The Nome Berry Festival is an annual event where people gather to celebrate different kinds of wild berries in the Nome region. These include strawberries, blueberries, and salmonberries. The festival is typically held during the berry harvesting season, which is at the end of August or early September. However, due to the expected arrival of the MS Westerdam cruise ship, the festival was moved to June 21st, which is also the summer solstice.
The festival takes place at the Nome Recreation Center. The center is filled with different vendors, ranging from showcasing arts and crafts to selling foods. The food vendors offer a variety of products, from jams to baked goods.
Locals enjoy two popular berry desserts. The first is a simple treat of frozen blueberries drizzled with evaporated milk and sprinkled with sugar to your liking. The second, known as Akutaq (a-goo-duk), is a traditional dish with regional variations. While originally made with caribou fat, seal oil, or fish, modern versions substitute Crisco and mix it with berries of choice. Local musicians and dancers provide fun performances for everyone to watch. Overall, the Nome Berry Festival offers a delightful blend of Nome culture, local treats, and entertainment.
