Princess Hantsport Christine Spurr's speech

Good afternoon distinguished guests:  Hantsport Mayor Rob Zwicker, Warden of West Hants Richard Dauphainee, and Hants West MLA Chuck Porter. As well, good afternoon to Queen Annapolisa the 81st, Micha Saade, visiting Princesses, Apple Blossom Festival board of Directors and Judges. Finally, good afternoon to you, ladies, gentlemen, and children of the community, as well as those visiting the Town of Hantsport here today.

Denis Waitley once said "Learn from the past, set vivid, detailed goals for the future, and live in the only moment of time over which you have any control: the present."

The first Apple Blossom Festival was held here in the Valley back in 1933. There were no cell phones, no internet, no television. Many people and families in the Valley had no running water, no electricity. The world was entering the worst of the Great Depression. Life was not instant then. This Festival arose as a celebration of our home and our people, and has become nationally treasured and internationally acclaimed. Not bad for our little corner of the world.

Speaking of, we live in one of the best places in the world. You would be hard pressed to find a safer place to raise a family: crime is low, we are sheltered from just about every natural disaster you can name, and regardless of what your personal opinions are of our politicians, we are politically stable and secure. We now are able to take for granted things which were considered luxury for those participating in that inaugural festival all those years ago.

So, to the elderly, I say thank you. You have helped to create a place like no other on earth. Look around you. Every single one of these people here today owes you something for what you have accomplished. You should be proud, and in turn we should be grateful.

To the middle-aged, from my generation to yours - Hold down the fort. Please. Take what has been given to you and cherish it. Protect it. Nurture it. Please don't take this place for granted.

Finally, to the youth, my peers. Go. Live your life. Chase your dreams. Have those experiences that you'll never forget. Just remember that, no matter where you end up in the world, from the thirteen towns and villages represented here to every little fishing hamlet or farming community in between, we are your family. But bring back what you learn, because the Valley will always be your home.