September is going to be so sweet with the return of The Hills Shire Council's Orange Blossom Festival (OBF).
The month-long festival features Council's main event – Lights, Beats and Sweets – at Arthur Whitling Park in Castle Hill from Thursday, September 8 to Saturday, September 10.
Council will also be supporting a number of community events, which range from a garden competition to a bonsai show, as well as a cross country challenge, art exhibitions, speaking competition, and a classical music concert and so much more.
Mayor of The Hills Shire, Dr Peter Gangemi said he was proud Council was supporting local events which promoted community connectedness.
"The Hills community are incredibly excited for the return of the Orange Blossom Festival," Mayor Gangemi said.
"The Orange Blossom Festival is steeped in history and is a chance to enjoy the best the Shire has to offer.
"Our goal with these events is to enhance social connections by bringing people together and showcasing all the wonderful work our community groups do for the betterment of The Hills Shire. It is my hope to see people wanting to join some of these groups, which in turn builds community spirit and wellbeing.
"I encourage our residents, and their family and friends to make the most of Council's main event - Lights, Beats and Sweets - and all the community events that are taking place during the entire month of September," Mayor Gangemi added.
The Orange Blossom Festival started in 1969 when locals envisaged an event that would bring the community together and celebrate life in The Hills. Over half a century later, the Orange Blossom Festival still showcases the best of The Hills.
Community events happening as part of the 2022 Orange Blossom Festival include:
Bonsai Show at the Henry Lowe Pavillion at Castle Hill Showground
This year's Bonsai Show has something for everyone and includes a display and well-stocked bonsai marketplace.
Date: Friday, September 2 – Sunday, September 4.
Cost: $5 adults; concessions $3; children under 12 free.
Baulkham Hills Art Society OBF Art Exhibition at Dural Memorial Hall
See the wonderful work created by our talented local artists in the Baulkham Hills Arts Society.
Date: September 3 – September 4.
Cost: Free.
Young Virtuosos at the Pioneer Theatre
Enjoy classical music performed by local gifted young musicians in the Sydney Hills Youth Orchestra and the Sydney Hills Junior Orchestra.
Date: Friday, September 9.
Cost: $30 adult; $20 concession and $10 student.
Public Speaking Competition at the Glenhaven Community Centre
Do you enjoy public speaking? The Soroptimist International are holding a Public Speaking Competition for high school students as part of OBF. For details: www.siswp.org.
Date: Saturday, September 10.
Cost: FREE.
Cross Country Challenge at Bella Vista Farm
There will be different distances for all capabilities as part of the Rotary Club of Castle Hill's Cross Country Challenge.
Date: Sunday, September 11.
Cost: Registration starts at $20.
Kenthurst Fair at John Benyon Rotary Park
Enjoy a day of entertainment, rides, stalls and a street parade during the annual Kenthurst Fair.
Date: Sunday, September 11.
Cost: Free.
Sydney Hills Garden Competition
Nominate a garden worthy of attention in The Sydney Hills Garden Competition. There are nine categories, including school gardens, good neighbour gardens, strata or community title property, residential garden, new garden, senior citizen garden and townhouse, villa or courtyard garden. Entry forms are available at www.hillsgardencomp.org.au or from Council's Orange Blossom Festival website, www.orangeblossomfestival.com.au.
OBF Annual Art Awards
Castle Hill Art Society will celebrate local art with the Annual Art Awards for adults. This exhibition also provides a great opportunity to buy original art from local artists.
Date: Friday, September 16 – Sunday, September 18;
Cost: Free.
Jazz at The Pines at Roughley House, in Dural
Jazz at The Pines is an outdoor jazz concert held on the grounds of historic Roughley House - a Council-owned heritage property at Dural. The concert provides patrons with an opportunity to relax in an open-air picnic setting surrounded by the property's iconic pine trees.
Date: Sunday, September 18.
Cost: Adults $25, concession $20 and family $50.
