Petals, performers and plenty of colour. Hastings’ streets bloomed on Saturday as about 22,000 people gathered for the 75th Blossom Parade anniversary event.
The annual highlight of the Blossom Festival brought together 61 entries, with the largest number of participants yet, according to organisers.
Colourful floats, dancers, mascots and musicians brought the community to life through the city centre. Among them were the Hastings District Council’s giant birthday cake, the Hawke’s Bay Magpies, and “Judi Drench”, the airport fire engine.
During the event, families enjoyed free rides, face painting, circus acts from newcomer Zaktacular, giant inflatables, music performances, and more.
Mayor Sandra Hazlehurst said the parade captured the heart of Hastings’ “community spirit”.
“This event is a celebration of who we are, our creativity, and our connection to one another.”
It’s been 75 years since the first Blossom Festival was launched in 1950. The parade had a gap of about 20 years after 1972 and returned in the early 1990s.
Blossom Parade winners
Best Float
Winner: Kidnappers Country Music Group
Runner-up: Ngā Tukemata o Kahungunu Vocational Charitable Trust
Best Use of Blossom
Winner: The Philippine Community of Hawke’s Bay
Runners Up: New World Hastings/Kevin Watkins
Best Performance
Winner: Bike Hawke’s Bay
Runner Up: Saint Soldier Sikh Martial Art
Most Unusual
Winner: Bellizone and Mangla Tribal Bellydance.
Runner Up: Central Rottweiler Club
People’s Choice
The Philippine Community of Hawke’s Bay
Special Mention
Kevin Watkins
A Day at the Cape