Emma Pritchard|

All you need is passion, determination, community spirit and a love for the Clarence Valley.
You also need to be prepared to have a lot of fun and make new friends along the way.
Nominations for 2021 Jacaranda and Junior Jacaranda Queen are closing soon, and local girls and ladies are being encouraged to raise their hands and experience the thrill of a lifetime.
With four candidates already nominated, the Jacaranda Festival Committee is eagerly looking forward to welcoming more girls aged between 12 and 14, who dream of being crowned the 2021 Junior Jacaranda Queen.
Ladies aged between 18 and 30 are also being invited to nominate for 2021 Jacaranda Queen.
Festival manager Mark Blackadder said Jacaranda Queens are ambassadors of the Grafton Jacaranda Festival, with candidates learning new leadership and public speaking skills and meeting various Grafton community organisations and businesses, schools, and nursing homes while raising money for a worthwhile cause.
“The closing date for Jacaranda Queen and Junior Queen nominations is February 12, so I encourage anyone thinking about becoming part of this wonderful event to get in quickly,” he said.
After the unfortunate cancellation of the 2020 Jacaranda Festival due to the Covid-19 pandemic, organisers are keenly awaiting the arrival of the festival this year, which they have declared will be bigger and better than ever.
While the 2019 Jacaranda Queen Ashton Blackadder has become the longest serving queen in the festivals history and will hold onto her crown for another eight months, she has previously spoken about her desire to become involved with the new candidates and ensure they enjoy their experience as part of the festival as much as she has.
The 2021 Jacaranda Festival will be held from October 29 until November 7.
Girls and ladies interested in nominating for Jacaranda and Junior Jacaranda Queen are invited to visit www.jacarandafestival.com