46. I work in Winchester,Va, but live about 36 miles south of there. Apple Blossom in a big "To Do" here. Everyone gets so excited about it. There are activities planned for 2-3 prior to the Grand Feature parade, which will have Fantasia in it. We have celebrities come every year. World-famous musicians come too.
Winchester is not some little hick town that Winchester Girl had described it as. Winchester is a city. We have all kinds of things here.
It's the one time of the year that Winchester citizens come together and enjoy the place and each other. It's fun. I plan on taking my son to the parade, and "Do Dah Day" this Saturday. (Do Dah Day is a big festival for the kids)

Posted at 11:41AM on Apr 23rd 2008 by Valley Girl

47. First of all I was born in Winchester. While in middle school and high school I lived in two metropolitan areas and have always returned for Apple Blossom. I now live here again and continue to attend the festivities. Those of you who don't like Fantasia that's fine, but as someone who has set through countless numbers of parades containing country muscians and tv stars from the 1960's, I think it's about time that the festival showed some current and diverse talent. And yes, Fantasia is talented. You don't have to like her music, but why get all upset about it? I never once boycotted the Festival because of country groups, boring bands, loud fire trucks or whatever else I tend to find annoying. I love the festsival, Fantasia and all!
Get a grip and try to enjoy something different for a change! Winchester is growing and changing and it's about time the Apple Blossom festival follows suit. I'm not saying that it shouldn't follow traditions, traditions are great. I just think it's about time that they invite more diverse talent to the area. If you don't like the way things are changing then move to West Virginia!

Posted at 8:46AM on Apr 29th 2008 by Wow

48. The Apple Blossom Festival attracts 300,000 people to a Northen Virginia town of 25,000 every year. In the past few years we have had Sean Astin and the daughter of Martin Short appear. In the past, Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, Katie Couric, Willard Scott and others have appeared. Fantasia is in good company.

Posted at 3:04PM on May 1st 2008 by Al McGilvray

49. WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT LAST NIGHT??? WORST PERFORMANCE I HAVE EVER HEARD....DIDNT KNOW SCREAMING WAS ACTUALLY SINGING.....I WAS SO EMBARRASED FOR HER I SWITCHED CHANNELS!!!

Posted at 10:10AM on May 15th 2008 by BIRDMAN1

50. Well I dont know what performance you were looking at I thought she did well. The song was more of a rap not a song. She performed it the way it was suspose to be done. Why are you attacking her literacy. If you were to do some reserach you would find that she is doing something about it. But anyway who cares she is doing well in life and can probabley afford a tutor for her daughter. Leave her alone. She is sucessful and she is selling records. Wheather you agree or not people in the hood love her. So in case you have forgotten there is money in the ghetto. So she can continue to be as ghetto fabulous as she wants to be she will sell records and get paid. It's all about marketing..... So do your thang Miss Fantasia

Posted at 8:01PM on May 17th 2008 by K

51. Soooooo, why is it ok for kelly clarkson ( whateve her name is) and clay aiken to go out and do public appearances and not ok for fantasia? I find that comment about the event not being a housing development or outlet mall and ballon festival to be a little F@*K UP!!!!!! AND RACIST......she is just as good as the rest and personally i think the best american idol this far......So if thats the best yall can come up with..... Good luck close minded folks

Posted at 9:50PM on May 31st 2008 by mad as hell!!!!