Perfect weather and masses of entertainment were the recipe for success, festival chairwoman Clair Higginson said.
The temperature hovered around 20degC as thousands of people lined Alexandra's main street to view the procession and then spent the afternoon enjoying the entertainment in Pioneer Park.
The parade featured 12 competitive floats, a "Mad Max" style entry in the Crazy Car section, hot rods, classic cars, big rigs, pipe bands, schools and community groups.
Chosen by public vote, the winning float was the Alexandra Fire Brigade's entry "Fireman Sam".
The princess on the Alexandra and Dunstan Lions Club float, Ellie Trask (18), of Alexandra, was crowned Festival Queen.
Tomorrow's events include "Thunder Sunday Drag Racing" at the Alexandra airport and the Garden Tour, which features cooking demonstrations by chef Nici Wickes.
