If you’re feeling creative get out your craft gear as ‘florrey’ entries in the 65th Alexandra Blossom Festival need to be in by this Friday (August 26).

Event manager Martin McPherson said entries had been a bit slow so far this year.

“The festival has received only two [florrey] entries for this year's parade, if numbers don’t increase, we may be forced to cancel this part of the parade.”

Martin said florreys are fun and reasonably easy to make compared to floats but that more entrants were required for this part of the festival to go ahead. 

“I know this will disappoint our supporters, but we don’t really have a competition with only a couple of entries.”

Florreys can be entered into these categories: Best school, best family, best business house, best sports club, and best community group. 

It’s free to enter a florrey, prizes are up for grabs, and you’ll also get to join the bright and colourful grand parade down Centennial Ave, the best way to get a spring into your step as the community celebrates spring.

Martin said plans are well underway for the 65th festival. 

Ten thousand dollars worth of fireworks will decorate the sky as a part of the Friday night Mardi Gras, and entertainers are booked and market stalls finalised.

“Everything is coming together…we’ve already got 150 arts, crafts and trades sites booked and 42 food and beverage sites.

“There will be everything from Mexican to Italian, hamburgers, local craft beers and wineries, even an alcohol free cocktail bar. There will be something for everyone,” Martin said.

Musicians Jackie Clark, Annie Crummer and Tina Cross (The Lady Killers) and Jordan Luck (the Jordan Luck Band) will be performing on Saturday September 24 from 1pm in Pioneer Park so mark your calendars and find your dancing shoes. 

For information about entering email [email protected]. For event information visit Alexandra Blossom Festival website [http://www.blossom.co.nz]

The Central App will keep you updated on the festival as it nears, and share readers’ photos and stories from the weekend. Contact our reporters: [email protected]