Emma Pritchard

The 2021 Jacaranda Festival is over.

And while the famous trees were not flowering, and there was no carpet of purple blossoms in Market Square during the Westlawn and Hall & Prior Jacaranda Queen Crowning Ceremony this year, the community spirit, the dedication and perseverance of the Jacaranda Festival Committee, and the steadfast commitment of local businesses and sponsors continued to bloom proudly.

Despite a decrease in attendance numbers compared to previous years, Jacaranda Festival President Desan Padayachee declared the event a success, and gratefully acknowledged everyone who had worked tirelessly to ensure the Jacaranda Festival could go ahead after the Covid-19 pandemic forced its postponement a few months ago.

“Everyone turned up to help and that is what makes our community so fantastic,” he said.

“I’m sure everyone who attended our wonderful events had a great time.”

A stellar line up of local talent including the Jacaranda Gymnastic Display team and performers from the Criterion Theatre and Pelican Playhouse took to the stage at Market Square during the Dagwood Dog Guy Venetian Carnival on December 10, and more than 500 guests attended the Jacaranda Ball on December 11, which was held at the Grafton PCYC due to the wet weather conditions at Market Square.

The final event of the 2021 Jacaranda Festival, the Clocktower Hotel Splash the Tartan, Pipe Bands and Dancers, delighted the audience with traditional dancing and music on December 12.

As he held up the microphone for the final time, Mr Padayachee was joined on stage by the 2021 Jacaranda Queen Hanna Craig, who invited the crowd to wish the Jacaranda Festival President a happy birthday, before the 2021 Jacaranda Festival officially ended.

“We’ll see you all next year,” Mr Padayachee promised.

“Happy Jacaranda.”