Maine Wild Blueberry Hall of Honor
The Maine Wild Blueberry Hall of Honor awards outstanding individuals who have contributed to the success and sustainability of the wild blueberry industry in Maine. Each year, we receive nominations from the community and honor two individuals, one deceased and one living with us today, who have showcased outstanding industry service, leadership, hard work, and dedication that is unmatched and will never be forgotten. This reflects great credit upon the individual, their family, and this iconic wild blueberry crop. Nominations are open from July to May, and selected honorees are inducted and awarded in June during the annual UMaine Cooperative Extension Blueberry Hill Farm Field Day, the largest gathering of wild blueberry growers in the state.
Hero Award
The Wild Blueberry Hall of Honor Hero Award honors someone living in Maine today who has greatly impacted the wild blueberry industry.
Memorial Award
The Wild Blueberry Hall of Honor Memorial Award honors someone who is deceased that has greatly impacted the wild blueberry industry.
Dr. John Gaddis, Memorial Award, 2021 Honoree
Dr. John Gaddis of East Machias was the remaining owner of the sixth-generation Gaddis Brothers business. With fields in seven towns, Gaddis Brothers thrives as a 60-year partner of processor
Francis J. Nicholas, Hero Award, 2021 Honoree
Francis J. Nicholas, Hero Award, 2021 Honoree The late Francis J. Nicholas is honored as the longtime manager of the tribal blueberry operations in Columbia Falls, previously the Northeastern Blueberry
Burleigh Crane, Memorial Award, 2022 Honoree
Burleigh Crane, Memorial Award, 2022 Honoree Burleigh Crane was an innovator and pioneer in many ways in the production of wild blueberries on the barrens of Washington County, including controlled
The West Family, Hero Award, 2022 Honoree
Francis J. Nicholas, Hero Award, 2021 Honoree The West family blood runs blue in 4 generations of service to the wild blueberry industry. Frank and Adam West followed in the
Justin Day, Memorial Award, 2023 Honoree
Justin Day, Memorial Award, 2023 Honoree Justin Day is recognized for his remarkable contributions as a wild blueberry farmer, dedicated public servant, and esteemed member of the Cooper community. Following
Robert Hammond, Hero Award, 2023 Honoree
Robert Hammond, Hero Award, 2023 Honoree Robert served the Maine wild blueberry industry as a harvest crew manager and as president of the Maine Farm Bureau for seven years. Robert
Keith F. Albee, Memorial Award, 2024 Honoree
Keith F. Albee, Memorial Award, 2024 Honoree Keith F. Albee inherited the family farm, Dew Drop Blueberries in East Machias, and preserved the fields with his wife, Phyllis, and their
Wayne E. Hanscom, Hero Award, 2024 Honoree
Wayne E. Hanscom, Hero Award, 2024 Honoree Wayne E. Hanscom works on the family blueberry farm, Welch Farm of Roque Bluffs, with his daughter, Lisa. He served on the Board of Directors
Justin Day, Memorial Award, 2021 Honoree
Justin Day, Memorial Award, 2021 Honoree Justin Day is recognized for his remarkable contributions as a wild blueberry farmer, dedicated public servant, and esteemed member of the Cooper community. Following