Emma Pritchard
Toby Power has been crowned the first Jacaranda King since 1935 and is the inaugural gentleman to ascend the throne since the Grafton Jacaranda Festival opened jacaranda candidacies to all gender identities in 2022.
In front of a large and vibrant audience including 2023 Grafton Jacaranda Festival Guest of Honour Troy Cassar-Daley and Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC, KC, Governor of NSW, at the Westlawn Jacaranda Royal Party Crowning Ceremony in Grafton’s Market Square on October 28, Mr Power smiled graciously as his name was announced as the proud recipient of the crown.
Sponsored by his employer Dougherty Property, Mr Power said he felt extremely excited and honoured to be the 2023 Jacaranda King.
Talissa (Tilly) Sparrow, sponsored by AMMO Hair and Beauty, Maclean, received a resounding cheer as she was crowned the 2023 Jacaranda Princess while Sarah Langford, sponsored by her employer Anytime Fitness, smiled graciously as she was named the highest fundraiser for the 2023 Grafton Jacaranda Festival, having raised an incredible $15277.15 since beginning her journey as a 2023 Jacaranda candidate.
Mr Power said he has always been encouraged to engage with people around him and be involved with community organisations and felt motivated to nominate as a Jacaranda candidate after reading an article previously published in the Clarence Valley Independent announcing the Grafton Jacaranda Festival would become gender neutral in 2022.
“The response has been overwhelmingly positive, and I’m so grateful for the support I’ve received,” he said.
“It’s such a welcoming and inclusive environment.
“I’m also grateful to have the chance continue to do what I love and interact with those around me.
“I’m so proud of Tilly and Sarah as well, they’re amazing.”
While Mr Power celebrated by having a few beers with his loved ones, and Miss Langford spent time with her family, friends, and puppy at home, Miss Sparrow said she will be commemorating the occasion with a permanent reminder by adding another tattoo to her growing ink collection.
Earlier in the evening, Holly Cooper, sponsored by Clarence River Dance Academy, was crowned 2023 Junior Jacaranda Queen, and Millie Lloyd, sponsored by Clarence Village, was crowned 2023 Junior Jacaranda Princess.
Grafton Jacaranda Festival Manager Mark Blackadder also presented Wendy Gibbs with a life membership award, and Renee Hankinson was formally inducted as the 2023 Matron of Honour.
The Jacaranda Festival Committee also acknowledged the events naming rights sponsor Wesley Mission and thanked them for their ongoing support.