BRIGHT put on another spectacular show last Saturday as the main street was transformed into a thoroughfare for more than a dozen fantastical floats to delight this year's crowds at the Al Findlay Memorial Gala Day Parade.
The day began with the Bright Gala Day's Rotary Market from 9am to 1pm, with stalls lining Ireland, Camp and Barnard streets - filled to capacity with amazing local handicrafts, produce, treats and homewares for the whole family to enjoy.
As stalls were cleared away, crowds of eager spectators gathered and lined up along the parade route in Ireland Street, before the procession of handmade floats, emergency services, marching bands, local groups and performers made their way into view for this year's Bright Autumn Festival's grade parade.
“We had perfect conditions last Saturday," festival president, Brendan Holland said.
"I know the Bright Rotary Club was pleased with how things went at the market.
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"This year's floats looked really good: the kids ones were amazing and they did a great job.
"The day seemed to go very well and there were good crowds at Bright’s Got Talent afterwards.
"Some people may have stayed away due to it being Election Day, but as there were quite a few tourist busses in town to add to the local crowds, it certainly wasn't poorly attended."
A number of local clubs got in the spirit of this year's parade theme, to bring the magic of films from the 1980s back to Bright.
"We're back in the parade this year," secretary of the Bright Croquet Club, John Hart said.
"Our float theme is Indiana Jones: The Temple of Doom.
"Someone said there would be Indiana Jones music being played during the parade, so we chose that character.
"The main thing I remember about Indiana Jones is the roller coaster ride; so this year, we've got outfits to make us look like we're on a roller coaster."
Following the parade, crowds made their way to the Sibley Soundshell in Howitt Park and enjoyed numerous displays of local talent at the Bright's Got Talent show, from 3pm that afternoon.
Saturday's festivities wound up at the Bright Brewery where, attendees at the Village Campfire gathered around fire pits to roast marshmallows to perfection, to beat the cold and reflect on an amazing day out in the community.
WINNERS OF THIS YEAR'S GALA DAY PARADE:
Best Float: The Little Mermaid (1989), from Alpine View Children’s Centre.
Most Outstanding Float Incorporating the Theme: Flashdance (1983) by I-Dance.
Best School/Youth Float: The Karate Kid (1984), from Bright P-12 College.
Best Community Group: E.T. (1982), by Alpine Cycling Club.
Best Emergency Services: Porepunkah CFA
Best Commercial Float: Back to the Future (1985) Beechworth Bakery.
Most Humorous Float was a tie between Porepunkah Primary School's 'The Blues Brothers' (1980) and The Harrietville Bush Kinder's compilation of films and VCR float.
