It started like every other Blossom Festival with the excitement building up in the town the week before the event.

The carnival ride operators and their big trucks arriving in town late on Monday - making their presence known in Pioneer Park.

The momentum starts to build as they start setting up the site, and you know it’s all happening when you finally see that Ferris Wheel complete on Friday night - all lit up and ready for punters.

This year’s fireworks display at dusk at the Mardi Gras was spectacular in that it just kept on going - for at least 10 minutes. Apparently the view from the top of the Ferris Wheel at 8:15 pm is magic.  

Then the big day arrives.  

People arrive in their thousands to pack the streets and Pioneer Park for our once a year Alexandra party. There are so many opportunities to be involved in this event, whether it’s through the various community groups, as well as schools and workplaces.

We missed out on our annual festival last year because of Covid-19, and long-time organiser Martin McPherson has certainly made sure he would make up for it in 2022.

Alexandra’s Blossom Festival has its own sense of pageantry with its traditional pipe bands performing up and down the street - bringing with it a sense of familiarity and a feeling that all is well in our community.

The annual parade starts when you can hear the trumpet air horns of the trucks as they make their way down Centennial Avenue towards the war memorial.

These big, shiny and loud machines were filled with family members waving out the windows, and Martin the organiser was there - standing in the street with his bright shirt on acknowledging every one.

Central Pioneers Marching Team salute to organiser Martin McPherson during the parade

There were some good floats and florreys this year, and impressive entertainers too - such as the young woman who cruised down the street with wheels on her feet and then tip upside down and do a handstand split.

Many of you will remember Jackie Clarke from ‘When the Cat’s Away’ - now performing with the LadyKillers, and on Saturday special guest Annie Crummer joined them as well…taking us right back to the 1980s with their big hit ‘Melting Pot’.  

Iconic kiwi talent rocked the stage during the afternoon. 

Jordan Luck and his band are as Kiwi as it gets and this year featured a special guest - young local musician George Hazlett, who also got to perform with them.

Later that night former Salmonella Dub singer and guitarist Tiki Taane returned to the Stadium Tavern for his second concert in the town (last time back in 2020).

Cherie, and friends from Dunedin enjoyed the sunshine

A slightly smaller crowd joined the concert this year, and Tiki mixed up a real assortment of beats and sounds, throwing in plenty of his old band’s favourites as well.

Earlier in the day Tiki paid a surprise visit to the Living Options facility in Alexandra, where he jammed for an hour with John Hone Halliday.  

We are so grateful to be able to secure these amazing talented New Zealand performers - and it was an absolute treat to have them fill our town with such good vibes after a challenging few years.

And as every year, all good times must come to an end.

What’s your favourite Blossom Festival photo or memory this year? Let our reporters know by emailing: [email protected]