This year the Grafton Jacaranda Festival is holding a huge celebration for the 85th birthday of the festival. As usual the city will be abuzz with visitors, special events and of course the most spectacular vista of purple from the city’s Jacaranda trees which line many of the streets in Grafton.
The purple flowers on the trees and the purple snow on the footpaths as the flowers fall is a sight to see… at least once in your lifetime. There are a few other flowering trees out at the same time such as the Jacarandas and the Flame tree which adds a hit of red amongst the purple, great for photography. Historical buildings abound to please your eye, nestled amongst the trees and there are many beautiful parks to spend time in.
A full and exciting program is promised for the CMCA visitors to Grafton who will be attending the annual Jacaranda RV Rally at the greyhound track. The Clarence Valley Ramblers are hosting this rally again for the 14th year.
Last year’s RV Rally during the Jacaranda Festival was the biggest we have ever had as the word spreads about just how good the week is for our visitors. We provide a week of activity and entertainment showcasing the Jacaranda Festival and the Clarence Valley.
Tours are available on five days of the week, and the Clarence Valley is highlighted with river cruises, foodies’ tours, alpacas, town tours, opp shops, ostrich farm and gardens.
Entertainment is provided every night with games and other activities available during the day. Camp oven cooking demonstrations, trade and health talks and free hearing tests are part of each day.
Tuesday night is dress up Halloween night with prizes for best costume and best decorated table. The official Jacaranda party, including the Jacaranda Queen, will join us.
Jacaranda Thursday is market day is a must for our visitors, but later in the afternoon we are holding a Dance Fest as a fund raiser for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter. The ‘Grafton Rockers’ strutting their stuff along with line dancers – so put on your dancing shoes and join in the fun. Bill Kearns, who had the crowd laughing till they cried last year will give everyone a breather. Local lad, Connor Willmore will entertain you with his beautiful tenor voice on Thursday night.
Our visitors contribute greatly to the economy of the Clarence Valley during their week here. Many will return in the future and enjoy other facets and places of our beautiful valley. We know that this 85th Jacaranda Festival will amaze them with the new activities and vitality the program advertises to provide.
Lorraine Seale