The countdown is on to the Hastings Blossom Festival, which this year celebrates 75 years of the famous Blossom Parade.
The parade is again the centrepiece of this year’s festival being held on September 20, a day jam-packed with entertainment and activities starting at 10am with free carnival rides and other family fun – and continuing with live music throughout the afternoon and into the evening.
The parade will begin at 1pm, and with 54 signed up to take part so far and still time for more entries it promises to be an exciting spectacle.
“The Blossom Parade epitomises spring in Hastings and the start of a new fruit-growing season in our beautiful district,” said Hastings Mayor, Sandra Hazlehurst.
“With the days getting warmer and longer it’s the ultimate family day out – a chance to come together with friends and whānau, blow away the cobwebs of winter, and enjoy the creativity, culture and community spirit that shapes our city and district.”
Along with vibrant floats from businesses and community groups, this year’s parade will include everything from belly dancers to music clubs, pets, bicycles and more.
Arts Inc Heretaunga organises the parade on behalf of Council and long-time parade director, Lyn Mackie said there was still time for people to take part with a float or performance based on the theme: 75 years of Blossom – celebrating Hastings’ past, present and future.
“There’s many ways to interpret this year’s theme and we encourage individuals and groups to get involved and be part of the fun and excitement,” said Ms Mackie.
“All entries are also in the running to win some great cash prizes from a total pool of $10,000 and we look forward to seeing some real creativity on show, and this being a parade to remember for years to come.”
Other free events and activities on the day include a family fun zone, face painting, and performances ranging from hip hop dance groups to kapa haka, comedic clowning around, live music and a circus act.
Download the festival guide and map from https://www.hastingsdc.govt.nz/hastings-blossom-fest/, and find out more about entering the parade at https://www.artsinc.co.nz/projects-and-street-art/blossom-parade.
