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 74th 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.

Fun & frivolity in Market Square (1947)

The Jacaranda Queen Crowning Ceremony in 1947.

Jacaranda Queen Shirley Young (1952)

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