There's more to our Carnival of Flowers than you think

GARDENS and parades might be the first things that come to mind when the annual Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers rolls around, but there is plenty more to it.

Exchange student Olivia Kuchta from the United States enjoys the colour at Laurel Bank Park. Picture: Bev Lacey

GARDENS and parades might be the first things that come to mind when the annual Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers rolls around, but there is plenty more to it than that.

From Sideshow Alley down in Frogs Hollow to the Teapot Extravaganza and even ballroom dancing in Laurel Bank Park, there was no shortage of destinations for avid carnival-goers on opening weekend.

Alberto Martinez and partner Anna Parra moved to Toowoomba last year, just weeks after carnival wrapped up, so they were delighted to finally see what all the fuss was about this year.

The former Spain residents spent a delightful Sunday morning admiring the blooms in Queens Park while taking in some lovely opera numbers by Divas in the Park.

Mr Martinez said they were blown away by how wonderful the city's centrepiece event was after hearing about it while still in Spain.

"Of course, it's famous," he replied when asked if he heard about it before his arrival.

"It's beautiful. It's really nice to be here."

Toowoomba Regional Council tourism and events portfolio leader Councillor Geoff McDonald said he had the honour of kicking off the ballroom dancing in Laurel Bank Park and was also impressed when he popped across the street to the Darling Downs Pottery Club, which had a carnival display.

He said another popular addition this year were pop-ups featuring merchandise and gardening information.

Originally published as There's more to our Carnival of Flowers than you think