Businesses to embrace Jacaranda

Daily Examiner

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Grafton Jacaranda Festival Queen 2009

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WITH the jacaranda trees in full bloom and the annual festival fast approaching, local businesses are being encouraged to participate in the festivities.

The traditional essence of Jacaranda is clearly present and organisers are confident that if the community bands together, this year's Jacaranda Thursday will be a great success.

Search the full list of events for the Grafton Jacaranda Festival 2009.

Jacaranda festival manager Libby Pigg said the Jacaranda Festival attracts many visitors to the area and local businesses should embrace the opportunities the carnival brings.

“Local businesses should not be looking at the negatives but putting their own creative thoughts into place to enhance their business and entice people into the shop to make the most of the day,” she said.

“It will be very disappointing if stores don't participate this year because Jacaranda is very visual.

“I'm not expecting shops to put on a grand show but it is a community festival for the people and if local businesses don't support it then it will gradually begin to disintegrate.”

Several main street businesses spoke to The Daily Examiner yesterday, the general consensus being that while many intended to dress up for the day, very few had chosen themes or intended to do street shows or window displays.

While many local businesses have expressed their frustrations over the festival changes, organisers are appealing for traders to look at the bigger picture and embrace the community focused festival.