Committee president Yvonne Neale said both local and outside support for Goulburn’s oldest event had been outstanding.

“We had a raffle with $1000 cash as the first prize and it just amazed me the amount of out of town people who bought tickets.

“They were from Sydney, the south coast and everywhere.”

Advertising in tourist publications and the Seniors Magazine helped to boost crowd numbers.

The festival went off without a hitch. Organisers were buoyed by the 34 entries in yesterday’s procession and the sheer effort put into floats and other entries.

As usual, people turned out in force for the Auburn St parade.

Goulburn MP Pru Goward officially opened the event on Saturday. Festival stalwart Tony Lamarra, Mayor Geoff Kettle and reigning Lilac Queen Zoe Gustafson were also on hand.

St Vincent de Paul Society welfare coordinator in Goulburn, Allan Lieschke was announced as citizen of the year while student Alishia Tomlinson was dubbed junior citizen of the year. Laura Fletcher was crowned junior princess and Lachlan Ford, the prince.

Saturday night’s fireworks display and entertainment were dampened only slightly by rain. Crowd numbers were down, Mrs Neale said.

“This festival has been terrific for feedback and cooperation and our new mayor seems to be with us,” Mrs Neale said.