DROUIN’S Ficifolia Festival parade and Party in the Park saw around 4,000 people descend on the town centre yesterday to join the festivities.
Video above: includes footage of the parade and an interview with Ficifolia Festival committee president Cameron Gray. All photos and video by William PJ Kulich.
Festival committee president Cameron Gray told The Warragul Citizen this year’s “Rio carnival” themed parade was participated in by a large number of local groups.
ADVERTISEMENT
“We had local community groups, say the Girl Guides and the Scouts and the local sporting clubs, as well as the schools and the nursing homes, and it’s open to everyone so we had heaps,” Mr Gray said.
Above (from left): Jenny Millidonis, Lily Tambassis and Trudy Tambassis dress for the Rio theme.
The festival kicked off on Saturday last week, with yesterday’s parade and Party in the Park carnival the most popular events on the program. But despite growing enthusiasm for the festivities the hot weather might have put locals off.
ADVERTISEMENT
“The festival continues to grow each year, and it’s just about everyone in the community coming together and putting on events,” Mr Gray said.
“We haven’t had a chance to count the crowds yet… but we reckon the crowds might be a little bit down, but we’re saying about three to 4,000. Last year we had about five to six.
Above (from left): Marion Russell and Vin Bibby enjoy the parade.
“I think the weather scared some people off.”
The parade also included vintage cars carrying members of a delegation from Drouin’s sister city in Canada, Barrhead.
“I think that was really special. Last time they were here [10 years ago] they also came at the festival, so it was great to have Drouin on show and share it with our sister city Barrhead.”
The festival wraps up today with a number of events still running.
ADVERTISEMENT
“The art show’s still open… as well as the Open Studios West Gippsland… as well as the combined church service here in the evening tomorrow night and the croquet club has their open day too,” Mr Gray said.
Above: Party in the Park.
Above: Storm Elite Allstars cheerleaders perform at Party in the Park.
Above: Party in the Park.
Above: Party in the Park.
Above: “After 5” play at Party in the Park.
Above: Storm Elite Allstars cheerleaders perform at Party in the Park.
More from the parade can be seen in the video at the top of this article.
