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MEDIA RELEASE – 19 October 2010

 The vibrant and progressive town of Young, located on the South West slopes of NSW, is gearing up to host the National Cherry Festival on 3 – 5 December 2010.

The festival celebrates the arrival of Young’s most precious crop and sees some 24,000 people converging on the town over the three days. This year cherry growers in the Young region are full of excitement about a bumper crop that will provide millions of Australians with their favourite Christmas season fruit.

“Young extends a very warm welcome to all visitors to celebrate the 61st National Cherry Festival with us,” said Jo Edmunds, President of the National Cherry Festival Committee.

“The success of last year’s festival was highlighted by Tourism NSW selecting the 2010 festival as a Regional Flagship Event, an accolade we are very honoured to receive. As a result, this year’s festival will be bigger and better than ever,” she continued.

The three day celebration will include quirky and colourful festivities including the Cherry Festival Ball, National Cherry Festival Street Parade, Cherry Festival Carnival, cherry pie eating championships, cherry pip spitting competition, Moto Cross display, live music, fireworks, celtic tattoo spectacular, OzScot Highland Dance Academy, Hilltops Wine Expo, Young & Region Farmers Market, fringe events and much more.

“Without doubt, this is the best time of year to visit Young. The National Cherry Festival creates a great buzz and there is so much to offer visitors looking for a day trip or extended break,” Ms Edmunds continued.

Young offers a range of very comfortable, stylish accommodation with a real country feel. For accommodation options, plus the complete National Cherry Festival event program, go to www.visityoung.com.au

What: 61st National Cherry Festival

Where: Young, NSW

When: 3 – 5 December 2010

Cost: Various, depending on festival event

Web: www.visityoung.com.au

MEDIA BACKGROUNDER – Young Cherries

  • The Young district produces about 60% of Australia’s cherries – that’s approximately 600,000 cases!
  • The Young region presents cherry growers with two of the most important ingredients vital to growing this exclusive fruit successfully – its temperature, and its rich red granite soils.
  • Cherries are available from around mid November until the mid to end of December.The first recorded planting of cherries in the Young district was in 1847 by Mr Edward Taylor in his home orchard at Burrangong.
  • Young’s premier cherry variety is the ‘Rons Seedling’ cherry. It was developed in Young by S.A Thornell through cross pollination and grafting and named after his son. The Rons Cherry is a large dark red to black fruit, firm and sweet.
  • Young’s cherries are shipped throughout Australia, Asia, the Middle East and Europe.
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MEDIA BACKGROUNDER – 61st National Cherry Festival Event Program Highlights Cherry Queen Ball

 

 

 

Cherry Festival Street Parade – One of the main highlights of the Festival, see the community of Young really come to life in this colourful street parade which is one of the longest standing street parades in regional Australia! Boorowa Street, Young, Saturday 4 December at 4pm.

– Kick off the festival with a great night out. See all the thrills of the motocross display, and enjoy live music, amusement rides and fireworks. Anderson Park, Young, Friday 3 December.  

 Cherry Pie Eating Championships– How many cherry pies do you think someone could eat? You may have to think again as this popular competition may shock! Entries on the day, numbers are limited, cash prizes for junior and senior winners. Anderson Park, Young. Saturday 4 December, 1 – 2pm.  Cherry Festival Criterium Bike Races – Watch and cheer as bike racers tear around the closed street circuit in and around the area of Nasmyth, Clarke and Stoneridge Streets, Young. Various times from 10.30am, Saturday 4 December.  – Join in the excitement as the winner of the Cherry Queen 2010 competition is revealed. Taking place at the Cherry Festival Ball, this is your chance to enjoy a great country night out, get into the festival mood and experience an event that is very close to the heart of the Young community. $30 per person, tickets available from the Young Visitor Information Centre. Young Town Hall, Boorowa Street, Young, Friday 3 December at 8pm.