Preparations for this weekend’s Northwest Cherry Festival continue at a quick pace, with the big three-day event beginning on Friday. This year’s expansion to three days after focusing on Saturday in previous years and a move of the center of the festival to First Street has organizers hoping this will be the biggest year ever for the event. The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce CEO Lisa Farquharson says success would be great attendance, positive feedback, and community participation. Farquharson says festival vendors have been excited about the move to three days, with a greater chance for sales and exposure.