Sun shines on Jacaranda's parade

THE Jacaranda weather gods smiled on the carnival this year, beaming welcome sunlight down Prince Street, Grafton, late on Saturday afternoon just in time for the float procession.

Earlier in the day things did not look so good, with cloud and showers soaking the region.

Festival organiser Libby Pigg was delighted with the improvement in the weather, but said only a violent electrical storm could have cancelled the procession.

“It would only be lightning that could stop the procession,” she said.

Ms Pigg said that of the 82 entrants only two decided against it because of the threatening skies.

“We were very happy with the number of entries and the quality of them,” she said.

“The procession was also very well attended with Prince Street lined with people for the entire length of the procession.”

Ms Pigg did not have the all results for the procession, but said the overall winner was the Studio 1 Dance Studio float.

“There were quite a number of sections to be judged,” Ms Pigg said.

Full results will be published later in the week.

Grafton businesses, schools and organisations took the opportunity the procession gave them to showcase their wares.

Local transport companies donated a number of big rigs to groups for the procession.

In addition, three pipe bands provided musical entertainment for the audience and participants.

Grafton may have seen its last glimpse of town crier Roy Bowling, who attracted many compliments as he led the Jacaranda Party floats down Prince Street.

The visiting Ramblers also joined the procession in their motor homes.

Earlier the winner of the Purple Haze Rocking Horse raffle was announced, with Lee Rose winning the $3500 first prize.

Ms Pigg said the horse, made by the U3A Men’s Shed, had been extremely popular with more than 8000 tickets sold.

“Taking out the costs of the raffle, it has made us more than $5000,” she said.