By Jade Lawton
THE show must go on.
That was the attitude of the hard working Yakkerboo festival committee, who defied the weather and ensured the festival went ahead as planned on Sunday.
Festival-goers rugged up against the cold and lined the streets to view the parade and unique car cavalcade.
Yakkerboo festival committee president Graham Treloar said support was strong, despite the wind and rain.
“It was good attendance, under the conditions,” he said.
“Overall it was very successful, but naturally the committee was disappointed with the weather. It is the first time I can remember, in 33 years of Yakkerboo, events being partially washed out.”
The windy weather meant some of the carnival rides could not operate on Saturday night, and the fireworks were called off.
Luckily Mr Yakkerboo proved to be waterproof and has survived for another year – but his birthday party, planned for Sunday afternoon, was canned.
Children at Cardinia Primary School, who won the category for most entertaining entry, instead got to tuck in to Mr Yakkerboo’s cake, provided by The Great Australian Bakery, on Monday.
“Even though it was wet and he didn’t get any cake, I think Mr Yakkerboo had a happy birthday,” Mr Treloar said.
“I would like to thank all the participants – the floats, stall holders and general public for defying the odds and coming along.”
“I would also like to thank the committee for all the work and effort they put in. We plan it for 12 months and even if it gets washed out, we’ve still done the same amount of work.”
Mr Treloar said the committee would meet on Monday to start planning next year’s festival, and no doubt put in an early request for clear blue skies next time around.
>>> More pictures pages 58-59.