After days of torrential rain that meant organisers of the Alexandra Blossom Festival had to cancel the Fulton Hogan Mardi Gras and The News Round the Clock Race scheduled on Friday (September 22), Saturday brought some clouds in the morning but none of the forecast afternoon showers.

The sun broke through, surprising many who hadn’t thought to pack sunscreen, and there was an extra buzz in the air that the festival, or Blossie as it is affectionately known, had once again run smoothly, if not quite to plan. There were fewer people lining the street for the Grand Parade than last year, but there was no shortage of energy.

‘Nee Naw’, the entry from the Little Oaks Early Learning Centre.

Alexandra Blossom Festival Senior Queen Jill Checketts, aka 50 Squadron (Alexandra) Air Training Corps Unit Commander, Squadron Leader Checketts, spoke for many when she said the weather was ideal, not too hot to be enjoyable, but still a lovely Central spring day..

“There were so many people praying and dancing to make sure this happened today,” she said. “It couldn’t have been better.”

The Dunstan Kahui Ako kapa haka group enjoyed the Grand Parade before going on stage themselves.

Another woman told the Central App that because of the fierce weather that has seen states of emergency declared in neighbouring regions, the day’s fine weather and the energy of the show felt like a gift.

But it was prizes rather than gifts on the minds of many, particularly supporters of the young women vying for the Alexandra Blossom Festival Queen tiara, as well as the many hands in the community that folded thousands of flowers to go on the festival floats.

‘Tow Mater’, by Fulton Hogan.

The Central App managing director Vicki McLean was one of the judges of the festival queen, and said before naming the runners-up and winner that all the girls were amazing.

“We’ve had a fantastic week and it’s been really hard to come up with just one, two, three,” she said.

Second Runner-Up was Arlia Murphy, representing Clyde Play Centre, whose float, ‘Up - Adventure Is Out There’, was judged the Best Educational Float. 

First Runner-Up was Tyla Davidson, representing Eat Humble Pie and Waterworks Plumbing, whose float ‘Gold Fever’ won Best Contemporary Float. 

The Alexandra Blossom Festival Queen was Myah Turnbull, representing Hire King, whose float, ‘Not Just Fencing and Toilets’, won the Best Small Float.

Princess in waiting - Myah Turnbull on the Hire King float had no idea she would be named festival queen.

Myah was clearly stunned when her name was announced and was surrounded by family, friends, and well-wishers when she made her way off the stage, if not quite back to earth. 

The party continued after the official announcements with a good-sized and good-natured crowd enjoying the music on the main stage, and many staying around for a fireworks show rescheduled from the cancelled Friday night Mardi Gras.

The festival continues throughout the week so pick up a programme or look at the website and get out to enjoy more of the best that Alexandra has to offer.

Check back with the Central App tomorrow for a full list of winners, a chat with the new queen, and another gallery of images.

‘Puss in Boots’ by the Combined Lions Clubs of Alexandra & Clyde.

‘Minions’ by Grans Who Can.

Waiting in line: Vincent Ward Community Board member Jayden Cromb and his family (from left) Aronui, wife Summer, Tamati, and Amiria.

Braving a little chill: Festival princess Hailey Petrie on the Puss in Boots float. 

Family fun: From left, Sandy Tak with twins Nelson and Bay Kim (3), Jiny Tak, and Julia An with Viviana (3) and Liz (5) Park enjoy the day.

Admiring their peers: From left, members of the City of Christchurch Highland Pipe Band Carolyn Keddie, and Celine and Craig Gibson listen to Highland Storm on the main stage.

Scots and Steampunk: From left, Anne Todd of the Queenstown Pipe Band converses with Alan Bryan and Roscoe Dangerfield, self-proclaimed Inspector of Nuisances to Her Majesty Queen Victoria III, both of Dunedin.

Blossie bargains: Izzy Hamill, left, and Kathy Stanton of Alexandra are pleased with their purchases.

Dragon dancers: From left, Lucy Loo (12), Hannah Hamilton (14), Erin Loo (10) and Joseph Hamilton (12) are about to return to Dunedin after taking part in the Grand Parade and appearing on stage.

Piping up a storm: The band Highland Storm was a favourite with the crowd.