Dog-friendly itineraries unveiled,
and introducing Rambo, the Ambassadog!
As if petal power was not enough! The acclaimed Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers has today unveiled Petals and Pups 2020 – its official dog-friendly program, completely dedicated to hounds and their humans and in salute to Toowoomba's first canine Ambassadog, 'Puppy' the Pomeranian.
In an historic move, the second ever Ambassadog in 71 years has been named – Rambo, a seven-month-old, tricolour, pure-bred Australian Shepherd, will proudly fly the canine flag this year!
IMAGES: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/d73a522tmu4hnzn/AAC1JZxZa2iCGQRlolh8wldwa?dl=0
"Dogs have always been a part of the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers. At the very first Carnival parade in 1950 the Toowoomba Thistle Band's drum major, Mr Hugh Morgan, set the benchmark with his tartan-clad pooch 'Puppy' marching alongside the ensemble. Today a statue commemorating 'Puppy' stands in the iconic Picnic Point parkland which overlooks Toowoomba's scenic panorama of the Great Dividing Range," Cr James O'Shea, Chair of the Toowoomba Regional Council Environment and Community Committee said. "In 2020 we look forward to welcoming visitors and locals to celebrate with their dogs all across the city."
In a year that has seen a raft of events cancelled due to COVID-19, the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers will bloom brightly this September as one of the first major events to be staged post-lockdown. The 2020 program features over 30 events and activations with 48 local tour departures ready to go. All events, experiences and areas will be managed with COVID-19 safe plans in place.
Over 170,000 blooms have been planted across the city's major parks and public spaces to create a spectacular canvas of colour for much needed celebrations in September.
The pawsome Petals and Pups 2020 program boasts more than 20 dog-friendly activities and 27 off-leash parks, as well as dog-friendly cafes, restaurants and accommodation recommendations.
Rambo's owner Howard Du Plessis said Toowoomba was a brilliant city for dog-owners. "Toowoomba dogs must truly be some of the luckiest in the country – we have the glorious Queens Park Botanic Gardens and Laurel Bank Park to adventure through, as well as 27 off-leash areas. Rambo can absolutely recommend the off-leash areas across Toowoomba, it's one of his favourite things to do! Rambo and I are looking forward to welcoming dogs and their owners from far and wide this September. Like lots of millennials, Rambo loves having his photo taken, so if you see him during Carnival, come and say hi!"
Rambo was born on Christmas Day last year and is quite the celebrity in Toowoomba, even boasting his own instagram account (
