Blueberry Jubilee History

     Blueberry Jubilee Welcome and History

It’s the time of year when things begin turn the berry shade of blue.  The blue jewel of south Mississippi, the luscious blueberry, is celebrated at the annual Blueberry Jubilee!  

     In 1983, the first Blueberry Council met to begin planning the first Blueberry Jubilee.  The Blueberry Jubilee was the brainchild of Mimi Montieth and Mary Hough. Their goal was to create a festival showcasing Pearl River County and the small jewel of the south, the blueberry.  

     The Blueberry Jubilee had a humble beginning with only a handful of craft vendors situated on the Pearl River County Courthouse lawn.  Since that time, the Blueberry Jubilee has grown and flourished just as the small delicious berry bearing the Jubilee’s name.   

     There is a lot to see and do at the Blueberry Jubilee.   To begin Blueberry Jubilee Day, a 1-mile Fun Run and 5-k will take the hearty through the neighborhoods of Poplarville on a slightly challenging course.  

      Start the day with blueberry pancakes served at The Soda Fountain in Pearl River Drug store. These are always a Jubilee favorite. 

Throughout the day, blueberries, blueberry bushes, and blueberry products are on the courthouse lawn waiting to be sampled, and about 200 craft and food vendors line the streets of Poplarville selling many hand-crafted items.   

There are several events in which visitors can participate. Early in the day, the annual baby crawl has grabbed the hearts of many.  Smiles and laughter can be heard as parents coax the pre-toddlers to crawl across the finish line. Visitors can enter a car  or view the many antique cars in the annual car show. Canine parents can show off  their pooch in the annual Puppy Pageant.   Don’t forget the USDA tours.  A wagon is waiting to take you to the USDA and Mississippi State Extension office to show the magic of blueberries and other small fruit.  

When the weather gets hot, head down to the Methodist Church.  In the Methodist Youth building, you can listen to some side-splitting stories at the oldest storytelling festival in the country..  

There is something for everyone at the Blueberry Jubilee.  Come to Poplarville, Mississippi in Pearl River County and enjoy some old-fashioned hospitality.