Marissa Newman|

One of the highlights of the Jacaranda Festival is always the float display. This is an opportunity for the community to come together as the CBD of Grafton is closed off so the floats can make their way down the main street. This year over 60 local clubs, community organisations and businesses paraded decorated vehicles carrying all kinds of costumed characters down Prince Street.

The procession started off with a range of vintage cars it is always nice to see the history of the cars represented at the start of the parade. Then in a nod to the history of the festival there was procession of past Jacaranda Queens, Jacaranda Princess and Matrons of Honour.

Then came this year’s Jacaranda Royal Party followed by the main parade where a range of businesses, community organisations, sporting groups, local schools and preschools proceeded down the main street on decorated floats. There were also a range of emergency service vehicles. 

After the float procession was the McDonald’s Amusements side show. This was an all-new event for this years Jacaranda Festival and featured a DJ, carnival rides and plenty of food. This was designed as an all age party to celebrate the Jacaranda Festival coming to an end.