High-fives for fest

Thousands of people descended on Manjimup last weekend for the 18th annual Manjimup Cherry Harmony Festival.

Coordinator Pam Bodsworth “wholeheartedly” thanked everyone involved in the running of the annual event, from sponsors to volunteers.

“I need to thank everyone, the shire, the growers, the sponsors and the volunteers,” she said.

Mrs Bodsworth also thanked the Manjimup-Bridgetown Times for its coverage of the annual festivities.

“Take any one of those groups out and the event doesn’t happen,” she said.

“Everyone is integral to the running of the festival.”

Highlights included cooking demonstrations from former MasterChef contestant Derek Lau, the grand parade, the log chops, the live entertainment and the Globe Vista Cherry Pip Spitting competition.

This year’s pip-spitting winner was Manjimup grower Jamie Nicolaou, who had been runner-up years ago.

As a result of his win, Mr Nicolaou will be flown to New Zealand to compete in the Internation Pip Spitting Competition.

He said he had not gone in with the intention to win and thought it was just a bit of fun.

“I’m going to have to get a passport now,” he said.

Prior to the festival on Saturday, the Manjimup Cherry Harmony Festival Inaugural Art Prize was held at the Art Gallery on Friday evening.

Debra Bettoni won the open category and received a cash prize. The young artist award winner was Lily Gibbs Hughes.

Lily also received a cash prize, but will also be able to hand over four pieces of work in the next 12 months and has been offered an exhibition in some form during the next two years.

Emilie Young, Kerri Slaven, Sheila Humphries, Susan Brook and Rosina Evans all received judges commendations.

Mrs Bodsworth said the Manjimup Cherry Harmony Festival was an event for the community, organised by the community.

“So a big thank you to the community for their ongoing support,” she said.