WILTON -- The theme of the 26th annual Wilton Blueberry Festival, to be held Aug. 1-2, is a community "thank you" to the town's firefighters and Emergency Medical Service personnel.

Festivities begin Aug. 1 in the downtown area with the traditional Blueberry Bazaar in front of the First Congregational Church. Events continue Aug. 2 with a blueberry pancake breakfast and the town's annual parade at 9 a.m. The evening ends with fireworks.

Festival organizer Shannon Smith said attractions this year will include a performance by country music singer Debbie Myers at 7:15 p.m. Aug. 1, at the Nichols Expo Building; and a baby-toddler crawl, at 12:30 p.m. Aug. 2, at Kineowatha Park.

The festival, of course, also honors Maine's blueberries. The wild blueberry crop in Maine was valued at $60 million last year, according to the state Department of Agriculture.

A schedule of festival events can be obtained from the town office or by going to www.route2.com/wbf.htm.

There is no parking on Main Street during the festival. Shuttle service is available, with pickups available at T.J.'s corner store on Route 156; and at the Key Bank (at the corner of Main and High streets). For more information, call Shannon Smith at 778-4726.