ABOUT US | blueberrybert
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I am proud to be the official spokesperson for the Sioux Lookout Blueberry Festival. I may not be as famous as Santa Claus or the Easter Bunny, but I do appear once a year and bring joy to an entire town. And unlike those other guys, I work hard for ten days!

This year is my 43rd birthday! I was born way back in 1983 (when the very first festival took place!). Over the years I’ve watched this festival blossom into a successful and exciting summer celebration. Back in my younger days, I thought doing fifty events was a lot. Now I appear at over 130 events!

 

In 2012 we celebrated my 30th birthday, and the centennial year for my hometown of Sioux Lookout! In 2013 we celebrated the cultural diversity in my town through many events that allowed everyone to express themselves. In 2014 Sioux Lookout celebrated the evolution of the Blueberry Festival and how far we've come. In 2015 we celebrated how united and strong our community is. In 2016 our theme was "Bert Awakens" to remind our community that regardless of what may be thrown at us throughout the year (especially a frigid winter..brrr!) and in 2017 we celebrated Canada 150!

This year I am turning 43! I can't wait to attend as many of the events at this year's festival as I can! I'm excited to spread joy and festival cheer to everyone in Sioux Lookout and all the visitors. Come celebrate with me from Friday, August 1st, 2025, to Sunday, August 10th, 2025! My birthday party is during that week and I would LOVE to see all of you there!

 

Be sure to watch for me during this year's Festival. I don't say much (I’m a little bit shy) but you can always find me out around Sioux Lookout (and now on social media) during the festival!

Join me this year as I celebrate 43 years of Blueberry fun!

 

Hi! My name is Blueberry Bert

About the Blueberry Festival

The Sioux Lookout Blueberry Festival has been in existence since 1983. It is a ten-day festival celebrating Sioux Lookout and its unique and diverse culture. With over 100 events, the Blueberry Festival has become a grand summer celebration attracting thousands of visitors from throughout the region and around the world. Starting on the Friday before the August long weekend and lasting for ten fun-filled days, residents and visitors come together to form a bond of great communal spirit. Many of the events encompass the beauty of the area, allowing participants and spectators to enjoy the plentiful lakes and beaches. From the very young to the young at heart, and from the athletically inclined to the most sedate sport enthusiasts, there is truly something for everyone at the Sioux Lookout Blueberry Festival.

Our History

 

            The Annual Sioux Lookout Blueberry Festival was initiated by the Chamber of Commerce in 1983. This was an idea from three executive members – Marnie Hoey, Dick Davidson and Allan Pizziol.  Allan was the person who suggested that “Blueberry” be used as the theme because of the abundance of delicious blueberries that grow here in August.

 

            The first festival was coordinated by four local students – Betty Lee, Christine Hoey, Jeff Donnelly, and Barbara Lockhart – with a budget of $10,000.00; $8,000.00 of this was wage subsides to cover the cost of the student staff. The event was co-chaired by Marnie Hoey and Allan Pizziol. The Festival was first launched with about fifty events and has grown to include approximately 130, ranging from the traditional to the unique. In 1983, the anchor event was the Chamber of Commerce Trade Show. Other major events included: Cedar Bay Riding Centre’s Real Country Hoedown, the Sioux Lookout Rotary Club’s Pancake Breakfast, Fastball Tournament and children’s activities at the Town Beach. The Festival’s mascot Blueberry Bert was born, who was designed by Sherry Glena, a summer student at the museum. The first Blueberry Pie contest was won by Ann Donnelly, and the Senior Blueberry King and Queen were George Sever and Nella Forrest.

 

            The first organizers wanted to give Sioux Lookout a celebration of their community; a time to show off all that Sioux Lookout has to offer, share each other’s interests, and have a fun time with everyone able to participate. They wanted to put the town on the map and let everyone know how great the community of Sioux Lookout is and how well everyone can work together.

 

            Over the years and with the support of many sponsors, the Blueberry Festival has continued to grow and provide many with so much. Even after 43 years, the Festival continues to add new events while retaining old favorites. It is well known around Northwestern Ontario and attracts visitors from around the world. It is considered homecoming week to past residents and past visitors of Sioux Lookout.

 

Throughout the winter months, the Blueberry Festival Committee tries to stay involved in the community. The Blueberry Festival Staff and Committee strive to participate in the Santa Claus Parade, Sioux Literacy Week, the Northern Bands Hockey Tournament, and the Little Bands Tournament. This allows the Blueberry Festival (and Blueberry Bert) to keep a presence in the community all year round.

Rubber Ducky Race at Town Beach- Year Unknown

Facepaint- Year Unknown

Parachute Fun at Town Beach- Year Unknown

Water Skiing at Town Beach- 1983

Canoe Races at Town Beach- Year Unknown

Marnie Hoey, Allan Pizziol, Frank Kent, Chris Pizziol- 1983

Blueberry Photo Booth- Year Unknown

If you have any older pictures of fun at the Blueberry Festival we would love to see them! Send your Blueberry Festival history to festival@blueberrybert.com

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