"Although it's still up to the Vincent Community Board to make its decision at the end of this month, the people have voted," acting festival chairman Tim Cadogan said after the meeting.
He called the meeting to gauge support for the event after the festival was declared insolvent.
The past three festivals each made a loss, with the 2009 festival owing creditors $81,290, the festival committee's annual meeting was told last week.
The Alexandra Memorial Theatre was filled to capacity for the "Save the Festival " meeting last night, with the crowd ranging from preschoolers to senior citizens, and from new residents through to long-time locals.
A suggestion the Vincent Community Board bail out the event was given overwhelming support.
Only a few people voted against the idea.
Mr Cadogan, who is a member of the community board, said the vote was an emphatic show of support.
At its meeting on March 29, the board will consider whether to loan or give money to ensure the festival continues.
"The board does not have a money tree, so there is a chance that a loan or grant would impact on rates," Mr Cadogan told the crowd before the vote was taken.
The meeting was told donations by businesses and individuals in the past week to help run this year's festival totalled more than $7500 and at last night's meeting a public appeal was launched, with a hat being passed around for donations.
"The public donations won't be enough - we'll need the support of the Vincent Community Board to make it happen," Mr Cadogan said.
He was heartened by the attendance at the meeting, after saying a week ago the festival was "dead on the table", but capable of resuscitation.
"The blossom festival does have a heartbeat.
"It's Alexandra and it's in this room," he told the crowd.
The committee had received the message from the public loud and clear in the past week, he said.
The community wanted a local, affordable festival, run on a shoestring budget.
Several members of the audience called for the committee to use local talent and to ensure the festival was not too expensive for families to experience.
Former festival co-ordinator Martin McPherson, who will be event manager this year, said it was important to look forward and think outside the square.
"The festival will be a phoenix and will arise from the ashes bigger, better and bolder and more inclusive," he said.
Central Otago Mayor Malcolm Macpherson said some things about the festival were certain.
"If we don't have one this year, it's likely there will never be another."
It was also easier and cheaper to keep it going than for the event to go into recess and be re-started in the future.
Last year's festival was the 53rd and it is believed to be the longest-running festival in the country.
