17 May 2022
#trEATS is back for Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers – registrations NOW OPEN
#trEATS, the regional food trail that takes place across the region throughout September as part of Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers is back, and organisers are calling on flavour-makers to register now to be part of the program.
Introduced in 2020, #trEATS (Toowoomba Region EATS) features signature springtime dishes from cafes, restaurants and bars inspired by Toowoomba’s most famous event, and priced at $10-$20.
Last year almost 40 local operators took part, with dishes covering the whole taste spectrum, from sweet to savory to spicy and all in between.
A re-imagined wagon wheel from Cobb+Co that starred creamy marshmallow with local strawberry jam encased in fresh Choux pastry, garnished with local chocolate, fresh raspberries and chocolate crumble and served with creamy chocolate ice cream was a standout last year, as well as Jilly’s Café’s sweet cinnamon French toast with caramel sauce, vanilla ice cream, house made granola, fresh fruit and pink Persian fairy floss (both pictured). Both operators were thrilled at the success of the program.
Applications are NOW OPEN for local eateries and bars. Download an application form here!
“Flowers and flavour is one of the world’s great double acts and this year Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers will once again celebrate our regional flavour makers with the #trEATs program,” said Toowoomba Regional Council Environment and Community Committee Chair Cr James O’Shea. “We are famed for our incredible produce and flavours, and during the event where Toowoomba shines on the national stage, we can give locals and visitors alike a tasty food adventure for the whole month.”
Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers will be celebrated throughout all of September. Taking centre stage will be over 190,000 flowers and local flavours, as the event blooms into a truly region-wide experience for both locals and visitors.
Along with the beautiful blooms, the famous three-day Festival of Food and Wine will be held from 9 to 11 September, showcasing the best in regional produce and Australian music in Queens Park. The line-up will be announced on June 1.
Event showstopper, the Grand Central Floral Parade will be held on Saturday 17 September, again at the earlier time of 10am, allowing crowds to enjoy a full day shopping and adventuring. This year the theme will be Reflect, Connect and Sparkle, a fitting and very positive nod to the past two years of challenges.
Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers 2022
1 – 30 September 2022
The FULL PROGRAM is LIVE at tcof.com.au
Accommodation, day trip and longer stay itineraries are all available.
Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers – A History
Since its inception in 1949, the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers has flourished and is now an iconic Queensland event. The brainchild of Essex Tait and the Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce, Carnival was introduced as a way for the city to use its “Garden City” reputation to promote increased economic activity following the hardships of war. On 21 October 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, as it has been ever since.
Awards and Accolades
Silver winner 2021 Queensland Tourism Award for Major Festivals & Events
Gold winner 2019 Queensland Tourism Award for Destination Marketing
State Finalist 2019 Australian Tourism Awards for Destination Marketing
Australian Tourism Hall of Fame Inductee 2018 Major Festivals & Events
Queensland Tourism Hall of Fame Inductee 2017 Major Festivals & Events
Gold winner 2018, 2017, 2016 Australian Tourism Award for Major Festivals & Events
Gold winner 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015 Queensland Tourism Award for Major Festivals & Events
Most Supportive Community Event 2017 Queensland Wine Awards
Event category Winner 2015 Parks & Leisure Australia Awards of Excellence
Gold winner 2014 Queensland Tourism Awards for Festivals and Events
For more information contact Kath Rose & Associates on 0416 291 493 or kath@kathrose.com