The Ammon Blueberry Festival is set to kick off on Saturday morning as it has the first weekend of June for a number of years.

Festivities will begin with a pancake breakfast from 6:30 until 9:30 a.m., which will feature among other things, blueberry pancakes.

The parade will kick off at 10 a.m. and will include many entries, including the Dunn Clowns. Trophies will be given in various categories for parade entries.

The opening ceremony will be at 11 a.m., which will include the introduction of dignitaries. As in past years, a fundraising auction will follow the ceremonies.

The remainder of the festival will feature a variety of entertainment, rides, games, crafts and food for sale and the "My Favorite Blueberry Dish" cooking contest for ages eight and up. Another favorite treat will be an antique and classic car/truck cruise-in.

Among the crafts will be chair weaving, homemade soaps and candles.

A variety of items will be available for sale at the festival, including blueberries.

All proceeds raised by the festival go to support the Ammon Volunteer Fire Department. The festival, which is sponsored by the Ruritan Club, is the primary fundraiser for the department.

The festival pays tribute to the most valuable crop grown in northern Bladen County. Blueberries have been grown commercially in Bladen County for more than 75 years, mostly in the sandy soils north of the Cape Fear River.

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