The first time I was invited to the Blueberry Patch, I was actually denied an explanation about the place at all. The only thing my friend said was, “You just have to see, I can’t even explain it; it’s just heavenly.” The big sell did not disappoint and it’s nearly impossible to never return. That was four years ago, for their 36th anniversary, and I returned earlier this month for their 40th. Once again, it did not disappoint.
1. Groovin’ old hippies
It’s not difficult to spot them as you walk in: tie-dye shirts, long dresses, beards, braids and comfy bellies. They are the veterans of this place; the founders, co-founders and so on for a couple of generations. Others are long-standing faithfuls who have been attending for as long as this place has been around. Others still, are the casual visitors, tie-dyed as well or sporting Rastafarian colors and locks. It’s really not a wonder The Blueberry Patch won Best of the Bay: Best Place to Meet Old Hippies in 2007.
2. Community
Back when The Blueberry Patch first began on July 7, 1977 the whole idea was to create a space, called a sharevival, where artists, creatives and free spirits could meet and interact. That idea, refined over time, is more alive than ever. Large tents, gazebos and canopies are spread throughout the grounds gathering people like big groups of family, all laughing and sharing beer. It doesn’t take long for even a newcomer to encounter someone who asks them their name and strikes up a conversation. Acceptance is key and everyone here knows that.
3. Lights, crafts and art
The Blueberry Patch is not a place you can walk into and look only straight ahead; there's stuff to see literally everywhere. From the steps you walk, to the sky between the trees and the murals that enclose the yard, it’s 40 years of creations packed into a backyard. Every tree is adorned with plaques, signs and art. Christmas lights are strewn on every branch and often dangle from one to another. Lighted arcs lead the pathway to the main stage with glowing, large peace signs. Canvases hang before the main stage and over the seating area, each hand-painted by volunteers.
4. Music
The Blueberry Patch is the place to see the greatest mashup of dance moves on earth, all happening at the same time: soft-core headbangers, dazed swayers, full-body jigglers, music festival jumpers, old-timers hanging on to each other shoulders to waist and even little toddlers shaking their bum-bums. It’s really the cutest, funniest and happiest thing to witness. No one cares who’s looking and everyone is just joyous that the next person is having fun.
6. BYOB and potluck
Another great thing about The Blueberry Patch is that no alcohol or food is sold; instead, it is shared. Coolers line the benches facing the stage and long benches to the left of the entrance are topped with crockpots and plastic plates. Everyone is invited to join in on the food and to share their alcohol with friends. Of course, each group brings what they want — that’s how the sharevival works.
7. Recycling
With so many people shuffling through The Blueberry Patch four times a month, sometimes more, the waste piles up. Thankfully, much of it gets recycled. Color-coded bins line the main walkway for paper, glass, plastic and aluminum. As a result, little goes to waste and personal responsibility is kept to a high standard. Saturday volunteers also help by picking up trash that’s been left behind and sorting the recyclables.
8. Vendors
There’s everything from tie dye, handmade jewelry, beautiful stones, crystals and home adornments like tapestries and wind chimes. This is how the Blueberry Patch supports small local businesses and artisans. For those who haven’t attended in a while, there's a whole new open area towards the far left of the yard that is now dedicated to vendors, small gatherings and the famous Ohm circles.
9. Ohm circle
I’ll wrap this up by sharing one of my latest experiences at the Blueberry Patch that I believe explains the spirit in this place better than anything else. About 20 minutes into the anniversary I happened to leave my new iPhone 6 in the bathroom. With the long line outside, I thought it would sure be gone by the time I realized it was missing. My boyfriend decided to call it anyways and to my amazement it had been turned in at the front just minutes after I left it behind. That’s how this place and the people who come here are: generous, kind and honest. There’s really no other place like it.
