THE revival of the float parade, a commemoration of past queens and princesses and the ever present strawberry bring Redfest into its 60th festival from September 7 to 9.
The lineup was launched at the Alexandra Hills Hotel on Saturday and promises three days of entertainment, children’s workshops, food and market stalls and fireworks on two nights.
Headline acts are Rogue Traders and Ross Wilson, appearing on the Redland City Bulletin concert stage.
Crowds are expected to line Russell, Long and Smith streets for the parade which starts at 9am on Saturday in front of Cleveland High School and travels 1.4 kilometres.
A highlight of Saturday’s parade will be a diamond ring featuring a strawberry as the “jewel” of the Redlands by Hampton Jewellers of Redland Bay.
There will also be hot competition for this year’s strawberry eating competition.
At the launch mayor Karen Williams thanked all sponsors and volunteers, especially committee members.
Noted was the work put in by long serving committee member Bill Sedgwick and outgoing members Sandy and Lee Nelson.
As the wife of a former organiser, Jan Banks spoke about the history of the festival through its various incarnations, remembering the princesses and queens riding in the parade in rickshaws and a low loader.
Strawberry Queen competition historian Errol Perry said he was pleased to see elements of the earlier festivals restored.
He honoured the role played by the former queens and princesses as fundraisers for the ambulance.