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Manjimup festival has cherries on top

Tari JeffersManjimup-Bridgetown Times
Manjimup Cherry Harmony Festival MCs Wyatt Nixon-Lloyd, Jon Doust and Jordan Piggott finished up the day at the Long Table Soiree at Newtons Orchards on Saturday. The sold-out event rounded out a day of festivities that saw thousands of people pass through the Manjimup CBD.
Camera IconManjimup Cherry Harmony Festival MCs Wyatt Nixon-Lloyd, Jon Doust and Jordan Piggott finished up the day at the Long Table Soiree at Newtons Orchards on Saturday. The sold-out event rounded out a day of festivities that saw thousands of people pass through the Manjimup CBD. Credit: Tari Jeffers

Between 7000 and 8000 people turned out for the 16th annual Manjimup Cherry Harmony Festival on Saturday.

Festival coordinator Pam Bodsworth said there had been positive feedback so far about this year’s event.

“People really enjoyed how things were set out this year,” she said.

“We’ve heard great things about how the children’s entertainment was set up with places for parents to sit and watch.

“People enjoyed the variety of entertainment available, including Troy Bennell and the Macedonian Dancers.”

South Western Times' Chester the Tiger and Manjimup-Bridgetown Times' Carri the Tiger prepare for the parade on Saturday.
Camera IconSouth Western Times' Chester the Tiger and Manjimup-Bridgetown Times' Carri the Tiger prepare for the parade on Saturday. Credit: Tari Jeffers

Highlights of the festival according to Mrs Bodsworth, included the log chops, which had 30 axemen involved throughout the day.

Mrs Bodsworth added the festival would not have come together without the invaluable effort of the Manjimup Cherry Harmony Festival committee and volunteers.

“Every one of them is important in making sure the event came together as successfully as it did,” she said.

Gertrude WellEase has a go at cherry pip-spitting.
Camera IconGertrude WellEase has a go at cherry pip-spitting. Credit: Shannon Bochenek

Mrs Bodsworth called on people in the community to get involved with the festival to bring along new ideas.

“Also, as much as we’d like to, we can’t control the weather,” she said.

Mrs Bodsworth also added her thanks to the Manjimup Shire Council staff and councillors for their help in all they do for the festival to ensure the town looked fantastic to welcome visitors.

Marilyn Harries, Deb Kerr and Ces Marzo, all of Perth.
Camera IconMarilyn Harries, Deb Kerr and Ces Marzo, all of Perth. Credit: Tari Jeffers

“Thank you to the Manjimup Shire Council and staff for their ongoing support, we couldn’t do it without them,” she said.

“Things don’t happen without them, without their support festivals can’t run as smoothly as they do.

“It goes beyond funding, they’re out there helping set up and pack away and I can’t mention one without mentioning them all, so thanks to them all.”

Jon Doust calls the Cherry Pip Spitting competition.
Camera IconJon Doust calls the Cherry Pip Spitting competition. Credit: Shannon Bochenek

A debrief of this year’s festival will take place soon and plans for next year’s event will start early in the new year.

More pictures from the event:

Winner of the 2017 Cherry Pip Spitting competition Clint Thompson.
Camera IconWinner of the 2017 Cherry Pip Spitting competition Clint Thompson. Credit: Shannon Bochenek
The festival featured log shopping championships across various divisions.
Camera IconThe festival featured log shopping championships across various divisions. Credit: Shannon Bochenek
Troy Bennell and the Middar Dance group perfom on the main stage.
Camera IconTroy Bennell and the Middar Dance group perfom on the main stage. Credit: Shannon Bochenek
Sabrina Hahn talked growing and gardening with crowds throughout the day.
Camera IconSabrina Hahn talked growing and gardening with crowds throughout the day. Credit: Shannon Bochenek
Wyatt Nixon-Lloyd interviews ___, a Little Miss Cherry Blossom contender.
Camera IconWyatt Nixon-Lloyd interviews ___, a Little Miss Cherry Blossom contender. Credit: Shannon Bochenek
Shannon Gregory walks the catwalk at the Southern Belle fashion parade.
Camera IconShannon Gregory walks the catwalk at the Southern Belle fashion parade. Credit: Shannon Bochenek
Manjimup Marlins Swimming Club's Pauline Collins, Vincent Castejon, Jenni Sperrer and Johanna Ramiro.
Camera IconManjimup Marlins Swimming Club's Pauline Collins, Vincent Castejon, Jenni Sperrer and Johanna Ramiro. Credit: Tari Jeffers
Joyce Armstrong, of Geralton and Clarissa Joseph, of Vasse.
Camera IconJoyce Armstrong, of Geralton and Clarissa Joseph, of Vasse. Credit: Tari Jeffers
Maureen French, of Busselton, with Debbie Barker, and Oliver Angel, 3, both of Manjimup.
Camera IconMaureen French, of Busselton, with Debbie Barker, and Oliver Angel, 3, both of Manjimup. Credit: Tari Jeffers
Michele Rosano and Stephen Iredell, both of Perth.
Camera IconMichele Rosano and Stephen Iredell, both of Perth. Credit: Tari Jeffers
Chris and Maurine Gulland, of Perth.
Camera IconChris and Maurine Gulland, of Perth. Credit: Tari Jeffers

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