Blossoming in the Valley
by Angus MacCaull
Lisa Badcock led our AA Munro volunteers again at the 2016 Annapolis Valley Blossom Festival.
“We stepped it up a notch this year,” said Lisa.
In addition to handing out water and treats in our signature hot pink volunteer shirts, we also helped line up and direct the Festival’s main event, the Grand Street Parade. It was a big job that started around 7:30 a.m. and didn’t wrap up until 3:30 p.m.
Our time and care did not go unnoticed. At a ceremony in front of the Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, the Honourable J.J. Grant, we received the Festival’s Volunteer Group of the Year Award!
The Award is a newly established effort to recognize and appreciate the many wonderful individuals who help make the Festival a success.
“When the Board wondered who should it be, the first thing out of my mouth was AA Munro,” said Gary Long, the Festival President.
Celebrating the apple blossoms in spring with the Festival is a long standing tradition in the Valley, dating back to 1933. The Festival has been featured on a stamp from Canada Post as well as a sterling silver coin from the Canadian Mint.
Over the years, the Festival has grown to include a variety of attractions. There’s the Valley Tea, the Blossom Breakfast, a leadership competition, a craft show, beer and cider tastings, a tractor pull, special entertainment for children, and even a fitness fair, among other events.
On the Friday night of the Festival before the fireworks, Tasha Crossley attended an outdoor bash hosted by the local radio station, 89.3 K-Rock, which featured the band Bluesmobile.
“It was so good,” said Tasha. “We sat on the side of the hill by the ballfields and they put on a fantastic concert.”
If anyone is interested in getting involved in the Festival, the Board is always looking for more volunteers and new Board Members.
The theme of the Festival next year is “Rooted in Tradition”.
Please see appleblossom.com for more information.
This team is amazing. Thanks to all who helped organize and showed up on such a beautiful day. I am amazed each year at how we all come together to make such a successful event. Cheers :)
Sorry not sure how that face got there :)
Haha! No worries Lisa – there’s a random face generator for comments on the blog unless people have a “gravatar” of their own set up. Some of them are really funny!
Great job to Lisa and her team!!! It is a wonderful festival. I have been there a few times over the years! GO TEAAM GO!