been growing every year," says festival director Carol Atkinson. Atkinson says that even with the astounding turnout last year, event coordinators are expecting even greater attendance this Labor Day weekend. As the festival draws more public attention, it also gains a plethora of unique entertainment and culinary delights, blackberry-style! Breezing down Bremerton's boardwalk, one can stop and sample the best blackberry jams, jellies, pies and cobblers. The beer garden has blackberry cider, and again this year, the very popular blackberry wine with the festival label will be available. More than one hundred vendors offer a vast array of foods, drinks and art. For children, the little Blackberry Festival is a storybook come to life. Kids will be fascinated by magicians and musicians. They can play games and have their faces painted. Little artists can even grab some colored chalk and make their mark on a giant blackberry poster mural. As in past years, the Bremerton Blackberry Festival will be packed with free entertainment. Some of the best musicians and entertainers in the area will perform throughout both days. Other Festival staples are back this year, like the Berry Fun Run and Dream's on Wheels Car Club Car Show right next door in downtown Bremerton. Once again, Bremerton National Airport will sponsor their annual Fly-In with shuttle service provided by Kitsap Transit to the festival. So, mark your calendars now for two fun-filled days of celebration, as Bremerton gives thanks to its favorite berry! State Highway 303 and 304, passenger auto ferries, Kitsap Transit and private boat to our marinas in Bremerton and Port Orchard can reach the Blackberry Festival on Bremerton's waterfront boardwalk. For additional information call the Bremerton Main Stream Association at (360) 377-3041 or www.blackberryfestival.org.