By ANEEKA SIMONIS
EXCITED little faces bundled onto colourful and creative floats which made their way through central Pakenham for Yakkerboo’s annual parade on the weekend.
It was a special 40th anniversary celebration for the Yakkerboo festival, and many floats suited the historic milestone with 70s inspired decorations and a strong flower power theme.
Pakenham Consolidated School took out the title as the Champion Float and Cardinia Primary School won Best School Float – but the festival’s president said all entrants were winners.
“It’s not about winning awards, it’s about kids having fun on the day,” said Yakkerboo Festival Committee president Michael Porter.
The Best Kindergarten Float was taken out by Andrews Kindergarten.
Yakkerboo himself spruced up for the big anniversary event over the weekend, gracing the parade with his fresh, revamped look.
Yakkerboo, with the iconic green look, was admired by some 7500 onlookers who stood on the sidelines of the Sunday 17 April parade.
Kids enjoyed plenty of rides and the carnival-like atmosphere which penetrated the town over the two-day event.
Yakkerboo Festival Committee president Michael Porter said one of the highlights was seeing the return of former crowned Yakkerboo queens and princesses.
“It was so nice to have them back for the 40th year,” he said.
They sat pretty in the back of trucks making their way through the parade.
