Latest news with #BlossomFestival
Otago Daily Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Otago Daily Times
Scooters to feature in grand parade
Mobility scooter users Allan Johnston (left) and Ted Clouston, both 92, with Alexandra Blossom Festival event manager Martin McPherson. The festival is inviting mobility scooter riders to decorate their scooters and ride them in the Grand Parade on September 27. PHOTO: SHANNON THOMSON/ALEXANDRA BLOSSOM FESTIVAL A stealth of mobility scooters are being pimped for their inaugural entry in the Alexandra Blossom Festival grand parade this year. The parade, set for September 27, has opened up float entry conditions to allow smaller entries, which explicitly includes mobility scooters. Festival event manager Martin McPherson said the idea was about community, creativity and bringing the generations together as well as a bit of fun. It was the ultimate intergenerational collaboration — mobility scooters decorated by teenagers, cruising in the grand parade through town, he said. Mobility scooter business owner Ted Clouston, 92, said he would supply a small fleet of scooters for the occasion for anyone who wanted to enter but did not have one. Mr Clouston, who went to his first Blossom Festival in 1957, said he already had a group of scooter enthusiasts ready to go. "Everyone I've spoken to is dead keen." It was more than a decade since Mr Clouston last took part in the grand parade, and he was looking forward to cruising the street again — albeit on a very different vehicle to previous years, he said. Mr McPherson said he was keen to hear from rest-homes and senior clubs, as well as students, wanting to get involved. "Imagine a squad of mobility scooters driving in a flying "V" formation down Centennial Ave, all decked out in blossoms thanks to the youngsters — it will be magnificent.. "Whether you're a senior keen to cruise or a student with a bit of flair, this is your chance to roll through Alexandra in style." Students would be rewarded with free entry to the Contact Party in the Park and festival organisers would shout them lunch, Mr McPherson said. — Allied Media
Time Out
6 days ago
- Time Out
The best places to see cherry blossoms in Australia
Where: CherryHill Orchards, Yarra Valley, VIC When: September 24 to October 5, 2025 What: You can take in the magical sights of Japan just an hour's drive from Melbourne CBD at the gorgeous CherryHill Orchards. Every spring, this Yarra Valley orchard hosts an enchanting Blossom Festival where you can wander through endless rows of flowering cherry blossoms, sip on cherry-based drinks, relax with high tea and enjoy family-friendly activities. It's a dreamy day out in the countryside for the whole family, and will surely do wonders for the 'gram.
Otago Daily Times
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Otago Daily Times
Scholarship for emerging artists
Central Otago District Arts Trust co-ordinator Rebekah de Jong (left) along with Central Otago Arts Society chairman Nigel Wilson and scholarship co-ordinator Katie Robinson are excited to launch a scholarship for visual artists. PHOTO: JULIE ASHER Artists with a Central Otago connection, who are in the early stages of their practice, are being offered the chance to apply for a $5000 scholarship. Central Otago Art Society chairman Nigel Wilson said the society was excited to launch an annual emerging artist scholarship. Open to visual artists in the first five years of their practice who show commitment, potential and originality, the scholarship would provide $5000 to support their professional development, Mr Wilson said. "This initiative recognises the vital role the arts play in shaping the region's identity and aims to nurture early-career creatives by helping them access mentorship, materials, studio space, courses, or exhibition opportunities," he said. Selection would be based on artistic merit, development potential and contribution to the cultural life of Central Otago. An artist of any age was eligible as long as they had fewer than five years' experience in their chosen field of practice. While entries did not have to depict Central Otago, those that did would have an edge, Mr Wilson said. Scholarship co-ordinator Katie Robinson said the prize could be used for anything that would help the artists develop — from hiring studio space to paying art school fees to buying materials necessary for their practice. Mr Wilson said the society's mission had always been to provide education and exhibitions for artists of the South Island, both emerging and established. The new initiative was solely for artists with a connection to Central Otago — from Raes Junction to Queensbury to the Maniototo. The inaugural scholarship recipient would be announced during the opening night of the Blossom Festival exhibition in September. "This scholarship marks an important investment in the region's creative future and reinforces the Central Otago Art Society's dedication to growing a vibrant, thriving arts community."
Otago Daily Times
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Otago Daily Times
Bain's dedication, hours devoted to pipes recognised
Alexandra and Districts Pipe Band Drum Major Ken Bain, of Millers Flat, leads the band at the head of the Blossom Festival parade. Mr Bain has been made a life member of the pipe band. PHOTO: JULIE ASHER Joining a pipe band might have been a dream come true but the band was equally fortunate when Ken Bain turned up for practice at the Alexandra and Districts Pipe Band for the first time. This month Mr Bain was made a life member of the band, recognising his dedication and countless hours devoted to the pipes. Mr Bain, of Millers Flat, began playing the pipes as a young lad growing up in the Teviot Valley. In 1954, neighbour Arthur Frame, of Dumbarton, brought then 13-year-old Ken a silver-and-ivory mounted set of pipes from a trip to Scotland. Tutoring from Charlie Sutherland, at Ettrick, and then Alan Porteous while attending Otago Boys' High School set him on his musical path. Ken Bain playing the pipes in 2008. PHOTO: SUPPLIED However, farming and raising a family meant the pipes were put away for many years. It was not until Mr Bain and his late wife, Dawn, retired from their farm to Millers Flat that he began playing again. After tutoring from Roxburgh's kilted pharmacist, Alistair Forbes, who plays outside his shop every Friday afternoon, Mr Bain joined the Alexandra and Districts Pipe Band in 2002. "It was a dream come true," he said. For the next 23 years Mr Bain drove to Alexandra every week for band practice and spent many more hours travelling to perform. "I wore out a car with the travel," he quipped. Taking up the pipes again was hard as it was more difficult to memorise the music when he was older, he said. Presenting the life membership, pipe band secretary Barbara Blackler said Mr Bain was always ready with a joke or funny yarn. He was an enthusiastic member and always keen to put up his hand and be involved in a performance whether for the blossom festival, Anzac parades, fundraising or community events. Nominated drum major in 2021, a position he still holds, Mr Bain was also president in 2009-11. Mr Bain had always been very supportive of new members and had a vision for the future of the band, especially involving young people, Mrs Blackler said. He was also responsible for her holding the role as secretary. After so many years of driving an hour and a-half every week for practice Mr Bain now heads up the road every second week. "I've never been a great piper but I love it."
Yahoo
24-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Goodwill of Colorado supports Cañon City community
(CAÑON CITY, Colo.) — Goodwill of Colorado has been serving the Cañon City community since 1990. As a local nonprofit, they help people overcome barriers to employment, such as former incarceration or housing issues. Goodwill has more than 3,200 employees across the state, helping to create job opportunities and supporting people in becoming independent. For We Are The Royal Gorge Region, FOX21's Krista Witiak met with Brand Manager Stephanie Bell and Goodwill of Cañon City's team members Elizabeth and Joe to discuss the nonprofit's impact on the local community. On Wednesday, March 26, the Goodwill store in Cañon City at 910 Main Street will host a customer appreciation event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will include free refreshments, prize giveaways, and a 15% discount for Department of Corrections employees who show their ID. Goodwill helps farmers and ranchers with disabilities through AgrAbility and sponsors the Blossom Festival. This year's parade is on May 3. For more information, visit Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
