Toowoomba East State School Hanging Basket Competition open to the public

Toowoomba East State School hanging basket competition will be open to the public through the weekend with more than 450 pieces on display, most made by the school students.

At the Toowoomba East State School hanging basket display are students (from left) Grace Simpson (holding winning student entry by Carter Simpson), Addyson Riddle (holding winning adult entry by Lydia Wade) and Matilda McGaw, Friday, September 13, 2024. Picture: Kevin Farmer

More than 450 floral hanging baskets will be on display at East State School through the weekend as the Carnival of Flowers gets under way.

Student Grace Simpson entered her piece into the competition and encouraged everyone to check it out.

“It is awesome seeing all the hanging baskets come together,” she said.

“There is a heap of creativity with the other baskets that came in.

“I have made a pink birthday cake, with cardboard around the brim with a plant pot in the middle with a flower coming out.”

Toowoomba East State School student Grace Simpson with her entry in the school's hanging basket display, Friday, September 13, 2024. Picture: Kevin Farmer

The school used to enter the Cobb and Co Museum’s hanging basket competition but launched its own show when the museum was forced to take a hiatus during the Covid pandemic.

Teacher Amy McGaw said the school’s show has grown since then.

“We have a student category and an adult category with trophies, Bunnings gift cards and a massive big basket of garden stuff for the winners.

“The judges had a hard time deciding this year because the quality was just too good.”

The Toowoomba East State School Hanging Basket Competition is open from 9am-5pm Saturday and Sunday at its Arthur Street campus.

Attendees are invited to vote for the People’s Choice Award.