91原创 residents are getting ready for the annual festival devoted to a bully of the plant world that produces delectable berries.

The Blackberry Bakeoff is noon to 3 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 22 at the 91原创 Demonstration Garden and will feature sweet and savory blackberry dishes submitted for judging.

The festival features dishes created by community members that are voted on by the public attending as well as a panel of judges.

"We usually have about 200 people attending," said Alexandra Falconer, the garden program coordinator at the 91原创 Environmental Partners Society.

In addition to sampling blackberry dishes, people can enjoy live music, information booths and tours of the demonstration garden. Kids can make crafts, and there's a $5 barbecue (cash only).

"The public really loves to come out and show off their baked goods. And, yeah, it's just a nice family-friendly event," Falconer said.

Anyone in the community can submit dishes for judging but must follow specific rules. Guidelines are available by emailing Falconer at garden@leps.bc.ca. She explained that there are restrictions on what can be submitted to ensure the dishes are safe to be served to the public.

"You can't have dairy items and things like that. You can't submit ice cream, because I can't keep it cold, and it's not food safe,"she said.

The bakeoff started in 2002 as a way to spotlight the invasive plant. People are asked to submit a dish but also cut down the plants to help prevent their spread.

The event goes ahead rain or shine.

"We have lots of covered space," Falconer noted.