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Blossom into Spring - Hastings Blossom Festival

Blossom Parade 4

The tiny blooms of spring have already started to appear on the trees around Hawke’s Bay and that means that the Hastings Blossom Festival is on the horizon.

Originally planned for September 12, the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has meant that, in consultation with Hastings District Council and community groups, the event will now take place on Saturday, October 3.

This will allow more time to create entries, especially given the impact of COVID-19 has meant groups haven’t been able to find the time together to build their floats.

With the later date, it’s hoped the community can come together to celebrate the arrival of Spring and revel in a sense of pride in our region.

This fabulous, free community event has been on the Hastings calendar since the 1950s, with roads closed to allow families to safely enjoy the decorated floats that parade through the streets of central Hastings.

Arts Inc. Heretaunga runs the event on behalf of funder Hastings District Council, and each year creates a theme to inspire those taking part in the parade.

This year’s theme is ‘Flower Power – New Growth’, which is open to interpretation for the community groups or individuals who would like to get involved.

Being in the middle week of the school holidays, it will give families something to do together, and organisers would love to see kids dressed up and wearing something creative in the parade!

Do you have any ‘flowers’ in your household? 60s ‘flower power’ children? Stave off the boredom, dress up and join us as a family walking or riding in the parade.

Blossom Need To KnowBlossom Festival director Lyn Mackie said this year’s theme was timely and lent itself to a colourful, vibrant and expressive parade.

“The Blossom Parade is about celebrating our community, our diversity, and the amazing expression of the many cultures within it.

"We would love to see you bring your own interpretation of Flower Power to life and encourage dance and music, lots of movement and noise, which makes for an exciting parade both to watch and to participate in.”

There are a number of ways people can get involved:

  • Build a float as a business or community organisation
  • Decorate a car, motorbike, bicycle or pram to promote your organisation
  • Be part of a performance/dance group
  • Encourage your school or sports team or social club to participate
  • Form a New Orleans-style marching band or Brazilian Samba band
  • Dress up with your friends and family and join the parade
  • Sponsor an entry.

There are a number of entry categories to choose from and a $400 cash prize will be offered to entries that win an award, plus a $100 prize for runners up in each category.

A people’s choice award will be voted for via The Hits and may attract as much as $1000 in prize money. The categories are:

Best Community
Best School
Best Business/Trade
Best use of Natural Blossom
Best use of Artificial Blossom
Best Humour/Most Unusual
Best Dressed Individual or Group

Arts Inc. Heretaunga chairperson Andy Heast said the team was delighted to provide an uplifting and fun theme for the Blossom Parade this year.

“It is important to provide opportunities for our community to express themselves in a creative way, in a fantastic safe and family friendly environment.”

If you would like to participate entries are open until September 19 and you can fill out an entry form from the website www.artsinc.co.nz or call on 878 9447, or email info@artsinc.co.nz who will be happy to receive your entry and provide any advice or even offer you some financial support to build your entry if you are a community group.

The Hastings Blossom Parade is funded by the Hastings District Council.

 

24 August 2020

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