On the 29th October 1935, Grafton's first Jacaranda Festival made its debut before 4000 enthusiastic fans in brightly illuminated Jacaranda Avenue (in Pound Street).

Children by the hundred danced and presented a floral pageant before Myrtle Gentle's name was drawn from a golden casket as first Jacaranda Princess by the Festival King, Jim Orr. Jacaranda Queen was Mavis Schwinghammer and they were attended by 20 maids of honour, 11 pages, flower girls, jesters and princesses.

The next night a floral dance, adopted from The Cornish Floral Dance and played in one step time, encouraged adults to dance down Jacaranda Avenue.

Since the first Festival a queen crowning ceremony is held on the last Saturday in October each year, heralding the start of the major festival week. The final weekend features a spectacular street parade.

The festival is now into its 75th year and is still strong in commitment, participation and celebration from the Clarence Valley residents. The Jacaranda Festival attracts many tourists during this late springtime event.

This year's Festival Matron of Honour, Janette Blair, is celebrating 30 years since she was crowned Festival Queen in 1978.

Click on the thumbnails below to see THE photos of the Janette during her time as Festival Queen.

The Jacaranda Queen Crowning Ceremony in 1947.

Fun & frivolity in Market Square (1947)

In 1952 Shirley Adams (nee Young) was awarded the highest honour that the Jacaranda Festival can bestow upon a young lady of the city, and was crowned Queen of the Jacarandas. Shirley's love and commitment to Jacaranda then saw her 16 years later take on roles as director of the Venetian Carnival and President of the Festival.

During these roles Shirley was instrumental in moving the festival into a new level of positive growth and exciting change - these changes were to see that the Jacaranda Festival became a free event for the community - celebrating in floral dance and gaiety.

One of the most wonderful and inspiring visions of Shirley's is the crown that adorns our iconic Prince Street clock tower. The crown when illuminated is a majestical sign that Jacaranda is alive and well, and too, the fairytale dreams of young girls aspiring to be Jacaranda Queen is ignited.

Jacaranda Queen Shirley Young (1952)

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