Emma Pritchard

It’s one of the most well-loved local traditions which transforms Grafton’s CBD into a spectacular sight each year, and as Anytime Fitness Jacaranda Thursday dawned on November 2, hundreds of market stalls began trading and a crowd of thousands lined up to indulge in some delicious jacaranda ice cream while watching local businesses perform variety shows and musical tributes as they competed for the prestigious Jacaranda Gold Cup.

Presented to the most entertaining performance each year, the trophy has become extremely sought after, with the triumphant winners also securing bragging rights for the following 12 months.

This year, staff from Westlawn Finance, Dougherty Property, and Clarence Valley Council (CVC) had onlookers in stitches as they sang and danced their way across makeshift stages.

Dougherty Property staff were firm favourites to win the Jacaranda Gold Cup after delighting audiences with The Inflatable Talent Show, while Westlawn Finance staff presented an interactive show while promoting a very special game, Clarence Valley Monopoly.

But CVC defended their 2022 Jacaranda Gold Cup success and retained the trophy after delivering a rousing tribute to famed bands Queen and ABBA while the crowd cheered and sang along to classic tunes including Don’t Stop Me Now and We Will Rock You.

In between selling scoops of jacaranda ice cream to excited children (and a few big kids), CVC Deputy Mayor Jeff Smith said it was fantastic to see so many people attend Jacaranda Thursday this year.

“This event, it’s in the DNA of the whole community,” he said.

“Everybody loves it.”

Coffs Harbour visitors Jonno and Simona Gaundry and their children, eight-year-old Marva, and six-year-old Callan, said they had a great time watching the live performances and seeing everyone dressed up.

“We love coming to Grafton on Jacaranda Thursday, and I think it’s really important for us as visitors to support events like it, because they deliver so much to country towns,” Mrs Gundry said.

“I’d say a record number of people attended this year.

“The kids loved going on the Ferris wheel in Market Square and we bought some purple bread from Hanks too, and that’s going to be very exciting for them to take to school on Friday.

“It’s just so heartwarming to see how many people love Jacaranda Thursday.”