Entries to the 67th Alexandra Blossom Festival grand parade are officially open.

As many people hunker down for winter, others are turning their attention to spring and the arrival of the Alexandra Blossom Festival, in particular their float or florrey entry to feature in the grand parade.

The committee welcomes groups and clubs to register, and in turn be in the running for some great prizes and incentives.

This year a change to entry conditions for floral floats allows smaller entries to be in the running for prize money, with the prize pool for contemporary floats increased. 

A runner-up prize for educational floats has also been introduced.

Not only is the grand parade a cornerstone event of the Alexandra Blossom Festival, but is also a fundraising opportunity for the community.

The festival committee will donate $750 to clubs, schools and kindergartens entering a float, with private businesses and others able to choose a charity for the committee to donate to on their behalf - terms and conditions do apply.

This is on top of generous support already in place for floats including $500 towards materials to build your float and free crepe paper supplied from Alexandra New World. 

Entrants also receive free entry into Pioneer Park for Contact’s Saturday in the Park.

On a smaller scale, florries, which are a miniature float designed around a New World shopping trolley, are an awesome way to be involved in the Grand Parade when building a full float isn't an option - perfect for families, smaller community groups or children, among others.  

This year each florrey entry will be rewarded with a $50 New World voucher and will also be in the running for some great prizes for the top three placings. 

The committee agreed they had seen some "incredible" designs over the years and can't wait to see what people create this year.

Float entry forms can be downloaded at www.blossom.co.nz and florrey entries can be collected from Alexandra New World.

Entries close Friday, August 9.