"For us, as a committee, it's exciting to hear so many people in our community listing how they are involved in this year's festival.
"It seems like the community's really joined forces to make this work, this year," she said.
The festival's future seemed shaky earlier this year after the event was declared insolvent, following three successive years of losses.
The community rallied in support and the Vincent Community Board agreed to pay off the 2009 festival debts. The event, starting on Monday, is thought to be one of this country's longest-running festivals.
Ms Higginson said the revived interest was great news.
"Everywhere I go, people are telling me how they are involved in this year's festival, how their kids are involved and their grandchildren.
"It seems like the community is coming together and it feels like we're owning the festival again.
"My theory is that in our quest to make the festival bigger and better every year, in the past, we lost a bit of that togetherness, but now it's back again, so we're optimistic for the future."
The committee was sticking close to its budget for the event and was hopeful, if attendance was good, of making a modest profit, she said.
"We hope that's the case, if attendance is good, and that small surplus should set us up in a better position for next year's festival."
The main drawcard will be the grand parade on September 25 and 15 competitive floats have been entered.
Event manager Martin McPherson said that was the most entries for 14 years.
"That should make for a great spectacle.
"It's all coming together well with several of the traditional elements back on the programme by popular demand, such as the Mardi Gras."
Sales of early-bird tickets to the Saturday in the Park entertainment, which follows the procession, have been steady.
Mr McPherson urged people to buy early-bird tickets, on sale until Thursday, September 23, at the discount rate of $20 for five tickets.
Tickets could be purchased online.
Ms Higginson hoped the display of blossom in and around the town would be at its peak just in time for the influx of visitors.
"Usually we're lucky enough to get a fine day and that, combined with the renewed goodwill towards the event, should add up to a successful festival."
The festival programme includes a wide range of sports tournaments, craft displays and art exhibitions.
The event will finish on October 9.
Festival highlights:
• Monday, September 20: Senior Festival Queen contest.
• Thursday, September 23: Central Otago Art Society exhibition opens.
• Friday, September 24: Around the Clock Race. Tarbert St Mardi Gras.
• Saturday, September 25: Float procession. Saturday in the Park.
• Alexandra Musical Society show "Annie" opens.
• Sunday, September 26: ProActive Thunder Sunday drag racing.
• Friday, October 1 and Saturday October 2: New Zealand Merino Shears.
• Friday, October 9: WoolOn Creative Fashion event.
