As the City of Ryde bursts into colour and community spirit for the annual Granny Smith Festival, we sit down with Councillor Sophie Lara-Watson—Deputy Mayor and lifelong Ryde resident—to explore the legacy of Maria Ann ‘Granny’ Smith, the festival’s evolving role in local culture, and how civic rituals like this one nourish both heritage and future vision. With her background in financial stewardship and a passion for preserving Ryde’s green spaces, Sophie Lara-Watson offers a grounded yet celebratory lens on what makes this orchard-born tradition so enduring.

The City of Ryde Granny Smith Festival is on Saturday 18th October 9:00am-8:30pm at Eastwood oval & the shopping precinct.

https://www.ryde.nsw.gov.au/Events/Granny-Smith-Festival