Parade recognises volunteers

DROUIN streets came alive on Saturday when crowds gathered for the Ficifolia Street Parade.
This year’s parade honoured the work of the local Country Fire Authority brigades and State Emergency Services teams.
Organiser Des Eyles said the CFA and SES teams led the parade with their trucks having the road to themselves before the decorated floats joined in.
The parade honour acknowledged the work of the volunteers fighting fires in Gippsland and other areas of the state, many of whom have been away from home and family members during the Christmas period.
Nine local schools participated as part of 160 entries in the parade.
A total of 2000 people participated in the parade while approximately 3000 people watched on the streets.
There were a wide variety of costumes and floats in the circus theme parade.
The local APEX club created a water saving themed float and local Wilf Tampaline rode his penny farthing dressed as a clown.
Mr Eyles said in tough times, as was currently being experienced in the country, the event was a good way for people to enjoy themselves.
“It was the best ever yet and next year will be even better,” Mr Eyles said.
Further events in the 19th Ficifolia are being held this week including a poetry night, golf day and a teddy bears’ picnic.