Floats brighten Derby streets

Dancing bananas, Oompa Loopas and a 15m road train helped bring the streets of Derby alive last Friday for the Boab Festival float parade and Mardi Gras.

Hundreds of locals and tourists lined Clarendon and Loch streets as the colourful procession moved towards the Town Oval where presentations were awarded to the best floats and a fairground awaited.

Reigning winners Mowanjum Community won best adult float for traditional corroborees performed by elders, with adults and children pulled by an impressive road train.

Childcare centre Scallywags won for best community float with toddlers dressed as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Oompa Loompas.

Boab Festival Committee president Bill Hart officially kicked off the 43rd Boab Festival by thanking community groups and businesses for getting involved with celebrations and helping to brighten the streets.

“The Mardi Gras and Float Parade is a feel-good community day and occasion for Derby as we put on a show to the rest of the town and visiting tourists,” he said.