OBF keeps blossoming
The Orange Blossom Festival might be right around the corner, but for the organisers it is a year-round event.
Hills Shire
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The Orange Blossom Festival might be right around the corner, but for the organisers it is a year-round event.
Now in its 56th year, the festival blends tradition with new activities to keep visitors coming back year after year.
It is no easy feat for the Hills Shire Council’s community, economic development and venues manager Lori Modde and her team, who spend all year searching for the best food, events and entertainment for the festival.
“Throughout the year we keep up to date with the latest trends, what’s new and what people are interested in,” she said.
“By doing this we can keep the Orange Blossom fresh and relevant.
“For example, this year the Orange Blossom Festival will feature Pokemon Go and the incredibly popular Knafeh food truck, both huge trends in the gaming and food worlds, respectively.”
This year’s festival has brought a range of new and interesting food concepts together, from soft drinks served in light bulbs at Bulb Soda to the colourful ice-cream sandwiches from StroopBros.
“There is a feeling of exhilaration when you’re working at the biggest community event of the year,” Ms Modde said.
“The sense of community spirit and excitement at the event is electric.
“You can’t help feeling proud of both the event and the community we belong to.”
This year’s festival will include crowd favourites such as the OBF Parade, fireworks and community performances, with new additions such as skateboarding demonstrations, Instagram photo booths and the Zest Quest talent competition.
“The Orange Blossom Festival is a nostalgic event for many of our patrons,” Ms Modde said.
“Maybe they first came as a child and now they are coming back with their own children.
“Elements like the OBF Parade and fireworks display provides a throwback to past festivals for return patrons, while skateboarding demos, fresh new musical talent, Instagram photo booths, and features like Pokemon Go and Knafeh entice a whole new audience to the event.”
What: The 56th Orange Blossom Festival
When: Saturday 10am-8pm and Sunday 10am-5pm
Where: Castle Hill Showground, Doran Dr, Castle Hill
Highlights: Work up a sweat at Active Zest, visit the Community Grove, watch community stars shine on the Local Blooms stage, watch the OBF Parade, enjoy tasty treats from food trucks at Eat Street, and visit Pippa’s Playland with the kids
Website:orangeblossomfestival.com.au
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