Festival event manager Martin McPherson said he was stoked the weather did not dampen spirits and the festival was a great time.
Despite the drizzle and the chilly weather people flocked to line Alexandra’s Centennial Avenue and watch the traditional and colourful grand parade.
The sounds of sirens, car engines and truck horns could be heard echoing throughout the town as a procession of vehicles of all shapes and sizes led the way.
Following close behind were an assortment of eye-catching floats, which added splashes of colour to the otherwise gloomy weather.
After the parade the crowds packed Pioneer Park to enjoy the live music, food and activities on offer.
Performances by the dragon dancers of the Otago Southland Chinese Association as well as the massed pipe band made up of pipers from around the South Island wowed the audiences throughout the day.
The rain had stopped and the sun began to shine on festival goers early on in the afternoon.
Blossom Festival deputy chairman Ian Gare said it was really satisfying to see the community together, celebrating the end of winter.
Crowds flocked to the festival stage eagerly awaiting to hear the results of the people’s choice float award and who would be crowned festival queen.
The people’s choice float award was won by the Combined Lions Clubs of Alexandra and Clyde for their float celebrating the 80th anniversary of iconic children’s character Thomas the Tank Engine.
In the main event, Andrea Javier who was representing the Central Otago Filipino Community was crowned the Blossom Festival Queen for 2025, becoming the first Filipino to do so in the festival’s 68 year history.
Miss Javier said it was really good to represent her community and to see them marching alongside her in the grand parade and cheering for her when she was crowned queen.
Despite the cold weather, she was "warm inside" from the support of her community, she said.
First and second runner up queens were Keira McFayden, representing the Central Otago Maternity Unit and Olave Czeponski, representing Pioneer Energy.
After the crowning the crowds continued to enjoy the music and Mr McPherson took the stage to sing alongside Christchurch band Capitol City, who kept the festivities going throughout the afternoon performing Kiwi classics as some danced along.
As well as the main event, the Blossom Festival other events were on throughout the weekend including the New Zealand National Gold Panning Championships, the Central Otago Rod and Custom Car Club Show and Shine and the Central Otago Model Society model railway and kitset display where the work of society members was put on display for the public to enjoy.
Saturday night was also the opening night for the Alexandra Musical Society’s production We Will Rock You.
Alexandra Police Sergeant Adam Elder said the festival went well for police with only a small number of people being caught breaking the area’s liquor ban and only one arrest for disorderly behaviour being made during the day.
"Generally speaking people were well-behaved," he said
