Alexandra Blossom Festival’s 28th Senior Queen will be crowned next week, and the five nominees will be celebrated for their outstanding contributions to the community.

The women were introduced to the Senior Queen judges - Senior Queen founder Liz Pratt, Contact Energy representative Michelle Bastiaansen and Tall Poppy Real Estate Central Otago owner Peter Hishon - at a special High Tea in Clyde yesterday.

A fixture in the Alexandra Blossom Festival since 1996, the Senior Queen brings to the fore the senior women in our community, recognising the valuable contribution they make.

This year's five nominees are: Anne Dougherty, nominated by Alexandra Petanque Club, Robyn Marshall, nominated by Clyde and Districts Lions Club, Jo Ireland, nominated by Alexandra Senior Citizens, Jacqui Hood, nominated by Alexandra Lions Club, and Bernie Butler, nominated by friends.

On Tuesday, September 24, the 2024 Senior Queen will be crowned at a special event held at the Alexandra District Club.

Doors open at 1.30pm with the event starting at 2pm.

A fashion show from Alexandra business Flying with Birds will provide the afternoon’s entertainment and members of the public are invited to join the festivities and afternoon tea, with tickets available at the district club on the day.

The newly-crowned Senior Queen and her first runner-up will be seated with pride of place on the Contact Energy float in Saturday’s Blossom Festival Grand Parade.

They will also attend a number of Blossom Festival events as special guests.