There was plenty to celebrate last weekend following the return of the 67th Alexandra Blossom Festival.

The Round the Clock Race, followed by the Mardi Gras on Friday night, complete with fireworks set the scene, drawing crowds wanting to catch some of the action.

While many watched from the sidelines, others sporting tutus, high school track suits and bright colours tackled the climb to the Alexandra Clock, before making the most of what the Mardi Gras had to offer.

Paul Foulds and his band provided musical entertainment, while street performers and illuminated fairies stunned the children.

The addition of interactive lighting installations, including an entire garden bed of sunflowers and inflatable flowers were also among the evening’s highlights.

Freestyle NZ also brought their daredevil FMX antics to the party, providing high octane thrills, before a fireworks display lit up the night sky.

On Saturday festivities continued with the Grand Procession, which attracted thousands of spectators wanting to catch a glimpse of the trucks, floats, florreys, marching and pipe bands, street performers and community groups as they made their way along Alexandra’s Centennial Ave.

A colourful display of Rainbow Fish, Kung Fu Panda, Lego, BMX bikers, SteamPunk enthusiasts and cultural groups wowed the crowd.

Olympic silver medalist Nicole Shields was among those who took part in the parade, riding in a red Bentley with Olympic rings on the side, surrounded by children from Clyde Primary School.  

She wandered through Pioneer Park throughout the afternoon, talking with the masses who stopped to congratulate her.

Saturday in the Park was another of the weekend’s huge successes with more than 15,000 people attending.  

Bands The QFO Experiment, Paul Foulds Band and Jody Direen, rocked the crowd, before an emotional kapa haka performance by Central Otago primary school pupils stole the limelight.

Simon Green’s Neil Diamond Tribute “A Solitary Man’’ and Highland Storm rounded out the night with everyone up on their feet dancing and singing.

The crowd rang out in support as two historic firsts took place: joint winners for the highly anticipated 2024 Blossom Crown - and the festival's first ever Blossom King.

Lily Kain (16), representing Alexandra Scout Group was crowned 2024 Alexandra Blossom Festival Queen, while Nate Alexander (17), representing Puna Rangatahi was crowned 2024 Alexandra Blossom Festival King.

Kimberley Dacosta (16), representing Little Oaks, was named first runner up.

There was not a dry eye in sight as the pair were announced, with fellow contestants jumping up to congratulate them.

The weekend wrapped up with the Delta Garden tour, a self-driven tour of eight spectacular gardens around Alexandra and Clyde on Sunday.

Blossom Festival chairwoman Sharleen Stirling-Lindsay said she was thrilled with the weekend’s success.

“It was an absolute stunner of a day in every way! The community really came out to celebrate,’’ she said.

“We are so grateful for all the support from the sponsors, the volunteers and our wonderful community.’’

2024 Float Winners

• Best Contemporary Float - Wall-e Saving the Planet by Puna Rangatahi Alexandra & Districts Youth Trust
• Best Education Float - The Art of Childhood by Omakau & Districts Playcentre
• Runner Up - The Wiggles by Little Oaks
• Best Floral Float - Kung Fu Panda by Combined Lions Clubs of Clyde & Districts, and Alexandra
• Best Small Float - Flower Basket by Central Otago Filipino Community
• People Choice - Rainbow Fish by Grans Who Can

Other Prizes

• Bain Cup - Best decorated window: Jamies Jewellers and Paper PLus
• Jan Belt Memorial Trophy: Dave Ramsay