MAYOR'S MESSAGE Blackberry Arts Festival Returns to Downtown Coos Bay One of Coos Bay’s favorite summer traditions returns to downtown this weekend as the Blackberry Arts Festival fills Central Avenue on Saturday, August 22, and Sunday, August 23. For more than four decades, the Blackberry Arts Festival has brought residents and visitors together to celebrate the creativity of our community and the unique character of the South Coast. What began as a way to showcase local artists during blackberry season has grown into a much-loved annual tradition and an opportunity to gather together in the heart of downtown Coos Bay. Throughout the weekend, downtown will come alive with live music, delicious food, handcrafted items, and, of course, plenty of blackberry-inspired treats. Live performances will take place on the Blackberry Jam stage both Saturday and Sunday, providing a great soundtrack for a weekend spent exploring the festival. Blackberries will also take center stage during the 4th Annual “It’s All Berry Good” recipe contest on Saturday. Community members are invited to put their favorite blackberry recipes to the test. It is a fun addition to the weekend and a fitting way to celebrate the berry that inspired the festival. The Blackberry Arts Festival is also a wonderful opportunity to spend some time downtown. While enjoying the festival, I encourage you to visit our local shops, restaurants, and businesses and experience all that downtown Coos Bay has to offer. Events like this do not happen without a great deal of planning and the efforts of many people. I would like to thank the Coos Bay Downtown Association, its volunteers, participating businesses, artists and vendors, sponsors, and City staff who work behind the scenes to make this annual event possible. The festival is free and family-friendly, with activities centered along Central Avenue. Festival hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Whether the Blackberry Arts Festival has been an annual tradition for your family or this will be your first visit, I hope you will take some time this weekend to come downtown and enjoy the art, music, food, and festivities. The festival is always a fun weekend in Coos Bay, and I look forward to seeing our downtown filled once again with residents and visitors enjoying the Blackberry Arts Festival. -Joe Benetti, Mayor of Coos Bay