Ever wanted to be a reporter? Here's your chance!

We’re very nearly upon the time of year when dreams come true. You can get a headstart on the process Saturday when the Apple Blossom Festival hosts its annual Friends of the Festival Harvest Dinner and “Big Dreams� auction at the Old Orchard Inn.

Of course, there are plenty of suppers locally and no shortage of ambition around here when it comes to reaching for the stars. But this particular event is special.

Festival President Sally Swanburg Wallace said recently, “the Valley will celebrate its 75th Apple Blossom Festival with the theme Big Dreams, Small Communities. We have taken on the spirit of the ‘Big Dreams’ theme and are offering a unique experience for our Festival Patrons. We have collected a series of ‘dreams’ for auction that include experiences and opportunities that money can’t buy!�

Indeed. One of the dreams up for grabs is “Reporter for a day�, courtesy of The Advertiser. To my mind this one’s a peach, though one could say there might be some bias involved.

Still, who wouldn’t want to be a reporter for a day? No sitting at a desk twiddling your fingers wondering what to do next. We’re a dynamic bunch, folks, a group of people who like to dig the dirt wherever it can be dug: nose to the grindstone; shoulder to the wheel. We keep our eyes peeled and our ears pricked up, intent as deer, sharp as a fox.

There are some who may denigrate and refer to us as mere scribblers or, even worse, hacks. But don’t let such drivel sway the bidding. Sure, other dreams include Mayor for a Day (Town of Berwick and Town of Kentville), Personal Chef for a Day, and Guest on Easlink’s Welcome to My Kitchen with Joan McElman.

All are worthy of some major bucks in the bid process, but do any of them have the cachet of ‘journalist’?

Suppose in your mind’s-eye you imagine a reporter as being the Lois Lane type: confident, investigative, willing to get her high heels dirty and skirt smudged.

Or maybe you see ‘reporter’ as a Humprey Bogart-like individual: low-brimmed hat with a press card tucked in the band; steely eyes; ‘here’s lookin’ at you, kid’ kind of guy.

It’s going to be a big night and you should make plans to get involved. The evening consists of a three-course meal as well as the musical talents of the Apple Blossom Valley Idol contest winner and runner-up.

Tickets are available through Festival Directors, at the Old Orchard Inn and Absolutely Fabulous Bed Bath and Home. For more information, contact Sally Swanburg Wallace (542-8655) or Cathy Briggs (681-2284).

This year’s Apple Blossom Festival takes place May 30 to June 4, 2007. Kickstart it this weekend at the Harvest Dinner and remember: bid big on the Reporter for a Day dream.

Come on. Who wouldn’t want to work for me?