Media Release – 7 September 2011
In the vibrant country town of Young on the South West slopes of NSW, the canola is out in flower, the first of the fruit trees are starting to blossom and all is set for a successful National Cherry Festival.
Taking place on 2 – 4 December, this year’s National Cherry Festival celebrates the arrival of Young’s most precious crop and will see many visitors and cherry harvest workers converge on the town over the three days.
“Young offers a very warm welcome to all visitors to come and celebrate the 62nd National Cherry Festival with us,” said Claire Myers, Tourism Officer at the Young Visitor Centre and Treasurer of the National Cherry Festival Committee.
“Though 2010 proved a disappointing year due to the huge downpour of rain and the staging of that event was hampered, we are very hopeful that this year the festival will be a huge success.
“More local businesses than ever are supporting this year’s festival and with extensive interest and bookings to date, we’re confident the event will attract many visitors,” she continued.
The theme for the 2011 festival is ‘150 years Young’, acknowledging the anniversary of the town’s name change from Lambing Flat to Young. The three day festival will include many key events including the Celtic Tattoo Spectacular, Freestyle Moto Cross Display, the Cherry Festival Ball, National Cherry Festival Street Parade, cherry pip spitting competition, cherry pie eating championships, Hilltops Wine Expo, the Cherry Festival Carnival, live music, fireworks, and much more.
“The festival and the few months prior to it are the best times to visit Young. Visitors are lured by the rich ripe fruit that the area is renowned for, as well as the joy of the ‘pick your own’ experiences on offer. Young is also a bustling regional centre with a strong retail experience at its heart.
“The National Cherry Festival creates a great buzz and there is so much to offer visitors looking for a day trip or extended holiday,” Ms Myers concluded.
Stay tuned for the full National Cherry Festival program over the coming weeks. For more information on Young including accommodation options and other attractions go to www.visityoung.com.au