‘Best time of the year’

Apple Blossom Festival begins Nova Scotia tourism season

Sandra Snow doesn’t need a calendar to know when the Annapolis Valley Apple Blossom Festival is here.

“The blossoms let us know in their smell, in their colour and in the glory that they bring to us,” Kentville’s mayor said May 24 during the 89th festival’s opening ceremonies. “This is the best time of the year.”

She said people get a little tickle in the bottom of their heart knowing it is Apple Blossom Festival week. It is similar to the feeling Valley residents get heading west over Avonport Mountain on Highway 101 when they see Cape Blomidon.

“You get that feeling, you don’t know why, however you know you’re home,” she said. “And that’s what Apple Blossom is all about for us. It’s home.”

The festival took place from May 24-30 throughout the Valley and is seen by many as the start of the tourist season.

“Count me among those who call this the official kickoff to summer in the Annapolis Valley,” Kings West MLA Chris Palmer said.

“Events like our amazing

Apple Blossom Festival help to motivate travel and encourage visitors to explore our unique communities right across this province

while highlighting everything we have to offer,” he added. “There’s a lot going on in our beautiful little province, our beautiful Annapolis Valley,

and we hope more folks stop on by.”

Many of the speakers talked about their childhood memories of taking part in the festival’s many activities, including the grand street parade.

“I love hearing how it is built into people’s DNA and our community,” said Emily Lutz, deputy mayor of the Municipality of Kings.

“I think it really showcases two things that are pretty special and make the Annapolis Valley what it is, one of which is tourism and the second of which is agriculture.”

Lutz said she doesn’t have as many childhood memories from the festival as others as she grew up on an apple farm and her family was very busy at that time of the year.

“We have to remember those folks who are out there making the blossoms happen, which are our farmers,” she said, noting this is the most stressful time of the year for them. “It’s the time when the trees are at the most risk; it’s the time when the crop sets.”

The theme for this year’s festival was Uniquely Yours.

“Since its inception in 1933, the festival has enabled everyone to celebrate the Annapolis Valley’s rich heritage, culture and agriculture background,” president Logan Morse said. “It has never been more important that we remain a diverse and inclusive family oriented event.”

Next year's festival, the 90th in its history, is scheduled for May 29 to June 3.