Emma Pritchard, Clarence Valley Independent
As vibrant explosions of mauve and lilac blossoms engulf the streets in a collage of colour each spring, we know the jacaranda season has arrived, and as a community, we come together to celebrate the Grafton Jacaranda Festival.
An esteemed annual event, rich in local history, culture and tradition, the oldest floral festival in Australia draws people from across the country, and the world, to the Clarence Valley each year.
Some come to bask in the magnificence of the flowering purple trees, to snap a few selfies, and enjoy a delicious scoop of jacaranda ice cream, while others join in the popular festivities including Jacaranda Thursday and the Venetian Carnival, where they create life-long memories during one of the premier events in Northern NSW.
First held during the 1930s, the Grafton Jacaranda Festival celebrates its 88th year in 2022, and for the first time in its history, the Jacaranda Queen candidacy has been opened to include all gender identities.
This year, candidates will choose their own title including Queen, King or Ambassador should they receive the honour of being crowned during the traditional Jacaranda Royal Party Crowning Ceremony in Market Square on October 29.
After the Covid-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of the festival in 2020, and restricted many of the time-honoured festivities from going ahead in 2021, the Jacaranda Festival Committee is eagerly anticipating the arrival of a large number of visitors to the region as they remain focused in their commitment to ensuring the popular attraction returns bigger and better in 2022.
The much-loved event will get underway on October 28 with River Dreaming, a cultural celebration of the Clarence Valley’s proud Yaegl, Bundjalung and Gumbaynggirr history, followed by a packed program across 10 massive days of fun-filled activities and local attractions.
Wesley Mission have been welcomed back as the festivals naming rights sponsor, with Jacaranda Festival Manager Mark Blackadder announcing his delight at having them on board once again.
Speaking with the Clarence Valley Independent, Mr Blackadder said he is looking forward to the festival this year and sharing the jacaranda spirit and the proud heritage of the event with everyone in attendance.
Headlining the live entertainment this year will be country music sensations Brooke McClymont and her husband Adam Eckersley.
Brooke and Adam will perform together at Market Square on Jacaranda Thursday, and Brooke is also extremely proud to be the 2022 Grafton Jacaranda Festival’s Guest of Honour. The Grafton Jacaranda Festival will run from October 28 until November 6.
For the full program, list of events and ticketing information, please visit www.jacarandafestival.com. The Clarence Valley Independent will also be attending many festivities throughout the festival.
Make sure you pick up a copy of next week’s paper, due to hit the streets on November 2, for the full coverage, and don’t forget to visit our website clarencevalleynews.com.au and Facebook page for the latest information and updates.
This article appeared in the Clarence Valley Independent, 26 October 2022.
