A Message From the President

Welcome to the 76th Apple Blossom Festival!

In this, our 76th year of Festival we are paying special tribute to our Children's Parade. The Annapolis Valley Apple Blossom Festival Children's Parade is the longest running children's parade in Canada, 75 years of consecutive parading. This is an absolute milestone to celebrate, so let's do it!

"Our Future Blossoms" is a most appropriate 76th theme for celebrating children, blossoms, and indeed, our valley. We live in a land rich with history, agriculture, community and diversity. We know the people of the valley to be our greatest treasure, offering enthusiasm for this way of life, embracing change while honouring tradition. The Apple Blossom Festival has become part of the tradition of the valley. It is as familiar as your own name to most residents, as much a part of spring as the blossoms themselves.

It is a privilege to take on the presidential role of the Festival, to work with some of the best organizers and volunteers in the valley. This must be a magical valley as we celebrate blossoms practically twelve months of the year! While the apple trees themselves offer a heady display for a few short weeks, the Apple Blossom Festival Board and volunteers take 12 months to plan for this five-day celebration. We challenge ourselves to give our best in creating a Festival for the entire Valley community.

This year the Apple Blossom Festival will celebrate "Our Future Blossoms" in ways that are both familiar and fresh. I invite you all to come celebrate with us, to discover for yourself how the future blossoms for you, here in the beautiful Annapolis Valley of Nova Scotia.

Cathy Briggs
President
Annapolis Valley Apple Blossom Festival