A Berry Bold Beginning
In the late 1920s, Harold Graham Huntington, a World War I veteran and visionary farmer from New Jersey, saw the sandy, acidic soil of Pender County and knew he had found something special. He purchased 1,640 acres just outside of Burgaw in 1927, establishing one of the first commercial blueberry farms in the region by 1936. His pioneering spirit laid the groundwork for what would become one of North Carolina’s most iconic crops.
Growing the Legacy
Through the decades, Burgaw’s blueberry farms flourished. By the 1950s, growers across Pender County were cultivating acres of blueberries, making the region a cornerstone of the state’s blueberry production. Despite setbacks during World War II, farmers adapted and innovated, expanding operations and refining harvesting techniques.
Today, family-owned farms and agribusinesses in and around Burgaw continue to produce some of the finest blueberries in the Southeast. Many farms invite visitors to experience the season firsthand—offering u-pick experiences, fresh market stands, and agritourism events.
A Festival of Flavor
In 2004, Burgaw planted the seeds of a new tradition with the first North Carolina Blueberry Festival. What began as a small town celebration quickly grew into one of the state’s largest agricultural festivals, drawing tens of thousands of visitors each June. The event honors the blueberry’s contribution to the local economy and the farmers who continue to cultivate this delicious legacy.
From Farm to Table
Blueberries from Burgaw aren’t just tasty—they’re a staple in homes, bakeries, breweries, and restaurants across the region. Whether you're picking them fresh in the field or enjoying them in pies, jams, wines, or craft beer, Burgaw’s blueberries are the taste of summer in every bite.
Come Taste the Tradition
From sunrise harvests to sunset strolls along blueberry trails, Burgaw invites you to celebrate a community deeply rooted in agriculture. It’s more than just farming—it’s a way of life, passed down through generations and proudly shared with all who visit.
