Blossoms bloom for day out
The sun shone and the cherry blossoms bloomed on time for the annual International Spring Festival at Palmerston North’s IPU.
Traditionally attracting between 5000 and 7000 locals and visitors, the festival was stronger than ever on Saturday.
About 7250 people turned up, including officials from several embassies.
Community liaison officer Joe Rush said it was the busiest festival he had been a part of.
Sometimes the cherry blossoms (sakura) had been buffeted and spoilt by the weather, but this year, they were just bursting forth to provide an ideal backdrop for the those wanting to capture pictures of the event.
Rush said parking near the event was at a premium during the day.
‘‘Talking to people at the event, some had to park quite a distance away to get in.’’
The free shuttle buses running throughout the day between the I-site in The Square and the campus were the sensible choice for many, proving popular.
There were a total of 19 food stalls, the most ever, to satisfy hungry attendees.
Of those, 11 were run by students, and most of the rest were Palmerston North based.
The cultural displays were also popular, Rush said.
‘‘We are proud to celebrate the various cultures represented in Palmerston North.
‘‘We had groups from all over New Zealand, and even from overseas, come for the day.’’
The International Spring Festival was set up to be a vibrant and innovative annual event to celebrate the diversity of about 20 different cultures at IPU New Zealand, and in Palmerston North.
As well as the food and photo opportunities, the festival features a range of cultural displays and exhibitions, games and performances.