Emma Pritchard

Thousands of spectators cheered loudly as the 2022 Newcastle Permanent Float Procession transformed Prince Street, Grafton, into a colourful scene of joyous energy on the weekend.

One of the highlights during the Grafton Jacaranda Festival, and a proud local tradition, heavy vehicles, busses, and several small trucks and trailers were decorated by Clarence Valley businesses and schools, while participants also dressed up as colourful characters as they embraced the party mood and jovially walked, drove, and danced their way into the CBD.

Members of the Grafton Vintage Motor Vehicle Club took their place in the parade once again, with drivers honking gleefully and waving happily as they passed admiring onlookers.

Other regular participants including Jacaranda Preschool Kindergarten, Ashley Albert Performing Arts, St Mary’s Primary School, Grafton, St Joseph’s Primary School, South Grafton, Grafton District Girl Guides, and the Grafton Netball Association also received plenty of adoration from the crowd, while Grafton District Meals on Wheels took part in the float procession for the first time.

The 2022 Jacaranda Royal Party floats were especially popular with young children, who pointed excitedly and told one another they wished they had sparkling crowns like the ones worn by 2022 Jacaranda Ambassador Amanda Daffey, and 2022 Junior Jacaranda Queen Molly Cosgrove.

Local groups including the Clarence Valley Filipino-Australian Community Club Inc, Grafton Army Reserve Unit, SES volunteers, Social Futures, and the Clarence Valley BMX Club also took part in the parade and handed out information pamphlets, stickers, and bags of lollies to the crowd.

While visiting South Coast couple Aaron and Keira Preston couldn’t decide which floats and decorations they liked the best, their nine-year-old daughter Noa was happy to decide for them.

“We all liked the Royal Party floats because they were the prettiest,” she said.

“It was great to see so many floats and entrants in the parade this year too,” Mrs Preston added.

“I think there were close to 50.

“We tried to count them, but it was difficult with so much excitement going on around us.”

As the procession made its way along Prince Street and looped the famous Grafton Clocktower, the cheering grew louder as the community happily celebrated the return of a much-loved event following the devastating Covid-19 pandemic which prevented many festivities from proceeding in recent years.

“There aren’t enough words to describe how excited everyone in Grafton is to see this amazing event happen again,” Kasey Byer said as she watched the float procession from Market Square.

“It is exactly what the town needed, and I think it represents a huge comeback after the whole Covid-19 situation.”

The Jacaranda Festival Committee were still choosing the winners of the best floats and performances at the time of publication.

The Clarence Valley Independent will announce the winners in an upcoming edition.