The countdown to Northwest Cherry Festival weekend in The Dalles is underway. The festival starts Friday afternoon in downtown The Dalles, and one of the attractions is the Rainier Amusements Carnival on First Street. The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce CEO Lisa Farquharson says discount carnival wristbands are on sale now until Friday at noon. Farquharson noted that last year, the discount wristbands were sold out by the day before the Cherry Festival. The carnival wristbands can also be purchased in advance for $25 at the Chamber office on 404 West 2nd, or online at northwestcherryfestival.com. Once the carnival opens on Friday afternoon, wristbands cost $35.