Emma Pritchard

A jovial crowd of 166 people gathered at the Clocktower Hotel in Grafton on May 28 to attend the annual Top Hats and Tiaras Community Fundraiser Cocktail Party.

The event raised $4660 for the 2022 Grafton Jacaranda Festival as attendees enjoyed an evening of fun and frivolity.

Glasses of designer cocktails were raised high in celebration as guests were formally introduced to the 2022 Jacaranda and Junior Jacaranda candidates, along with 2022 Matron of Honour elect Gerelle Blanchard.

Describing herself as very excited and honoured by her role, Mrs Blanchard said she is looking forward to spending time with the 2022 Jacaranda and Junior Jacaranda candidates, and seeing the whole community come together during the festival.

“It’s a very special time of the year,” she said.
Mrs Blanchard has been a member of the Jacaranda Festival Committee for two years and was previously a Jacaranda Queen candidate.

She said the Jacaranda Ball is her favourite event to attend during the Grafton Jacaranda Festival, and she is anticipating a large turnout this year.

The 2022 Grafton Jacaranda Festival will run from October 28 to November 6.

For the full list of upcoming fundraisers, events and festival news, please visit www.jacarandafestival.com

The Clarence Valley Independent will introduce the 2022 Jacaranda and Junior Jacaranda candidates to our readers in an upcoming edition.