The 2014 Cherry Queen entrants, sponsors and supporters of Young’s 65th National Cherry Festival gathered Thursday night for the official launch of the town’s major event.
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The annual National Cherry Festival is held on the first full weekend in December and coincides with the harvest of Young’s celebrity fruit.
This year the festival will be held from Friday, December 5 to Sunday, December 7.
Up to 24,000 people are expected to visit the town over the three days this year.
Mayor Stuart Freudenstein kicked off proceedings last night in front of a crowd of 60 at the Empire Hotel, saying he anticipated an excellent 65th National Cherry Festival.
“I always look forward to the launch of the National Cherry Festival,” he said.
“It’s a reminder that the National Cherry Festival is just a few months away and highlights the tremendous support the town has for the festival.”
The mayor also took it as an opportunity to “get together” with the organising committee, those representing the sponsors and meet the cherry queen entrants and their families.
“Like many people around the state my wife Lyn and I always enjoy the National Cherry Festival and we love being part of the crowd and meeting visitors and locals who are there to enjoy the many activities over the three days,” he said.
Among the mayor’s duties last night was thanking last year’s sponsors for their support and announcing the new sponsorship roll call.
Those who purchased a $50 ticket in the draw also waited in anticipation to learn which business name came out of the hat in the Sponsorship Supporters Draw (the result was announced after going to press).
This year’s Cherry Queen entrants were also introduced to guests.
Tourism manager Mr David Newberry said the 2014 National Cherry Festival draws wide support from both city and regional centres.
He said this year’s program was shaping up well and the festival would be a real crowd pleaser.
“Among the varied attractions planned for the year include a street parade, carnival, busking, cherry pie eating and cherry pip spitting competitions, a Celtic Tattoo Spectacular, art and photographic exhibition, poetry and short story competitions, car show and the Hilltops wine expo,” he said.
