A Brief History of the Creston Valley Blossom Festival Association.

When World War 2 broke out residents of Creston Valley rallied behind the war effort as they had rallied to deal with the June 1938 flood waters which broke through the dykes.

The Creston Lions Club met with the Village of Creston Council in May 1940 to discuss the Park Pavillion and Grounds.The Village turned the Park Pavilion (now Centennial Park) and grounds over to the Creston Lions Club.

In March 1942 Lion George Sinclair introduced the matter of some activity for the Park and a committee was struck. April of that year Lion President Frank Staples announced there would be a Carnival held during Blossom Week beginning on Friday, May 8,1942.

The 1943 Carnival was set for May 14th and 15th. In 1943 Lion Club minutes used the term “Blossom Festival” rather than “Blossom Carnival. In 1951 the Blossom Festival dates to May 17-18 –19. The May long week-end dates have continued to the present.

The Lions Club conducted the Blossom Festival week-end until the Blossom Festival Association was formed. The minutes of the January 21st, 1960 meeting mention that Lion Herb Dodd was elected Vice-Chairman of the newly formed Association.

When you think back to a little Canadian Village still reeling from the Great Depression,
recovering from disastrous floods, with our country of Canada embroiled in the Second World War the spirit shown in putting together a “Carnival” that garnered support and no doubt lifted spirits  is truly inspiring.

There remains a determined effort by the citizens of the Creston Valley to keep the heritage of the Creston Valley Blossom Festival alive to this day.