ELY- Get ready for Ely’s biggest weekend of the year with the upcoming Blueberry/Art Festival, July 25 –27.
“Operation Blueberry,” the popular storefront shopping event, kicks off on Thursday, July 24, and continues through Sunday, July 27. Area businesses will be offering a variety of blueberry-themed products and special offers. The Operation Blueberry map will be available starting Tuesday, July 22, at the Ely Chamber of Commerce office (1600 E. Sheridan Street, Ely) or online at Ely.org/blueberryarts.
With all of the 278 booth spaces filled already, this year’s festival is set to be one of the largest in recent memory, featuring 229 unique vendors representing a vibrant mix of arts, crafts, food, and expo groups.
“We were so excited to be at capacity last year, and with the increase in booth spaces, we are full again,” said Event Director Kristen Switajewski. “Based on our records, we have not had this number of booths since around 2018.” After last year’s overwhelming demand, Switajewski proactively adjusted the festival layout and added extra booths to accommodate even more vendors.
Attendees can look forward to the return of beloved elements and exciting new features. The Ely Kiwanis will once again be in the pavilion, selling their popular fresh-baked pies. New for 2025, WELY will be broadcasting live from the bandshell, adding to the lively atmosphere.
The food court promises a delicious array of options with crowd favorites like Bob’s BBQ, Becky’s Oriental, and Schweiby’s returning. A delectable new addition is Ruhland’s Strudel Haus, featuring freshly made sweet and savory strudels.
The festival boasts a strong contingent of returning vendors (79 percent), ensuring a blend of familiar faces and exciting new discoveries. Among the new artisans to look out for are:
Diane Tomas of Quills & Things creates beautiful paper quilled items incorporated into frames, wood, glass, and jewelry.
Rachel Holden of Dimi Dolls & Company offers heirloom woodland-themed dolls with intricate hand-embroidered details.
Joe Lecheler and Cicely Matz of Iconosancta Studios handcraft exquisite wood furniture and paintings inspired by Byzantine and Greek designs.
The Blueberry/Art Festival runs from Friday, July 25 to Sunday, July 27 in Ely’s Whiteside Park. The chamber ladies will begin marking the park on Monday, July 21, to prepare for vendor check-in on Thursday, July 24.
The Ely Chamber of Commerce is once again offering People’s Choice judging for the art and craft vendors.  For $5, individuals can cast a ballot for their three favorite art and craft vendors, plus they receive the official 2025 festival button.  Sales for the People’s Choice buttons and ballots open on July 14 at the Chamber office (1600 E. Sheridan St., Ely) and will continue at the festival.  All ballots must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 26.  Winners are announced on Sunday, July 27.