‘Something for everybody’

Although some people would like to see changes made, it seems that many residents are satisfied with the Annapolis Valley Apple Blossom Festival the way it is.

Trinity Turmel of Greenwood was enjoying Family Fun Day at Scotian Gold in Coldbrook on May 28. She said the fireworks and parade are her favourite festival events, as well as “getting to spend time with my friends and family.”

There are a lot of activities and excitement surrounding the festival, much more so than on an average weekend in the Valley.

“You get to see people that you don’t normally see around,” Turmel said. “A lot of people come out to it, so it’s really nice.”

When asked if there is anything she would like to see added to the festival in the future, she said she enjoys the festival the way it is.

Lilly Stewart of Woodville was also in attendance at Family Fun Day. Her favourite aspects of the festival are the fair and the street dance. Stewart also enjoys the social aspect of spending time with friends and family.

When asked if she would like to see anything added, Stewart said “better music” was her request especially bigger name acts.

While attending Family Fun Day, Amanda Allen of Avonport said the social aspect of the festival is what she enjoys most. She enjoys taking the kids to their godparent’s house in Kentville for the Grand Street Parade. They see friends they haven’t seen in a year, she said, and everyone relaxes and enjoys a barbecue.

Allen’s family also enjoys the fireworks, although they couldn’t attend this year because the event was moved to May 28 – a school night – due to the weather on May 26.

Allen would like to see more added to the parade but she appreciates that it takes people willing to participate. The success of the festival hinges on volunteer efforts.

“I don’t think it’s quite understood that to keep this going and to keep it great, you need people willing to give up a little bit and put in effort to make it good,” Allen said.

Crystal and Darrell Mccormack of Cambridge were among those taking in the Apple Blossom Festival antique car show in Berwick, something Darrell greatly enjoys. The couple has always enjoyed the fireworks.

Crystal said she loves to eat and has greatly enjoyed the Boates chicken barbecue over the years. She also enjoys the Scotian Gold Family Fun Day and the couple say they like the festival the way it’s presented.

Kenny Levy of Aylesford was among the participants in the Apple Blossom Festival’s antique car show in Berwick. He appreciated having the auto show added as an official Apple Blossom event. It attracts a different crowd than some of the other traditional activities.

“It helps give something for everybody,” Levy said.