As a young woman growing up, April Watson (nee Horton) dreamed of becoming the Goulburn Lilac Queen.
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Born at Goulburn Base Hospital in 1985, she remembers anticipating the festivities around the long weekend since the 1990s.
Her family were all locals, with most now living elsewhere.
Mrs Watson also moved away in 2010, but returned when she was expecting her son, Miles, with her husband Mikey.
"It hasn't been the same with Lilac Time Festival over the last few years," Mrs Watson said.
"Not many people seem excited or interested in it, which is really sad."
She reckons it's time for that excitement to return and she has announced her entry to the Lilac Queen Competition.
Supported by the committee, including Nadia Kitching, who is coordinating the competition, Mrs Watson is looking forward to talking to locals about the parade and festival more broadly.
"I'm a loud, happy person, and I don't mind a bit of attention," Mrs Watson said.
"I think if anyone was going to shout about how much they love Lilac Time, and get heard, it'll be me."
Local businesses have come out in support of her candidacy, with donations for the raffle April is arranging.
"I am so grateful to have people in our community ready to help me fundraise, and supporting the festival," she said.
"I hope to raise a decent amount of money for my chosen charity, Perinatal Anxiety and Depression (PANDA) as well as for the committee to help us make Lilac Time massive again."
For updates on April's campaign and fundraising activities, or to sponsor her, you can reach out to her through her Facebook www.facebook.com/thewattomumma
Organiser Nadia Kitching has told the Goulburn Post there are five candidates for this year's Lilac Queen Competition. For more information about this, contact her on 0417-221102.
Lilac Ball
The Goulburn Dance Club is holding a Lilac Ball on Saturday, October 5 at the Veolia Arena.
lt will be followed on Sunday morning with a Post Ball Dance, which will be open to all free of charge.
Tickets to the Saturday night ball cost $50 and are available from Carol James Real Estate.
Live Music for the Ball will be provided by local musician Tom McQuade and a program of over 30 different dances are on the program, including old favourites like Gypsy Tap and Pride of Erin.
"The evening will open with a two-course meal and the first dance will be the Lilac Waltz, first danced in 1950s," organiser Warren Matthews said.
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