River of Flowers event marks end of an era | Canterbury News | Local News in Canterbury

The Avon River was awash with petals today as dozens of Christchurch residents gathered along its banks as part of the River of Flowers commemorative event.

In Avonside about 300 residents gathered beside the river to reflect on the year and pay tribute to those who were lost.

They sprinkled flowers in the river released balloons at 12.51pm and wrote messages which they attached to a tree of hope .

To many it would be the last time they would be part of a community event in the area as their homes have been red zoned.

As Avonside resident Wayne Tait placed his flower in the river he thought of his Keller Street home. He has lived there for 49 years but now he will have to leave.

"It's a very hard day we've had 18 months of hell. There's a lot of broken of people here today."

Mr Tait decided he wanted to share the quake anniversary with his community rather than attend the formal event in Hagley Park.

"It's where my heart is. It was one last thing we could do together as a community before we had to move. It was a very touching ceremony."

Fellow resident Cherie Benss said she also came down to the river " just to be with the people".

"We've been in this together for all these months so it seemed fitting to be together as we remember February 22."

Sabrina Ramelt was surprised how much the ceremony had affected her.

She had grown up in the area but had just learnt her grandma's house was to be demolished.

"We won't have any reason to come to this area anymore. This neighbourhood is so special. I wanted to be a part of this community one last time. It's such a sad day.

The Avonside site was one of several spot s along the river where communities gather to pay tribute.