Crowning of the queen . . . 2022 Blossom Festival Senior Queen Shirley Marsden (left) and first runner-up Heather Payne congratulate each other. PHOTOS: TRACIE BARRETT
The first official event of the 2022 Alexandra Blossom Festival was suitably festive on Tuesday when the Senior Queen was crowned at an event at the Alexandra District Club.
Five entrants competed for the title, which was won by Shirley Marsden, of Roxburgh, much to the delight of a group of well›dressed Roxburgh women who called themselves Shirl’s Girls.
Heather Payne was named first runner-up, and Christine Williamson was second runner-up.
The Blossom Festival Princesses also attended the event, which featured a fashion show by Caroline Eve, with Lions Club members as models.
Blossom Festival event manager Martin McPherson said it was a good turnout for the event and everyone was in high spirits.
‘‘I especially liked that the Queen had absolutely no idea that her support crew would be there,’’ he said.
ThatÂ’s our girl . . . Supporters of Shirley Marsden react to her being named 2022 Blossom Festival Senior Queen. Calling themselves ShirlÂ’s Girls, shown are (from left) Sue McGregor, Lynn Jones, Hazel Sycamore (obscured), Raewyn Crossan, Donna Parker and Prue Stratford, all of Roxburgh.ShirlÂ’s Girls . . . Lynn Jones, (from left) Hazel Sycamore and Raewyn Crossan, all from Roxburgh, stand for the announcement of their friend and neighbour Shirley Marsden as 2022 Blossom Festival Senior Queen.Runners up . . . First runner-up Heather Payne, left, and second runner-up Christine Williamson wait for the announcement of the 2022 Blossom Festival Senior Queen.Dressed to impress . . . Blossom Festival Senior Queen entrant Christine Williamson meets the audience on the arm of Clyde and Districts Lions Club member James Whyte.Promenade . . . Blossom Festival Senior Queen entrant Anna Skeet is escorted through the audience by Alexandra Lions Club member Barry McCall.Ladies in waiting . . . Sue Mcgregor and Lynn Jones of Roxburgh attend the crowning of the 2022 Blossom Festival Senior Queen on Tuesday at the Alexandra District Club.Crowning of the queen . . . 2022 Blossom Festival Senior Queen Shirley Marsden, left, and first runner-up Heather Payne congratulate each other.