Floriade has rolled out the glamour, enlisting former Miss Universe Australia Rachael Finch as the ambassador for this year's event.
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The 23-year-old was given an early tour of the Commonwealth Park site yesterday where a host of workers were planting the final blooms. Finch's ambassadorial duties begin today with the launch of the festival and Floriade officially opens tomorrow, running until October 16.
''Now I can see why it has a reputation for being so beautiful. It's stunning,'' Finch said among the blooms yesterday.
The Celebrity MasterChef star could relate to this year's theme: A Feast for the Senses. ''I love food. I grew up on a fruit and vegie farm ... I think the combination of my passion for food and flowers and the outdoors had something to do with me being chosen to represent [Floriade],'' she said.
Finch hopes to take in the full Floriade experience next month.
''I want to come back down ... and spend a good day here, when I can just enjoy it,'' Finch said.
The Feast for the Senses theme aims to promote healthy food and lifestyles along with the traditional floral displays. This year, Floriade covers 4800sqm and comprises more than one million bulbs and annuals.
Floriade NightFest will also return from September 28 to October 2.
Since it first ran in 1988 to celebrate Canberra's 75th birthday, Floriade has grown into the ACT's premier tourist event, drawing thousands of visitors each year.