Blossom Festival Proposal 1966

TO MEMBERS OF GREATER HASTINGS EXECUTIVE.

PROPOSALS AND SUGGESTIONS FOR A NEW LOOK FESTIVAL OR IN LIEU OF BLOSSOM FESTIVAL.

Gentlemen,

I wish to present these proposals for your earnest consideration. I have taken it for granted that we are unanimously agreed that Blossom Festival as we know it, in its present form needs a thorough overhaul and face lift so as to make it more attractive, yet still recognising the ideals for which it was originated, thus inspiring a wider section of the district, our townspeople, retailers and our own members. This can only be brought about for our mutual benefit by medium of genuine, practical and sound co-operation. If this cannot be achieved within the framework of our present Blossom Festival, we must then turn our thoughts to a Festival which will achieve our ideals.

It is with this thought in mind that I submit these suggestions to you. I would also like to add, that these are not my ideas alone; many are simply one which I have heard proposed over a period of time by our own members and members of the public generally and I have now taken the trouble to put them to paper and place them before you for consideration and constructive criticism.

1)   That Blossom Festival be re-named Harvest Festival (reason being wide scope of activities and types of floats)

2)   The time of Harvest Festival be in October in show week each year. Harvest Festival day to fall on the Saturday following the Spring Show, with Sunday and Labour Day to follow. The reason for the time suggested is that it vastly improves the chances of better weather. There is also an influx of visitors to Hawke’s Bay for Labour Weekend and people as a whole are more responsive to the festive atmosphere.

3)   With the object of boosting the number and quality of float entries, with concerted effort it should be possible to secure Harvest Festival Queen candidates sponsored by firms who are willing to enter a float of high standard. Handsome prizes would be awarded for the Harvest Queen and her two maids as at present.

4)   The judging of the Queen candidates could take a new and better form.
(a)   There would be only two concerts in the Municipal Theatres, conducted on the same lines as in the past.
(b)   Presentation by way of a Presentation Ball in the Assembly Hall or some other suitable place.
(c)   The final selection to be made on Harvest Day at the Park at the conclusion of the Procession.

5)   HARVEST DAY.

(a)   Venue:   Nelson Park.

(b)   Programme:   This would be divided into two functions: –

Part 1.   Day Show parade of all candidates, their floats and other Procession entries to Nelson Park. Floats would be judged before the Procession in the normal manner but the Queen Candidates would be finally judged at the Park. The practical details of presenting this spectacle could be worked out at a later date of the proposal is adopted.

Part 2.   1)   An Evening Show which would comprise a parade of all winning floats and also including all candidates and their respective floats, to be lead by the City of Hastings float or one provided by Greater Hastings.

2)   Procession to go to Nelson Park where the Queen and her maids will be presented to some notable dignitary and the public. Floats will be lit for the occasion if possible.

3)   Presentation to be followed by some floodlit spectacle in the oval.

4)   Grand finale comprising a fireworks display.

Caroline Road is most suitable to carry our Carnival activities during the staging of these functions. Nelson Park is a most splendid venue in that it has a grandstand which will seat some 5500 people and our own seating could be transported to supplement the grandstand accommodation.

HAROLD ROBERTSON.