Sunflower festival is a blooming success!
Explore Councils by state
Posted on April 24, 2023
Emerald’s Sunflower Festival celebrated its 47th year this year with ‘one of the largest parades ever’,’ says Gail Spargo, Festival Committee Secretary.
‘Notable float entries were the DancEdge, Borilla Kindy and Emerald Cadets, all standouts in the 2km parade,’ she continued.
Lollies rained down on the streets, to happy faces and waiting hands as the procession snaked from Rundle Park to Racecourse Road where the Sunflower Queen and Princess crowning were held.
Paige McKenzie was crowned CH Easter Sunflower Queen and raised $1,023.83 for the Emerald Tigers football club, to help support injured players. Sunflower Princess, and the highest fundraiser with a whopping $5,904.92 for the Emerald Neighbourhood Centre, was Caitlyn Horn. Olivia Hales was crowned CH Easter Sunflower Junior Princess.
The three ladies were joined by their Sunflower Festival counterparts from sister city, Altona Canada and spent the days in the leadup, exploring parts of our great region together.
‘The festival brings together the community for fun and entertainment, while also helping community groups and businesses within the region,’ Ms Spargo continued.
‘Even though sunflowers are no longer a major crop in the Central Highlands, it’s a great way to celebrate our region and share it with our international visitors.
‘The Queen Quest is important in helping young ladies be more confident and shaping them into the future leaders of our community,’ she said.