80th Apple Blossom Parade

Named as one of the top 100 North American Events for 2012.  The Apple Blossom Festival is one of the biggest Events to go on here in our Valley.  They expected 100,000 at the parades this year.  There are two parades, the childrens in the morning and the grand street parade in the afternoon.  The grand street one starts in New Minas and goes all the way to Kentville, usually there are join ins at the Experiental Farm, (which is where the bands, horses and majorettes join in), and this year they had another join in at the place called Burger Hill, where people coast in the Winter.  We didn't know that.  It was the 80th and the biggest parade yet.  We haven't been there in awhile, but decided to go this year, and loved every minute of it.  They have everything from Princess Teas leading up to the weekend.  Princesses are picked.  Then a main Cornation to crown Queen Annapolisa.  They usually have a ball after that.  Then the fireworks in Kentville on Friday night also.  Then Saturday, the parades, beer gardens and I am sure many barbeques and fun to be had.  And also a fair for the children.  Sunday they have a church service where the Queen and her attendants go.  This year it was in the Gaspereau Baptist Church where they were celebrating their 100th year.  Then there is a duck race in the afternoon, which is a big thing.  It is bigger than a holiday around here.

The rhododendrons are at their best right now.

Always proud of our RCMP.

Queen Annapolisa 80th.  Princess Port Williams.

The floats were amazing, the weather was perfect.

Another beautiful float.

Our Princess Wolfville.

I think the highlight of the parade for the younger audience.