Apple Blossom Festival 75th Anniversary Exhibit

In early 2007 the Exhibits Committee of the museum contacted twelve people who had been deeply involved with the Apple Blossom Festival as volunteers, employees, or researchers and asked them to share their "Top 10" list of the most positive things that the festival had contributed to the people of the Valley during the past 75 years. From their responses we compiled a list of the "Top 10" most common answers. The responses ranged from the promotion of tourism and the local apple industry, to helping reunite families. These answers became the basis for the exhibit.

Images from the display can be viewed here along with an essay written by Melissa Gorley a young volunteer working at the Apple Blossom Festival Committee Office during the spring and summer of 2007.

"My Apple Blossom Festival Memories"
by Melissa Gorley

Through the course of my life I have had the pleasure to meet people from across Nova Scotia, Canada, and around the world. I have been surprised with how well known our festival is, however in some cases the perception has been that the Apple Blossom Festival is a celebration of Apple Blossoms, but I think that it is so much more then that. For me the Apple Blossom Festival is a time for loved ones, strangers, friends, and communities to get together and celebrate who we are, and what makes the Annapolis valley a unique, and remarkable place to live, not just for Apple Blossoms but for the people, the heritage, and the culture, that makes us the Annapolis Valley.

Ever since I can remember my family has gotten together for the Apple Blossom festival weekend. We would gather at my grandparent's house as it was the only house in the family that could hold all twenty-six of my family members comfortably. Apple Blossom time was one of the few times a year when almost the entire family would be able to be together. The entire weekend was just about being able to laugh together, talk with each other, share memories of years gone by. What was amazing about the particular neighbourhood where my grandparents lived was that everyone knew each other and sometimes we would have a block party where everyone would bring food, chairs, and lots of picnic tables. Growing up as an only child I have come to cherish these memories, because neighbours, friends, and families like these are hard to come by.

Gathering together at Apple Blossom time has become a tradition, as has taking part in the many wonderful activities and events that take place each year. We did everything from watching the parade, which we were lucky enough to always get a prime viewing spot, I remember having to share a blanket with several of my cousins and watching all of the big floats, and all of the wonderful costumes and trying to see if we knew anyone who was in the parade. As a little girl the princess floats the ones I looked forward to seeing. There was something about the white dresses, the crowns, and tiaras, that as a little girl you looked up to, and thought that maybe someday that could be you up there.

A tradition that has carried on in my family has been the participation in the children's parade. I have been in the parade at least twice, as have many of my cousins. It was one of my favourite memories growing up because it made me feel like I was a part of something special. Walking up the streets of Kentville, and seeing all of those people clapping, and waving and showing support for us really made me feel like I was a small part of such a widespread festival.

It is not hard to tell that the festival is quickly approaching, the sights, sounds and smells of the festival are all over the valley. This year marks a very important year in the history of the Apple Blossom Festival as it is the 75th anniversary. It is quite amazing that the tradition of the festival has been carried on from generation to generation. Celebrating the festival and our family gathering has been a tradition started before I was born, and I hope that it is something that will continue as all of the younger family members grow up and have families of our own. I want them to have the warm memories that I have of growing up, where neighbours, friends, and loved ones come together and celebrate each other, and our culture.

Like the radiant apple blossoms which grace us with their stunning presence, and like the blossoms our families and friends return for the festival each year. Although the blossoms come and go each year the memories that are made during the Apple Blossom Festival will last a lifetime.

Pictures of the Apple Blossom Exhibit

Click to enlarge.
Dan D. Apple, "Official Mascot" of the Apple Blossom Festival. The Dan D. Heads were loaned to us courtesy of the Nova Scotia Fruit Growers Association. This coronation gown belonged to Queen Annapolisa 31st, Linda Elliott (1963), Princess Middleton. The dress was loaned courtesy of the Annapolis Valley Macdonald Museum in Middleton. The "Blossom Time" China was loaned courtesy of Kings Historical Society member Sandra Houghton.
At one time, all the apples grown in the Annapolis Valley were shipped in barrels and barrel making was an important industry. Concrrently with the Apple Blossom Festival exhibit, the museum displayed an exhibit of cooper's tools.

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