Carnival a big boost for Toowoomba businesses

THIS week we launch into spring, and this season puts Toowoomba back on the international stage as the region is showcased to the world by the Carnival of Flowers.

The time-honoured event has received many accolades with multiple Queensland Tourism Awards, Australian Tourism Awards and was awarded Hall of Fame status at the 2017 Queensland Tourism Awards and 2018 Australian Tourism Awards.

The Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce identifies the Carnival of Flowers as one its many achievements.

Commencing in 1949, this iconic event was created as a way for the city to use its “Garden City” reputation to promote increased economic activity.

Last year, it was reported that more than 160,000 people attended the event, contributing more than $20 million into the local economy.

Amazing. And a windfall for the business community.

In 2021, as the event runs over the whole month of September, the event organisers have arranged multiple events choices for all from food to wine, gardens and music.

There truly looks to be something for everyone’s taste.

The Toowoomba chamber has two events that we believe will be the perfect complement to the array of other events during the carnival.

A way to introduce foot traffic in the CBD, enlivening the heart of our CBD, to directly support to the local business community.

We invite you to participate in the Toowoomba chamber’s Food and Agri Network, Locals 4 Locals on Friday, September 3, 2021, and Carnival in the CBD, initiated by the CBD Revitalisation Advisory Committee.

Locals4Locals will celebrate the opening of the carnival.

This relaxed event will be held on the lawns of the iconic Empire Theatre, from 3.30pm to 730pm, where local producers, food vans and pop-ups from the Toowoomba region will be able to showcase their produce, their offerings and services to the public.

It will be an afternoon of delicious food, live music, and beverages for Toowoomba locals, as well as the many out-of-towners visiting the city for the annual Carnival of Flowers.

This event is to recognise the incredible local offerings in our region, while positioning them in front of an engaged community during Toowoomba’s peak-tourism period.

Our carnival in the CBD is about involving our businesses in the carnival, by dressing up your shopfront in a way that celebrates this great Toowoomba tradition, whether that be with flowers, artwork, or your own interpretation of the carnival.

There are no guidelines to taking part in this initiative.

We want people to just be creative, however we do encourage you to use local suppliers wherever possible, and we highly recommend hiding a little item among your decorations.

But most importantly, it provides the opportunity to show off local Toowoomba businesses to the world reconnecting with the early traditions of the Carnival of Flowers.

This iconic event was created as a way for the city to use its ‘Garden City’ reputation to promote increased economic activity.