The National Cherry festival was the biggest and best Young has seen since pre-Covid. The weekend’s celebrations opened on Friday with entertainment from local groups and musicians and were highlighted by a marvellous 10-minute-long fireworks display.

Thousands of visitors travelled from all over to visit the ‘Cherry Capital of Australia’ during the festival even though the Hyphenates (former Harden Shire Council had more cherries growing in it pre-merger).

With the Cherry Festival being scaled back due to Covid restrictions in the past, this year’s festival was highly anticipated by all in the region.

The main festivities started on Saturday with entertainment from local groups such as the Young Town Band, Young Public School and Phat Brass on the main stage at Anderson Park.

A wide range of rides and arcade games were at Anderson Park, with laughing clowns, balloon popping and bumper cars some of the favourites.

One of the most visually spectacular events of the show was the Cherry Festival Parade down Boorowa street on Saturday.

Winner of the Cherry Queen and the Charity Queen was 21 year old Brianna Long, who said her favourite part of the festival was, “I have always loved watching the parade with family and friends and I participated when I was in school.”

“Having been born and raised in Young, I have been able to experience the full range of opportunities available, from the schools, to the sporting facilities, to the wonderful parks and the abundance of cafes and restaurants,” said Brianna.

Brianna Currently works at Mercy Care and says, “my partner and I both grew up in Young and are committed to settling in Young where we are supported by family and friends.”

Brianna’s work is not done yet as the Cherry Queen is required to organise a minimum of one fundraising event for a local non for profit, which in Brianna’s case is the Mercy Care Centre.

On Sunday the crowds were entertained by the Hawkesbury Working Kelpies Demonstration, the Wood Chopping Champions, the Bell’s amusements and the Bush Poets.

This year’s National Cherry Festival over the weekend was a huge success, returning bigger and better than ever.

Ed Dodds