During the festival queen crowning ceremony, Mrs Jolly, of Alexandra, was named the inaugural winner of the Jan Belt Memorial Trophy for festival volunteers.
A presentation was made to Mr Belt at last year’s festival, to mark his involvement in the event since its inception in 1957.
He was given a framed photograph of one of the floats he helped create, the Titanic, in 1998.
Mr Belt, who was ill at the time, died a few months later.
Mrs Jolly (78) helped plan activities for the former festival queens to mark the 60th festival this year and also counted votes for the most popular float.
"I was all set to go home, when I was told: ‘you can’t go home yet, you’re needed to help with something at 4.30’,’’ , so I stayed around,’’ she said.
"No-one was more surprised than me when I got called on to the stage. Being given the trophy was very humbling and the fact it’s in Jan’s memory makes it extra special and very poignant, as I’ve had a lot to do with him over the years."
Although Mrs Jolly modestly said she had not done much over the years, her involvement has spanned several decades.
She served on festival committees, helped make floats and took an active role in the "Wear a Flower Day", which used to be part of the festival.
Presenting the award, Central Otago Mayor Tony Lepper said it was the efforts of people like Mrs Jolly and Mr Belt which made the community so special.
Event manager Martin McPherson said it was time to formally recognise some of the people behind the scenes, whose energy and effort made the festival special.
Mr Belt’s family had agreed a trophy could be named in his memory.
The Titanic float from 18 years ago was re-created by the combined Lions groups this year and won an award for the most creative float.
Convener Sue Noble-Adams said those working on the float felt very strongly that Mr Belt was watching down on them.
"We certainly felt a presence and thought he was looking down on us the whole time," she said.
