2013 Hastings Blossom Queen crowned at ‘50s theme dance

For the first time in 40 years, a Blossom Queen will be crowned as part of this year’s Blossom Festival and her crowning will be part of a 1950s themed rock and roll dance on Saturday 7 September.

Entrants between 17 and 25 years, single or married, are being invited to be in with a chance to win a Great Mystery Break anywhere in New Zealand for two nights plus other prizes that are yet to be revealed.

They will also help select the winning floats in the Blossom Parade the following weekend, have breakfast with some of the region’s former Blossom Queens, and get to ride amongst the blossoms on floats in the Parade.

“We’re looking for young women who have confidence, communication skills, poise and personal presentation to be an ambassador for the Hastings District,” says Carol-Ann Stubbs, Blossom Festival event manager.

“We want them to tell us why they are proud to be a Hastings resident and what special places they would take a visitor to the region.”

The judging panel will be led by Louise Gray, a former TVNZ make-up artist who returned from Auckland three years ago to live in Havelock North.

“I remember going to the Blossom Parade as a child and I remember the Queen was the most glamorous part,” says Mrs Gray. “It was a wonderful family festival, a huge day out and so exciting. I think being part of the Blossom Queen contest is a really great opportunity for local young women. It’s something positive and a girl doesn’t get too many chances for glamour!”

Entrants will be interviewed and give a five minute speech to judges on what makes Hastings special. The Queen’s crowning will be in front of guests at the Blossom Festival Rock and Roll Hop at the Hawke’s Bay Opera House Assembly Room.

Guests to the Hop, which features the Al Dawson Band with special guests Jackie Gibson and Mischelle Tyler, are being encouraged to dress in their favourite 50s rock gear and be prepared to dance the night away.

A former local, Al Dawson is an award-winning guitarist with years of experience in clubs, shows, recording and television performances. He was born in Napier, grew up in Hastings, attended Central School, and formed his first band while at Hastings Boy’s High School. He made his first public appearance at the Napier Soundshell for a Rothman’s Talent Quest in January, 1965.
Soon after, Al bought his first Fender Stratocaster guitar and a Vox AC30 Amplifier from Sutcliffe’s Music Shop, and joined with one of Hawke’s Bay’s then top pop groups The Hand, which won the ‘Aussie a-Go a-Go’ Battle of the Bands in April 1967, then the ‘Battle of the Sounds’ awards in June 1968. The Hand was a resident mainstay at Napier’s Top Hat Ballroom.
In more recent times, Al and his band, the Wildkatz performs at most Rock ‘n’ roll and Classic Car shows and Hot Rod festivals around New Zealand, and has been a favourite at every Beach Hop Festival since 2002.

Tickets for the Hop are $30 and can be purchased from Ticketek at the Hawke’s Bay Opera House.

Blossom Queen entry forms, float entry details, route map and other details can be found at www.visithastings.co.nz

ENDS

© Scoop Media