Annapolis Valley Apple Blossom Festival facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Apple Blossom Festival |
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| Begins | May 24th, 2023 (89th Festival) |
| Ends | May 29st, 2023 |
| Frequency | Yearly |
| Location(s) | Annapolis Valley |
| Years active | 87 |
| Inaugurated | 1933 |
| Website | https://www.appleblossom.com |
The Annapolis Valley Apple Blossom Festival is a super fun yearly celebration in Nova Scotia's beautiful Annapolis Valley. It usually happens at the end of May. This festival brings lots of visitors to the area. They come to enjoy many exciting events, learn about local culture, and see the valley's amazing orchards when they are full of blossoms. It's a time when the whole valley celebrates its history and the importance of farming.
A Look Back: How the Festival Began
The Apple Blossom Festival started way back in 1933. It was created to celebrate the traditions and farming history of the Annapolis Valley. Every year, communities from Windsor all the way to Digby come together for this special event. The very first parade for the apple blossoms happened in Kentville in 1933.
People who first started the festival wanted to show off the natural beauty of the Valley. They also wanted to highlight the long history of the apple growing industry. Plus, it was a great chance to help local artists and performers share their talents. Over the years, the Valley's economy has changed. Now, the festival also features many different local businesses. But it still continues to promote local talent and show off the area's stunning natural environment.
It takes a lot of hard work to put on this festival! About 300 volunteers spend several months planning and helping out.
Fun Activities at the Festival
There are many popular events at the Apple Blossom Festival. These include the huge Grand Street Parade, a special Children's Parade, and the Apple Blossom Concert. The festival also has fun social gatherings. You can find dances, barbecues, and delicious home-cooked dinners at local churches and community halls.
The Apple Blossom Grand Street Parade is one of the biggest parades in all of Canada! Nearly 100,000 people line up along the route to watch it. The parade travels from New Minas to Kentville. It features marching bands and many colorful floats. These floats are sponsored by community groups, local businesses, and other organizations. There are also floats for the young people competing in the annual Leadership Competition. Before the Grand Street Parade on Saturday morning, there's a large Children's Parade just for kids!
For many years, the festival used to start with fireworks on Thursday night. But in the early 1990s, the fireworks show moved to Saturday night. Since then, it has sometimes been on Friday and sometimes on Saturday. In recent years, the fireworks have been held only on Friday night. They usually happen right after a local radio station's anniversary celebration.
