Free rides beat fireworks

By Melissa Meehan
A DECISION to spend more money on free rides for Pakenham’s youth ended up being the right one at Yakkerboo 2010.
President Graeme Moore said it was a difficult decision this year, but after being told the festival could not use PB Ronald Reserve for the fireworks display, funds were used on extra rides.
“The wave rider was a big hit this year,” he said.
“It was expensive, but I think it was worth it.”
He said the decision was proven as the right choice when the worst storm in 100 years hit Pakenham on Saturday night – meaning the fireworks would not have been used.
“In my own personal opinion I love fireworks, but I think we have a lot in Pakenham – possibly too many,” he said.
“It used to be something to look forward to on New Year’s Eve and Yakkerboo, now it’s almost on every street corner every five minutes.”
He said next year’s committee would need to decide whether to spend the same amount of money on five minutes of bang or more rides for the kids.