At last report, Stephen Mason will NOT be running the hospitality booth during this Saturday’s 9th annual Adkins Farm Blueberry Festival Blues & Brews.
He will be doing darn-near everything else, though.
Mason is part of an acoustic guitar duo called “Unplugged,” which is the second of three live bands scheduled to play Saturday.
He has volunteered to handle all of the soundboard duties for the festival, with his daughter Abby – a recent Oregon State grad – taking his place while “Unplugged” is playing.
Festival volunteers are working with Project Koru, an organization that does amazing things for cancer survivors. One of those survivors is Bryce Mertz, whose grandfather built the farm and first planted the blueberries.
“In 2008 I was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma,” Mertz said. “I’m cancer-free now.”
Mertz said he’s been more than impressed by the community response for the festival, as more than 20 people have volunteered their time and resources.
“Bryce is a friend of the family,” Mason said. “He brought me out there, and I thought I’d really like to do this.”
Even though this will be an outdoor event, face masks are encouraged. Seats are being spread out, as per COVID-19 rules.
“We look forward to having a nice family event while continuing the heritage of the farm,” Mertz said. “We’re giving back to the public and at the same time providing a safe place for people to meet and have a good time.”
Saturday’s schedule
8 a.m.-6 p.m.: Blueberry picking
11 a.m.-6 p.m.: Food, fun, kid activities
Noon-1:25 p.m.: The Canyoneers
1:45-3:10 p.m.: Unplugged
3:30-5 p.m: Dragon Thunder Voodoo
Food & drink for purchase
* Travelin Taphouse
* Sling in Wiener
* IRIE Jamaican Kitchen
* SweetBay Shaved Ice
Activities
Camel Rides from Pacific Northwest Camels
