Orange Blossom Festival returns to the Hills on Sept 2023

Orange Blossom Festival’s mascot named Pippa. 

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Orange Blossom Festival will return to the Hills Shire community starting 1 September 2023.

The anticipated event is teeming with history and decades-long traditions. Residents can expect games and community activities like the OBF Parade. The procession on 9 September will include floats created by various groups and organisations. It will begin at the Rouse Hill Town Centre, Windsor Road, Rouse Hill.

On 2 September, the OBF Night Markets will house food trucks and stalls at the Castle Hill Showground. Entertainment from Dorothy the Dinosaur & Friends and Dauntless Movement Crew will accompany the festival goers through the night. The market will open at 4:00 PM and conclude at 9:00 PM.  

The Orange Blossom Festival had its first run in 1969 and became a Hills Shire staple over the years. The concept is derived from the Hills Shire being a top Australian citrus producer in the 19th century.

It ceased operations during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic between 2020 and 2021. OBF only returned in 2022.

There will be other events in different areas happening throughout the month-long festival. These are:

 

• Bella Vista Farm Open Day by the Friends of Bella Vista Farm –

Sunday, 3 September, 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM,

at Bella Vista Farm, Bella Vista

• Family Concert by the Sydney Hills Youth Orchestra –

Tuesday, 5 September, 7:30 PM

at Pioneer Theatre, Castle Hill

• Hills Young Musicians Contest by the Sydney Hills Youth Orchestra –

Friday 8 September

at Baulkham Hills High School, Baulkham Hills

• Come and Try BMX Day by Castle Hill BMX Club –

Saturday, 9 September, 1:00 PM

at Fred Caterson Reserve, Castle Hill

• Public Speaking Competition by The Hills Soroptimists –

Saturday, 9 September, 1:30 PM,

at Glenhaven Community Centre, Glenhaven

• Run for The Hills by Castle Hill Rotary –

Sunday, 10 September, 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM,

atBella Vista Farm, Bella Vista

• Kenthurst Fair by Kenthurst Rotary –

Sunday, 10 September, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM,

at John Benyon Park, Kenthurst          

• Bonsai Show by the Bonsai Society of Australia –

15-17 September, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM,

at Harvey Lowe Pavilion, Castle Hill

• Annual Art Awards and Exhibition by the Castle Hill Art Society –

15-17 September, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

at Castle Glen Community Centre, Castle Hill

 Jazz at The Pines by The Hills-Kellyville Rotary Club –

Sunday, 18 September,

at Roughley House, Dural

• Garden Competition by The Hills-Kellyville Rotary Club –

Friday, 22 September,

at Harvey Lowe Pavilion, Castle Hill              

• Annual Children’s Art Awards by the Castle Hill Art Society –

Saturday, 23 September, 10 AM-4 PM,

at Castle Glen Community Centre, Castle Hill

 

According to the Festival, “The Hills Shire Orange Blossom Festival has a rich history in the Hills with stories of cultural change, local achievement and a-coming-together of diverse groups to showcase the best of the region.

“It is about generating a sense of community pride and involvement and was created to highlight the progressive and diverse nature of the Hills community and present residents with the opportunity to engage in and learn about the wide range of community groups, clubs and associations they can be involved with.”

“In 2023, The Hills Shire Orange Blossom Festival Parade returns along with all your favourite festival activities and supporting community-focused events and activities. All of The Hills Shire Orange Blossom Festival events will be run by local community groups, offering a diverse range of activities for locals to enjoy,” according to the festival.  

Dr Peter Gangemi at the festival. 

 

In a Facebook post, Dr Peter Gangemi, Mayor of the Hills Shire Council, said, “The Orange Blossom Festival really has something for everyone, so I hope you can make several of the events this year.”

To learn more information about the upcoming festival, visit Orange Blossom Festival. According to the festival’s website, dates and times are subject to change.

Image credit to Orange Blossom Festival and Dr Peter Gangemi – Mayor of the Hills Shire Council.