"Although we haven't actually called for float registrations yet, several groups have already contacted me and said 'this is what we're going to do, so pencil that in'," festival event manager Martin McPherson said.
"One group has said it's going to feature Yogi Bear, so that's booked in and taken."
The float procession, which takes place on Saturday, September 24, is always the main attraction at the annual festival.
"It's a very good sign to have organisations getting in touch already to book characters or themes for this year's procession.
Some of the ones who have contacted me were first-time entrants last year, so it's nice to see they're continuing their support."
Plans are shaping up well for this year's event which will be the 55th festival. Mr McPherson said the festival committee would build on the success of the 2010 festival.
The event faced an uncertain future at the start of last year, after three successive years of losses resulted in it being declared technically insolvent.
Following a public meeting to gauge support, the festival went ahead with a pared-back budget and with Mr McPherson as manager. A resurgence of interest and support contributed to its success and it made a $30,000 profit.
Mr McPherson was reappointed manager for the 2011 event and said no major changes were proposed for the programme this year.
"We'll be keeping all the activities that were popular last year and making them bigger and better and brighter."
The Otago Daily Times-sponsored mardi gras, held the night before the procession, was revived last year and proved popular.
"The success of the mardi gras means it will be back on the calendar this year, with improvements made to the lighting and staging of the event to make it even more popular," he said.
The festival would complement, rather than clash with, the Rugby World Cup games.
The England v Romania match will be staged in Dunedin the same day as the festival procession but the kick-off time for the rugby was at 6pm, while the parade was at noon, Mr McPherson said.
"People could go to both and the Blossom Festival might be another attraction for rugby supporters who are visiting the province for the rugby."
The WoolOn creative fashion awards will probably be brought forward from the weekend so the event does not clash with the first world cup rugby semifinal match in Auckland.
WoolOn will probably be staged on Thursday and Friday, October 13 and 14.
