From the very beginning, the iconic Floral Parade has been a favourite of the community with hundreds of volunteers, community groups and local businesses donating countless hours to its success.
The whole town and thousands of visitors turn out each year to see street performers, carnival characters, and roving entertainment escort the stunning floral floats on their journey through the heart of the city to Queens Park.
Grand Central has been the major sponsor of the Floral Parade for more than 20 years. Each year they create the lead float for the parade.
1950s Parade. Photo: Donated by Lyn Hodgson, Local History and Robinson Collections, Toowoomba City Library.
1950 – The First Floral Parade
On Saturday October 21, 1950 the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers commenced with a street procession that stretched three miles in length.
Led by a bullock team and watched by a crowd estimated to be 50,000 strong, it was a resounding success.
Lasting just over an hour, the parade also featured an elephant that was promoting the circus in town.
Local Elizabeth Cornford recalled excitedly catching the bus from another part of town with her sisters and best friend to see the parade during the day and then returning during the evening to experience the Carnival’s night festivities. “Carnival was the social event of the year!”
Multicultural activities have always been a feature of the parade. Perry Goebel, his family and other new Australians dressed in national costumes on a float in the first parade. That evening they performed a display of national dances.
A statue commemorating “Puppy” the dog stands at Picnic Point. “Puppy” featured in the first ever Carnival parade and was the much loved and popular mascot of the Toowoomba Thistle Band from 1948-1958. Puppy belonged to the band`s drum major, Mr. Hugh Morgan and was attired in a rug in the band`s tartan. At the parades the little dog would trot in front of the band, bringing smiles to everyone’s faces.
1953 – Float Features
In 1953 the Carnival Queen’s float was made of 40,000 artificial flowers.
Floats were originally made of paper and later, plastic, but now there is an emphasis on natural flowers and greenery.
1954 – Queen Shirley Duggan’s Memories
1954 “Stars of Carnival” Queen Float. Photo: Donated by 1954 Carnival Queen Shirley Duggan, Local History and Robinson Collections, Toowoomba City Library
“I was on a beautiful float called “Stars of Carnival” which was positioned at the start of the parade. My seat was in front of the float positioned in front of a star that revolved and had glass all over it reflecting the sunlight. When the parade started, I recall being very emotional which then turned into excitement as people in the crowd were waving and cheering my name.”
1964 – Musical Delights
A record 30 bands took part in the 1964 parade. The parade has always featured a wonderful array of marching bands and musical groups.
1970 – A Parade with a Bang!
“I marched in the Carnival of Flowers Parade as Annie Oakley carrying a gun to promote my part in a concert to be held on the “old” city hall stage that night. With police permission I was able to fire blanks as I marched in the parade. One wouldn’t be allowed to carry any gun down the street now without a licence, especially someone who is 15!”
Jenny Hockings (nee (Janice) Bench)
1976 – Rain on the Parade
Rain couldn’t stop the 70,000 people who came to watch the 1976 parade from enjoying the show. Prepared with umbrellas and colourful raincoats, they braved the 52mm of rain that fell that day.
1990s – Community Pride
1995 Girl Guides in Carnival of Flowers Floral Parade. Photo: Local History and Robinson Collections, Toowoomba City Library
Community Groups have featured strongly every year in the parade. For Kate Logan (24) of South Toowoomba and her sister Anna (26), the Carnival has been a part of their lives for as long as they can remember.
“My sister and I were in Brownies and Girl Guides so each year, from when we were only seven or eight, we would march in the Grand Central Floral Parade. Even though I’m no longer part of the parade I still love to go along and watch the magnificent floats,” she said.
2005 – Blown Away
In 2005 the Floral Parade was cancelled for the first time and only time in its 70 year history because of dangerously high winds.
Woolworths Winners
Woolworths Store Manager Adrian Maynard, has worked on the company’s carnival float for many years, and has won Grand Champion many times. “I love seeing the kids smile as we pass them on the street,” he said in a 2017 Chronicle article celebrating their win.