BY FRED SGAMBATI

fsgambati@kentvilleadvertiser.ca

NovaNewsNow.com

The 76th annual Annapolis Valley Apple Blossom Festival officially opened Wednesday evening, May 28, in the Village of New Minas.

The New Minas Fire Hall was decorated for the event, which attracted a good crowd that included local dignitaries, proud parents, Festival Board members and volunteers, Queen Annapolisa the 75th Kathryn Cleveland and 11 princesses vying for this year's crown.

Town crier Lloyd Smith kicked things off with an official proclamation of welcome and greetings were offered by Kings South MLA David Morse; Kings County councillor Eric Smith; New Minas Village Commission chairman Dave Chaulk; and Festival President Cathy Briggs.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially inaugurate this year's Festival took place shortly thereafter.

Entertainment was provided by the DansXtreme Dance Troupe, which performed "Candyman", and the Kidz N Motion Dance Team, which interpreted "I Believe".

The Festival continues through the weekend with a number of events, including the 75th anniversary of the Children's Parade Saturday morning in downtown Kentville and the Grand Street Parade Saturday afternoon. For more on the Festival, visit www.appleblossom.com.