MEDIA RELEASE
21 November 2003

Sweet smell of success for Parnell rose festival

Next year’s Parnell Festival of Roses promises to be even bigger and better than this year’s. The Auckland Rose Society has been awarded a once in a century opportunity to host the World Federation of Rose Societies Regional Convention in Parnell which will coincide with the Festival of Roses.

More than 16,000 people poured into Parnell last weekend to enjoy the free Parnell Festival of Roses two day floral feast which included a variety of entertainment and visual displays.

The event, held at Dove-Myer Robinson Park, Parnell Mainstreet and Holy Trinity Cathedral, was very successful, with particular crowd pleasers being Rose Petal Jam in Parnell’s mainstreet, the Hijacks Barbershop quartet and the wonderful Grass people and children’s maypole dancing from Meadowbank School.

Also popular was the Auckland Rose Society’s annual competition and exhibition at St Mary’s Parnell.

Many people took advantage of the array of exhibitions and craft stalls to snap up some Christmas present bargains.

Twinings, a first time sponsor of the event, thought it was a huge success. “We are delighted to have been a sponsor – it has been great to see such a diverse crowd attending the event and everyone really enjoying themselves, and, more importantly, enjoying our tea!” said a Twinings spokesperson.

The free event was produced by Auckland City as part of their Free Summer series. It was run in partnership with Parnell Mainstreet Association, with support from Twinings Tea, i98FM, and Kingsgate Hotel Parnell.

Ends

Ref: JA

Rose Show Results:
Champion of Champions: ‘First Love’ exhibited by Steve Clarke, Auckland
Champion Exhibition: ‘Colleen’ exhibited by Janice Walker, Whangarei
Champion Decorative: ‘First Love’ exhibited by Steve Clarke, Auckland
Champion Small Stem: ‘Invincible’ exhibited by Ken & Joan Turner, Whangarei
Champion Large Stem: ‘Satchmo’ exhibited by Eve & Harry Frank, Whangarei
Champion Vase of Roses: ‘Aorangi’ exhibited by Steve Clarke, Auckland

Miniature Roses
Champion of Champions: ‘Pierrine’ exhibited by David & Judy Haigh, Auckland
Champion Exhibition: ‘Pierrine’ exhibited by David & Judy Haigh, Auckland
Champion Decorative: ‘Glowing Amber’ exhibited by Janice Walker, Whangarei
Champion Small Stem: ‘Kaikoura’ exhibited by Ken & Joan Turner, Whangarei
Champion Large Stem: ‘Dusky Dancer’ exhibited by Janice Walker, Whangarei
Champion Fully Open: ‘Heartland’ exhibited by Ram Bunton, Whangarei

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