Mr Collins, who won his second title last year with a 12.58m spit, said he loved coming back for the event.
''When I won it, I figured I should come back.''
The day's hot weather worked in his favour, he said.
''A lot of hot air is the key.''
The sun beat down on Cromwell for celebrations of the area's symbolic stonefruit.
Temperatures were just under 30degC and queues for ice cream were long as children and parents broke away from the festivities to cool off.
A big bell tent on site at the Cromwell Heritage Precinct provided much needed shade.
The event has become one of Central Otago's best-known summer events.
Cromwell Promotions Group community relationships co-ordinator Gretchen Nightingale said the event went hand-in-hand with one of the region's strongholds.
''Central Otago is cherries.
''It's a great community event and with plenty of visitors, it is great to showcase what [the region] has got.''
A range of activities including the traditional cherry pie baking and eating competitions kept attendees entertained.
Organisers introduced a ''family challenge'', in which family members competed against each other in quick-fire activities.
