Alexandra Blossom Festival 2024 preparations are well underway, with organisers now calling for senior queens to come to the fore.

Organisers welcome people to nominate someone they consider a 'queen' for the prestigious role who, if successful, will be celebrated throughout the weekend long event.

The Senior Queen title, which celebrates the many wonderful senior women in our community, have been part of the blossom festival festivities since 1996. 

It is a chance to acknowledge and honour their contribution, and to say thank you for who they are and what they do.  

Overseen by the Clyde and Districts Lions Club, nominees will enjoy a high tea to meet the judges on Thursday, September 19.

Family, friends and supporters are invited to join them for the crowning of the Senior Queen at the Alexandra District Club on September 24, which is considered by organisers as an afternoon not to be missed.

The 2024 Senior Queen will get to experience being “Queen for a day’’ and take pride of place on the Contact Energy Float in the Blossom Festival Grand Parade, as well as attending the festival’s opening art exhibition and the Alexandra Musical Society's Blossom Festival production’s opening night.

Alexandra Blossom Festival 2023 Senior Queen runner up Linda Leckie high fives a child during the Festival’s Grand Parade last year. Seated on the Contact Energy float with her are fellow Senior Queen runner up Angela Pratley (centre) and Senior Queen winner Jill Checketts. PHOTO: Image Central

Clyde and Districts Lions Club and Senior Queen committee representative Denise Sanders encouraged clubs and individuals to nominate women over 60 years old who had contributed to their communities.

“The Blossom Festival is about all generations and there are so many older people making great contributions to the community, we want to celebrate that. The Senior Queen is a chance to say 'we see you out there' and acknowledge the value of our older generations,’’ Denise said.

“It’s not a beauty pageant - it’s about personality, what they’ve done in the community. Everybody that’s been in it has really enjoyed it, they're nervous at the start, but they really enjoy it, it’s very social.’’

Alexandra Blossom Festival event manager Martin McPherson said he was looking forward to seeing the community's senior women celebrated.

“The Senior Queen is a fantastic way to recognise the contribution of the many senior women in our community - they give so much, so it is great we can give back to them.’’

Entry forms and more information is available from the Clyde and Districts Lions Club, or by contacting Denise Sanders at [email protected]

Nominations close Friday, September 6.

Read more: Excitement building for 2024 Alexandra Blossom Festival