Alexandra Blossom Festival Senior Queen 2025 Raelene Cavanagh made her first guest appearance on TVNZ’s Breakfast show this morning (Tuesday September 22).

Freshly crowned at the festival’s first major event on Monday afternoon, Raelene was also the firm favourite with the crowd as well, winning the People’s Choice award.

Now in its 29th year, the Senior Queen competition celebrates the contribution of all women in the Central Otago district.

Representing the Central Otago Friendship Network, Raelene has volunteered for the organisation for many years, and also takes meals and baking to those in the community who need it.

Runner-up was Sue Rowsell, who is known for her work with Living Options. Sue has also been involved with six past floats in the festival.

The Senior Queen competition was overseen by the Clyde and Districts Lions Club, and the top two ladies will be treated to a ‘Queen for a Day’ experience, taking centre stage on the Contact Energy Float in the Blossom Festival Grand Parade on Saturday.

They’ll also be special guests at the festival’s opening art exhibition on Wednesday and the Alexandra Musical Society’s opening night show later in the week.

On Saturday afternoon on the big stage, the winners of the festival Queen/King will be announced. In 2024 the first ever blossom festival was King crowned - Nate Alexander (16), a joint winner with Lily Kain (16).

Among the princesses this year is another prince vying for the title: Corey Miller, representing St John Youth and Alexandra business Eat Humble Pie.

There was a moment’s silence at the Senior Queen awards function, as organisers remembered the passing of former Senior Queen Liz Duggan from 2016.

For more about this week’s line up of events, go to the Central App button for information.

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