THE Hills will be alive with the sound of music — and sport, fairs, art exhibitions, car shows and a plethora of other cultural activities in just 10 more days.
It's Orange Blossom time.
The Orange Blossom Festival is a 52-year-old annual tradition in the Hills that stems from the shire's heritage in the citrus industry.
Founded in 1959, the festival is celebrated throughout the community with events run by various groups.
The aim of the festival is to celebrate the shire's social, cultural and sporting activities.
This year's festival will be held from September 9 to 19.
The festival's official launch will be held on September 10 at Castle Towers with appearances by the Smurfs at 11am and 1pm and a 3D chalk artist in the Piazza.
Details: Visit orangeblossom.com.au.
The Hills Fun Run is an event for the whole family to be held in Fred Caterson Reserve on September 11.
There will be a four-kilometre run at 8.30am, two-kilometre run at 9.10am (for under 12s) and an eight-kilometre run at 9.30am.
Tickets can be pre-purchased and cost $12 (adult) and $7 (child) or $15 (adult) and $10 (child) on the day.
Details: Steve Whelan, 0411 145 190, whelan@hillsathletics.com or visit hillsathletics.com.
Gremmo Homes and Taggart Group will hold a touch football carnival.
Money raised by the event will be donated to the charities Life Education Australia, Baulkham Hills Lions Club, National Breast Cancer Foundation and Rebecca Brewer "the Cotton Wool Girl".
Registration will cost $275 a team.
Details: visit gremmohomes.com.au/touchfootball.
The annual Coleman Grieg Charity Golf Day will be held on September 19 at Riverside Oaks, Cattai.
Details: Visit orangeblossom.com.au or call Ray Miller, 9843 0203.
Dancers, musicians, singers, speciality acts, soloists, duos, trios and groups are invited to register for the festival's talent quest.
The competition is open to residents aged five to 21.
Heats will be held at the Hills Home Hub on September 10 and 11, with finals on September 18 at Castle Hill RSL Club from 6.30pm.
Details: Visit davingj.com.au. Visit orangeblossom.com.au to download entry forms.
Creative cooks are being called to don their aprons and let their imagination run wild and turn their favourite book into an edible piece of art.
The edible book can be recognisable as a book either by either the shape or content.
The judging and viewing night will be held on September 15 at Vinegar Hill Memorial Library.
Winners will be announced at 7pm.
Details and entries: visit thehills.nsw.gov.au/library or any Hills Shire library.
The fifth Orange Blossom Festival Gala Concert will highlight the skills and talents of local musicians with a line-up of award-winning concert ensembles, including primary, high schools and community bands.
The concert will be held on September 11 in the Pioneer Room, Castle Grand, Castle Hill.
Tickets cost $5 and are available at the door.
The concert starts at 3pm and will end by 7.30pm.
The audience is invited to come along at any time and stay as long as they want to.
Parking is available on-site.
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