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Long lunch the cherry on top

Tari JeffersManjimup-Bridgetown Times
Manjimup Cherry Harmony Festival Long Table Lunch MCs Wyatt Nixon-Lloyd and Jon Doust and guest Tatum Larsen, of Perth, help get the approximate 200 guests get into the festival spirit on Sunday. The lunch was held at Newton Orchards on Sunday and followed the 15th festival in the Manjimup CBD on Saturday. Credit: Tari Jeffers
Camera IconManjimup Cherry Harmony Festival Long Table Lunch MCs Wyatt Nixon-Lloyd and Jon Doust and guest Tatum Larsen, of Perth, help get the approximate 200 guests get into the festival spirit on Sunday. The lunch was held at Newton Orchards on Sunday and followed the 15th festival in the Manjimup CBD on Saturday. Credit: Tari Jeffers

Organisers are calling the 15th annual Manjimup Cherry Harmony Festival a success after thousands of people from throughout the State gathered to join in on the revelry.

Between 7000-8000 people braved temperatures which reached the high 30s to browse markets and taste the region’s produce.

Karlee Reeve and Claire Wellington, both of Manjimup.
Camera IconKarlee Reeve and Claire Wellington, both of Manjimup.

Festival coordinator Rose Moyle said it would be hard to quantify how much money was spent in the region but the economic benefits were “huge” with an estimated $45,000 spent just on cherries – 3000kg of them – during the weekend.

Nyda Ormsby and Emma Hyam, from WASAMBA Drumming Fremantle.
Camera IconNyda Ormsby and Emma Hyam, from WASAMBA Drumming Fremantle.
Nyda Ormsby and Emma Hyam, from WASAMBA Drumming Fremantle.
Camera IconNyda Ormsby and Emma Hyam, from WASAMBA Drumming Fremantle.
Lucy 11, Olivia 13, Edwina, and Mimi, 8, Shallcross, all of Bullara Station.
Camera IconLucy 11, Olivia 13, Edwina, and Mimi, 8, Shallcross, all of Bullara Station.

Highlights throughout Saturday included the cherry pip spitting competition, the grand parade, crowning of Mr and Mr Cherry Blossom, log chop events and more.

Trish Jenkins, Martin Bridgman and Pete Simpson, all of Busselton.
Camera IconTrish Jenkins, Martin Bridgman and Pete Simpson, all of Busselton.

The night finished with a concert featuring live music from Jodi Boni, Short & Curly, The Riders and the Rocksmythes.

Southern Belle Boutique models Maree Hodgson and Tania Read, both of Manjimup.
Camera IconSouthern Belle Boutique models Maree Hodgson and Tania Read, both of Manjimup.
Trish Jenkins, Martin Bridgman and Pete Simpson, all of Busselton.
Camera IconTrish Jenkins, Martin Bridgman and Pete Simpson, all of Busselton.

Festival coordinator Pam Bodsworth said the overall response to the event had been “very positive” with guest chef Don Hancey and gardener Sabrina Hahn keen to return next year.

“Thanks to the committee, community, volunteers, sponsors and guests for their hard work, without them none of this would be possible.”

Some past Australian Apex Teenage Fashion Awards entries from the Manjimup region.
Camera IconSome past Australian Apex Teenage Fashion Awards entries from the Manjimup region.

Mrs Bodsworth said the official debrief following the festival would be coming up soon, when organisers and interested parties got together to discuss what worked and what didn’t.

“We’ll look at what areas can be improved on,” she said.

”We’re always looking at ways we can make the festival bigger and better and we can’t wait for next year’s event.”

More pictures from the Cherry Harmony Festival

Marlee Doust, of Manjimup, with Jane Kingsnorth and Kate Dixon, both of Perth.
Camera IconMarlee Doust, of Manjimup, with Jane Kingsnorth and Kate Dixon, both of Perth.
Wasamba drummers during the grand parade on Saturday.
Camera IconWasamba drummers during the grand parade on Saturday.
Member for Warren-Blackwood Terry Redman MLA, Master Cherry Blossom Lincoln Reeve, 7, Miss Cherry Blossom Jessica Muir, AGE TO CONFIRM, and Robyn McSweeney MLC.
Camera IconMember for Warren-Blackwood Terry Redman MLA, Master Cherry Blossom Lincoln Reeve, 7, Miss Cherry Blossom Jessica Muir, AGE TO CONFIRM, and Robyn McSweeney MLC.
Bee Kostera, Paul Wood and Jon Doust during a cooking demonstration.
Camera IconBee Kostera, Paul Wood and Jon Doust during a cooking demonstration.
Franzine Karamfiles models an outfit during the Southern Belle Boutique fashion parade.
Camera IconFranzine Karamfiles models an outfit during the Southern Belle Boutique fashion parade.
Some past Australian Apex Teenage Fashion Awards entries from the Manjimup region.
Camera IconSome past Australian Apex Teenage Fashion Awards entries from the Manjimup region.

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