75 years on: Family reunites in Grand Central Floral Parade
The Tait family came together during the Grand Central Floral Parade to celebrate their patriarch’s legacy, one which now attracts thousands of visitors to the Toowoomba region every year.
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In 1949, Toowoomba was a small country town recovering from wartime and economic depression.
In an effort to lift spirits and celebrate the soul of his hometown, Essex Tait came up with the idea of a Carnival of Flowers.
On Saturday, September 21, four generations of his descendants came together in the Grand Central Floral Parade to celebrate 75 years of his legacy.
The family reunion, which brought together about 50 relatives from across Australia, was organised by one of Essex Tait’s daughters, Sally Warriner.
Ms Warriner said it was amazing that the whole family was able to come together in the way they did.
“This is the first time we’ve had all 50 family members together since Dad’s wake,” Ms Warriner said.
Mr Tait’s other daughter, Susan Bradley, agreed the turnout was extraordinary.
“It’s absolutely wonderful to think that not only our children, but our grandchildren are here,” Ms Bradley said.
“We are so happy to be here to pay tribute to dad and his foresight of introducing a carnival of flowers to support industry and the colour of Toowoomba, after such very suppressed years of World War 2.
“We’re really proud of his legacy.”
She said the idea for the carnival came from his love for the Toowoomba and Darling Downs region, and she is sure her parents are proud of how the legacy has been carried on.
Mr Tait’s grandson, Archie Tait, attended the parade with his three young kids.
He said they were too young to go on the float or understand the significance of the day, but that the carnival was definitely something he wanted to come back to.
“I’m actually more impressed about the Carnival of Flowers – it’s just a great event,” he said.
“Everything is well organised, all the floats are awesome, all the streets are completely lined and full; we’ve had a great day.
“It’s great to be here to represent Essex and his legacy.”
He said his grandfather was the kind of man who would talk to anyone and enjoyed sitting at the pub, nursing a pot of beer, waxing lyrical with any fellow patron.
The Tait family float was one of dozens to participate in the Grand Central Floral Parade on Saturday morning, which was viewed by thousands of locals and visitors alike.
Tony’s Community Kitchen was crowned as the grand champion of the 2024 parade, with an elaborate Alice in Wonderland-themed float.
Parade gallery:
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