PARADE IS BACK BIGGER THAN EVER
THE Toowoomba CBD will be awash with colour as the Grand Central Floral Parade meanders along Ruthven Street on its way to Queens Park.
It will include dozens of floats built in sheds across the city by businesses, school and community groups.
The Life Without Barriers float plays on the butterfly theme by showing the life cycle of this quintessential springtime creature.
“The float is the cocoon and the butterflies are emerging from them towards our tie-dyed sky,” Deb Dell said.
Hundreds of paper butterflies adorn the float, made from recycled matters by the disability and aged-care provider’s clients.
Every float in the parade has been asked to respond to the theme, so revellers can expect lots of colourful wings flapping in the breeze.
For Toowoomba Councillor James O’Shea the carnival features the best of the city and its people.
“It really showcases the pride we have in our community,” he said.
“People can showcase their business, their community group or whatever it may be.”
The parade will be back in force after a subdued event in 2020.
While it is hard to estimate how many tourists will make the trip this morning Cr O’Shea said he expected big crowds.
“To have people in the CBD as part of the parade then dispersing into the city provides a great opportunity for our businesses,” he said.
The parade starts at the corner of Herries and Hume Streets at 10am. It will move along Ruthven Street then up Margaret Street to Queens Park.