The Contact Grand Procession

Crowds lined Centennial Avenue as the Procession of colourful handcrafted floats paraded down the Avenue to Pioneer Park and about 10,000 people of all ages later strolled into the Park to enjoy a myriad of events.

The Procession is the cornerstone of this annual spring Festival and the pivotal point of this celebration, which started in the early 1950s. A striking floral parade and carnival atmosphere brought thousands of visitors to the town for a pulsating celebration and dazzling display of community spirit in a true revival of this spring festival. 
The floats, competitive and non-competitive and other entries in the parade demonstrated the residents’ commitment to another festival for others around the region and provinces to enjoy.

Again in 2011, children played a big part in the parade as they moved down the avenue on floats, or walked behind and alongside their group’s entry in the procession.
Float winners: Most public votes, Kiwiana, the Stadium Tavern’s “Buzzy Bee; first runner-up, “Noah’s Ark”, St Gerard’s School; second runner-up, “Noddy” by the Alexandra Plunket Society which also won the best floral float.  The most innovative float was Three Miners and “Noah’s Ark” also earned $500 for St Gerard’s school as the best school float.

The 2011 Festival Queen was Vikki Sanson from the Central Otago Wastebusters float; first runner-up Shaun Robinson; second runner-up, Paige Luff.                             

                                     
The Alexandra Pipe Band lead a pageant of intricately designed eye-catching floats, Bands, walking groups and special vehicles in the parade through the heart of Alexandra to Pioneer Park. 

Families lined the streets and small children were excitedly waving to the various characters on floats and themes, such as “Buzzy Bee”, “Noah’s Ark”, “Noddy” and many others that caught their delighted attention.

Festival organizer Martin McPherson said the festival had been a fantastic success and locals and visitors had enjoyed a wonderful day, despite slightly smaller crowds than usual (possibly the Rugby World Cup match in Dunedin kept a few away).

Also joining the procession down the avenue was the Senior Blossom Festival Queen Ainslie McCristell (Alexandra and Districts Probus club) with runner-up Marnie Caird, representing Alexandra Senior Citizens.

In the Park an exciting array of activities and entertainment provided something for everyone.  Happy festival goers sat at tables or stretched out on the green grass of the Park as they waited for the announcement of various winners.

Keen float builders have already started planning for next year’s festival procession on 22 September 2012.

To register your interest for 2012 contact info@blossom.co.nz

Blossom Eye Masks

These fun masks will help you get into the spring time mood for the festival. They come in two different colours (pink & yellow) or you can use the blank version to make your own creation. They also come in an adult and children’s sizes.
click here to download the full set

Good luck and happy creating!