Jill Tobin, chairperson of New Zealand Singing School and Dan Druzianic, managing director of Moore Stephens Markhams Hawkes Bay announce that they are bringing Dame Kiri Te Kanawa to Hawke's Bay in 2014.  
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Past and present Blossom Queens practice their royal waves ahead of this year’s annual Blossom Parade. Guests of honour were  (left to right) Nicola Radonich (nee Hearn) from Waipukurau who held the title in 1964; Margaret Ross, Hastings, 1973; Jeanette Odell (nee Tinney), Havelock North, 1969; Vanessa Kirk of Hastings and this year’s Queen; Helena La Hood (nee Hannah), Hastings, 1960; and Shona Holdgate (nee MacDonald) now of Christchurch who was the very first Blossom Queen in 1957.

Did you see the floating floral fountain creations on Saturday as part of the Hastings Blossom Parade. Fantastic work by HB floral artists.

Congratulations to Hastings Blossom ambassadors.  Vanessa Kirk is the 2013 Hastings Blossom Queen. 
(Pictured left to right) Jenny Sypheng, Georgia Singer, Vanessa Kirk, Mandeep Dadrah (runner up), Margaret Ross, the last Queen crowned 40 years ago, Hastings Mayor Lawrence Yule and Cynthia  Bowers, Hastings Deputy Mayor and instigator of the event’s revival.

Thanks to Wesley and Grace Akeripa from Haumoana for being our ‘poster kids’ to encourage others to Dress Up Their Bikes and ride in the Blossom Parade this Saturday.  Best dressed bike wins $100 cash and there’s spot prizes.  Plus check out the decorations in Hastings as part of the Blossom Festival.  Read more here