Now in its 29th year the Senior Queen Competition celebrates the contribution of all women in the Central Otago district.

The Nominees

This year five ladies have been nominated:

• Anne Dougherty, nominated by Alexandra Petanque Club
• Robyn Marshall, nominated by Clyde and Districts Lions Club
• Jo Ireland, nominated by Alexandra Senior Citizens
• Jacqui Hood, nominated by Alexandra Lions Club
• Bernie Butler, nominated by friends

On Tuesday, September 24, the 2024 Senior Queen will be crowned at a special event held at the Alexandra District Club.

A fashion show from Alexandra business Flying with Birds will provide the afternoon’s entertainment and members of the public are invited to join for the festivities and afternoon tea, with tickets available at the district club on the day.

The newly-crowned Senior Queen and her first runner-up will be seated with pride of place on the Contact Energy float in Saturday’s Blossom Festival Grand Parade.

They will also attend a number of Blossom Festival events as special guests.

2024 Programme

Thursday 19th September

• Afternoon tea with our committee the judges and the other contestants.

Tuesday 24th September

• “The Occasion” Complimentary hair & makeup
• 2pm District Club Entertainment & prize giving.

Wednesday 25th September

• Arts Society Opening Function Skird Street you and your guests.

Saturday 28th September

• 11.30 Procession and appearing on the Contact Float lead float in the Parade.
• Contact Float lead float in the Parade
• Afternoon tea 4pm Main Stage prize giving and crowning of the Blossom Festival Queen.
• Musical Society Production TBA (this is optional)

Sunday 29th September

• Garden Tours Self Drive (this is optional)

Monday 30th September

• Visits to retirement homes

The 2023 Winning Senior Queens

From Left: Jill Checketts (winner) and her assistants Linda Leckie and Angela Pratley.

Jill Checketts, representing 50 Squadron (Alexandra) Air Training Corps from Wānaka, was crowned the Senior Queen at the 2023 Alexandra Blossom Festival.

The crowning ceremony took place at a special event held at the Alexandra District Club on Tuesday, September 19. Angela Pratley (Combined Lions Clubs of Clyde & Districts) and Linda Leckie (Alexandra Senior Citizens) were announced as the runners-up.

They joined Jill on the Contact Energy float during the Alexandra Blossom Festival Grand Parade on Saturday, September 23.

The head judge, Tim Cadogan, who is also the mayor of Central Otago, mentioned that the judging process was challenging as all the candidates were deserving of the crown.

However, Jill's remarkable 24 years of supporting young people through the Air Training Corps made her stand out.

Jill expressed feeling "very honored and humbled" to win the crown.