The annual Alexandra Blossom Festival is always a good time, and the Booth’s Logistics Truck Parade an event highlight for many.

As New Zealand’s longest-running festival – 67 years – the ‘Blossie Fest’ attracts tens of thousands of visitors over a three-day Mardi Gras-style event. There’s an array of attractions for the whole family to welcome in spring – with the Mardi Gras (sponsored by Fulton Hogan), an FMX Spectacular, the Contract Energy Grand Procession and Saturday in the Park, and of course, the Booth’s Logistics Parade of Trucks among the many attractions.

Saturday, 28 September, presented a perfect Central Otago spring morning, as no fewer than 70 trucks assembled at the Fulton Hogan yard on Dunstan Road. Judging took place ahead of the parade, and the stunning DAF XF530 stock unit of Tuapeka Transport took out star of the show. Driven on the day by Brandon Bell and having only been on the road a couple of weeks in the care of regular driver Blaize Potter, the DAF was a standout and deserving winner.

At 11.45am, the trucks turned out of the yard, and the parade began. With a chorus of air horns, the trucks turned onto Centennial Avenue, lined by thousands of visitors there to enjoy the spectacle.

Waves and smiles were exchanged, and more than a few photos taken.

“From all of us at Booth’s Logistics, thanks heaps to all the transport operators, drivers, sponsors, event organisers and supporters for getting behind both the festival and the truck show,” says Trevor Booth, executive director Booth’s Logistics.

“Booth’s Logistics was founded in, and still has a strong focus today, on helping get local produce to the markets they need to be in, and with Central Otago having a strong produce sector, we are incredibly proud and honoured to be partnered with such a fantastic community event in the heart of one of our key regions.”

Every truck entered received a gift bag with goodies donated by the following sponsors, which the organisers would like to thank: Bevan Hall Fleet Sales, Bridgestone, Cal Isuzu, CleanCo Truckwash Christchurch, Domett Trailers, EROAD, Gallagher Insurance, MTD Trucks, Patchell Trailers, Roadmaster, Scania, Sime Darby Truck Stops, Southpac, Spark Palmerston North, Straitline Canvas, StraitNZ Bluebridge, TMC Trailers, TR Group, Transpecs, Truckers Pride and Z Energy.

The crowds lined the streets to watch the parade.