This year marks the 29th year of the senior queen position, which celebrates the contribution of incredible senior women in the community.
The event is an opportunity to acknowledge the unsung heroes who are the backbone of our community, who dig in and get things done, often shying away from recognition and reward.
Overseen by the Clyde and Districts Lions Club, nominees will enjoy a special morning tea with the judges at Aurum on Clutha on Tuesday, September 16.
Family, friends and supporters are invited to join them for the crowning of the senior queen at the Alexandra District Club on Monday, September 22.
Due to a rise in popularity of the crowning event, tickets will be sold prior to the event at the Alexandra Districts Club and Alexandra Community House from early September.
The 2025 senior queen and runner-up will be treated to a "Queen for a Day" experience, taking centre stage on the Contact Energy Float in the Blossom Festival Grand Parade.
They will also be special guests at the festival’s opening art exhibition and at opening night of the Alexandra Musical Society’s show.
Clyde and Districts Lions representative and former senior queen entrant Sue Noble-Adams said the award was a fun way to celebrate important contributions to the community.
"We are recognising the input from the older generation who have given so much."
The event was really fun and if someone was nominated, they should not turn the opportunity down as it was an honour someone thought to put them forward, she said.
Fellow Lions Club member Ngaire Adams agreed, and said the senior queen was a great way to get involved in the Blossom Festival.
"I love everything about it — this is us as a club contributing to the festival but it’s for all the community to celebrate these amazing women."
Alexandra Blossom Festival event manager Martin McPherson said the senior queen had been a cornerstone event of the festival since 1996.
The competition was a proud tradition that reflected the spirit of the Alexandra Blossom Festival, he said.
"It shines a light on the quiet achievers who’ve helped our community grow and thrive."
Senior queen nominations are now open; entry forms and more information are available from the Clyde and Districts Lions Club, or by contacting Sue Noble-Adams on 027224-7515.
Nominations close September 8.
— Allied Media
