By Sophie Poredos
The Hill Shire Council’s largest event, the Orange Blossom Festival of the year, is back, showcasing what the Hills have to offer through a fun-filled parade and a new foodie event at Wisemans Ferry.
With a rich history in citrus, the Hills District was established as the first commercial provider of oranges in the 1800s, thanks to its suitability for growing citrus and stone fruit.
As the festival name suggests, the first ‘Orange Blossom Festival’ began in 1957 when Councillor Eric Mobbs suggested that the Hills Shire Council should host a garden competition to showcase their beautiful neighbourhoods.
Over time this event evolved into a Garden Competition and Festival in 1969, with a celebratory Parade winding through Castle Hill’s main street to Whitling Park. Forty years later, the OBF has transformed into a month-long celebration of the Shire’s achievements and leaders, including ways in which locals can get involved in their community.
Here are the three major Orange Blossom Festivities happening during the month of September
OBF Night Markets (7TH OF SEPTEMBER 2024)
The Orange Blossom Festival will kick-start with the OBF Night Markets, held in conjunction with Aussie Night Markets. Visitors will be able to indulge in some amazing entertainment and food trucks on offer, including a variety of sweet treats.
Held at Hills Showground, festival-goers can expect a family-friendly event for all ages including foods, rides and free entertainment, such as DJ’s and the acrobatic Dauntless Movement Crew.
Award-winning Australian artist Emma Memma, known as Emma Wiggle, will also be performing at 4:25pm on the main stage, bringing a fun and energetic show for her young audience:
“I’m so excited to be back in The Hills Shire for OBF 2024 and twirl with everyone alongside Night Markets Foodie Friends Source OBF Night Markets. my dear friend, BB Butterfly! There will be lots of dancing, singing and sign language and we can’t wait for all the children to join us”.
The event will be held at Castle Hill Showground on Saturday the 7th of September from 3 pm to 9 pm, concluding with a fantastic firework show. Organisers of the event suggest travelling to the event via Sydney Metro or bus network with access directly to the showground.
OBF Parade (21ST OF SEPTEMBER 2024)
The annual parade is returning to Rouse Hill Town Centre, bringing community entertainers and performers, as well as the beloved children’s characters, Bluey and her little sister Bingo.
The event will begin at 11 am, featuring hundreds of musicians, dancers, acrobats and performers from groups marching down the Main Street including the Hills District Pipe Band, The Hills SES Unit and the Millenium Marching Band. Free face painting, a Sensory Space in the Secret Garden and a potting workshop will also be available for the young ones, who can also look forward to ‘Bluey’s Live Interactive Experience’.
Dr Peter Gangemi looks forward to the Parade every year, and recognises it as an opportunity for exposure of local artists and community groups:
“The OBF Parade is a wonderful Hills Shire tradition that returned in 2023 with a modern twist, showcasing local dancers, musicians, performers and community groups for a day of family fun. The 2024 edition will be bigger and better than ever, and Hills residents and visitors are invited to enjoy a wonderful day of family fun at Rouse Hill Town Centre” Mayor Gangemi said.
The event will be held at Rouse Hill Town Centre on Saturday the 21st of September 2024 from 11 am to 4 pm. The main streets of the Town Centre may be affected by the parade so visitors are encouraged to travel the Metro or bus network.
The annual parade is returning to Rouse Hill Town Centre, bringing community entertainers and performers, as well as the beloved children’s characters, Bluey and her little sister Bingo.
The event will begin at 11 am, featuring hundreds of musicians, dancers, acrobats and performers from groups marching down the Main Street including the Hills District Pipe Band, The Hills SES Unit and the Millenium Marching Band. Free face painting, a Sensory Space in the Secret Garden and a potting workshop will also be available for the young ones, who can also look forward to ‘Bluey’s Live Interactive Experience’.
Dr Peter Gangemi looks forward to the Parade every year, and recognises it as an opportunity for exposure of local artists and community groups:
“The OBF Parade is a wonderful Hills Shire tradition that returned in 2023 with a modern twist, showcasing local dancers, musicians, performers and community groups for a day of family fun. The 2024 edition will be bigger and better than ever, and Hills residents and visitors are invited to enjoy a wonderful day of family fun at Rouse Hill Town Centre” Mayor Gangemi said.
The event will be held at Rouse Hill Town Centre on Saturday the 21st of September 2024 from 11 am to 4 pm. The main streets of the Town Centre may be affected by the parade so visitors are encouraged to travel the Metro or bus network.
OBF Taste of Wisemans (29TH OF SEPTEMBER 2024)
Nestled in the heart of Wisemans Ferry near the Hawkesbury River, an exciting new endeavour has been created for this year’s OBF. The aptly named ‘foodie event’, will be appearing at Wisemans Ferry Park, showcasing the region’s best produce and spirits.
Whilst Wisemans Ferry can often be overlooked within the Shire, locals and visitors alike will be able to enjoy burgers, cocktail slushies and craft beers amongst other culinary delights. Live entertainment will also be present, creating an inviting atmosphere near one of NSW’s oldest ferry crossings!
Attendees can also enjoy acoustic performances and roving performers, as well as free activities such as a circus-themed playground, cupcake decorating sessions for the first 500 kids, a petting zoo, face painting, and art activities for the whole family.
The Ferry Artists, a local volunteer-run art gallery, are offering free art sessions for children and adults on the day. Carol Gill, President of the Ferry Artists Gallery, sees the OBF Taste of Wisemans as a chance for the community to come together and celebrate after years of hardship:
“Our isolated community has suffered deeply in the last few years, with a run of natural and infrastructure disasters that have had a profound impact. However, our community is strong, and there is so much it has to offer. The OBF Taste of Wisemans event will be a fun and exciting way to showcase what The Ferry Artists do within the community and raise awareness about our Gallery”.
The event will be held at Wisemans Ferry Park on Sunday the 29th of September, 10 am to 3 pm. Parking is available at the Wisemans Ferry Boat Ramp Car Park, a two-minute walk from Wisemans Ferry Park and will cost $6 for the day.
