For 2022 Alexandra Blossom Festival Queen Claudia Hammond, the feeling of passing on the crown is “bittersweet” but she is more than happy to relinquish it. 

The crowning of the Queen has been a notable feature of the for the last 66 years. Following tradition, the previous year’s Queen crowns the new queen each year. 

Winning the crown was “an experience I’ll never forget,” Claudia said. 

One of her biggest takeaways since winning the crown is the ongoing positive feeling.

“(It) felt validating that I can tick the boxes of an involved community member,” she said.

Seeing this year's princesses has been a nostalgic moment for Claudia. 

“I love seeing people get the same experience. I had a ball and I hope they do too.”

She also recognised the connections and relationships she made from the experience that continue a year later. 

Yesterday (Saturday September 23) Claudia handed her crown over to 2023 Queen Myah Turnbull. 

Newly crowned Myah Turnbull with last year’s festival queen Claudia Hammond. PHOTO: The Central App

Myah described the win as “amazing, unexpected and awesome ”. 

Myah was “so happy” with the win and appeared to be close to tears when her name was announced. 

As for Claudia’s advice to any future princesses, she said: “Literally just be yourself. And make the most of the opportunity because it’s heaps of fun.” 

Judges for the festival queen were the Central App managing director Vicki McLean, Central Otago District Council group manager - community vision Dylan Rushbrook, and Central Otago Living Options operating manager Olivia Wildey.

Vicki said it had been a busy week for the princesses, as they visited community organisations around Alexandra, and the next few days would be even busier for Myah, Tyah, and Arlia.

The 2023 float winners were: Most Innovative/Creative - Puss n Boots by Combined Lions Clubs of Clyde & Districts, and Alexandra; Best Contemporary Float - Gold Fever by Eat Humble Pie and Waterworks Plumbing; Best Education Float - Up - Adventure is out there by Clyde Play Centre; Best Floral Float - Nee Naw by Little Oaks Early Learning Centre; Best Small Float - Not just fencing and toilets by Fulton Hogan; and the People’s Choice - Minions by Grans Who Can.