2002 50C Canadian Festival Series - Apple Blossom

A PAGEANT OF SPRINGTIME BEAUTY

As a multi-cultural nation with ancient societies at its core, Canada is home to a wealth of soul-nourishing festivals that celebrate the past and foster a new vision for the future.  Old traditions from a multitude of nations are combined with modern ideas to create new customs that enrich this nation as a whole.  Canada's festivals amaze, inspire, and delight its residents as well as those who visit.

The first apple blossoms that danced in the breezes of the Annapolis Valley were a European import, brought to Canada by early colonisers who used seeds from France to plant grain, vegetables, and fruits on their new farms.

Within a few years, the apple orchards began to bear fruit and the valley became a breathtaking showcase of springtime blossoms that has captivated Nova Scotia residents and visitors for almost 400 years.

Signalling the end of another long winter, the apple blossoms always ushered in a festive time for the entire Valley.  Today, the region's early traditions continue to be honoured as elected princesses from every apple-growing community come together in a pageant to select Queen Annapolisa - an event that is the cornerstone of the four-day celebration and is symbolic of the rebirth of spring.

Obverse: Crowned Portrait - Queen Elizabeth II

Reverse: Apple Blossom Festival

Specification

Denomination - 50 cents

Alloy - Sterling Silver - Proof

Weight - 9.30g

Diameter - 27.13mm

Edge - Reeded

The coin is encapsulated and presented in the original Royal Canadian Mint multi-coloured printed card folder.