The 2022 Alexandra Blossom Festival is seeking its Senior Queen, with nominations now open.
    The Senior Queen has been a fixture of the Alexandra Blossom Festival since 1996, celebrating the community’s senior women and their contributions.
    Last year, the Clyde and Districts Lions Club picked up the baton to champion the competition when the founding committee stepped down after 25 years.
    The cancellation of the 2021 festival and events due to Covid-19 meant the competition could not proceed, but foundations were laid for this year’s event.
    Clyde and Districts Lions representative Sue Noble-Adams, a former Senior Queen entrant, said preparations were under way and she encouraged clubs and individuals to nominate women over 65 who had contributed to their communities.
    The event was about the women having a ‘‘fun experience’’, she said.
    ‘‘It’s not about beauty or fashion, it’s a way to say ‘thank you’, a recognition of what they’ve done in the community.’’
    Nominees would enjoy a high tea at Olivers to meet the judges on September 13, with the crowning of the Senior Queen at the Alexandra District Club on September 20.
    Entry forms are available from the Clyde and Districts Lions Club, or by contacting Sue Noble-Adams on 027 224 7515.