The 2020 Contact Alexandra Blossom Festival was successfully held despite threats of turning weather and uncertainty of COVID-19 alert levels. 

Thousands of people attended Saturday’s festival, which was able to squeeze itself in after the South Island was eased into COVID-19 Alert Level 1 to allow the event to go ahead, and before a severe weather front was scheduled to arrive on Saturday night. 

The customary Grand Procession was enjoyed by all. Photo Beth Hamilton. 

The peak of the festival was capped off with the crowning of this year’s Blossom Queen, with the tiara going to Kathryn Smit. 

Kathryn was nominated by the Combined Lions Clubs of Alexandra & Clyde, and rode “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” float, which also won The People’s Choice award. 

Emma Hutton came first runner-up, while Celia Ward came second runner-up. 

Kathryn said she was overwhelmed by the experience. 

“Really great, really didn’t expect this,” she said. 

“It’s been such an amazing experience and I am so thankful to everyone.”

Kathryn is off to study forensic psychology in Dunedin next year, but said she will make it back to Blossom in 2021. 

“I’ve got to,” she said. “It will be great to make it back next year.” 

Blossom Festival Queen Kathryn Smit rode on People’s Choice float award winner, Combined Lions Clubs of Alexandra & Clyde – “The Very Hungry Caterpillar”. Photo Rowan Schindler. 

Celia said the group of young women really enjoyed the experience together. 

“They’re all so genuine and we are all so grateful for this experience and process.

“We’ve all got to know each other so well and we’ve become very supportive of each other.”

Emma said the Blossom Festival is an important part of the community and thrilled it was able to go ahead. 

“It’s such a great time for friends and family,” she said. “Everyone comes out and is able to have fun and enjoy time together and food and rides. It’s fantastic.”

“We (the princesses) have been able to create such a great bond through the whole process and we are so much closer. Such a great experience.” 

They came in their droves on Saturday, with Central Otago District mayor Tim Cadogan called upon to sell tickets outside the gate to help the thousands gain entry. Photo Rowan Schindler.

Contact Energy’s Boyd Brinsdon addressed the crowd at the end of Saturday’s festivities and thanked everyone for coming, and those for putting on the festival. 

“Thank you very much to everyone,” he said. “I’m really surprised by this crowd. 

“I had speed wobbles for this but it’s all come good. 

“I praise the committee for the great job and I just want to say we are so proud to be involved in this festival.” 

Central Dental's “Tooth Ferry” florrey won best Florry. Photo Beth Hamilton. 

Festival winners:

Blossom Queen: Kathryn Smit 

First runner-up: Emma Hutton 

Second runner-up: Celia Ward

Senior Queen: Anne Davies

Runner-up: Robyn McGregor

Florrey: Central Dental - “The Tooth Ferry” 

Floats:

Most artistic: L.J Hooker - “Breast Cancer Awareness”

People’s choice: Combined Lions Clubs of Alexandra & Clyde – “The Very Hungry Caterpillar”

Best contemporary: Alexandra and Districts Youth Trust - Puna Rangutahi – “Inside Out”

School float: Terrace School - “Trolls”

Best small float: Eat Humble Pie and Animal Rehab and Boss Alexandra – “Yelp for Help”

You did this in spite of COVID: Alexandra Musical Society – “A Musical Degustation”

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