By Jamie Salter
The much-loved Yakkerboo Festival is set to return to Pakenham in 2023 – four years since the last event.
The festival has been held for about 46 years, with the last event running in 2019 and then put on hold due to Covid-19 disruptions.
Yakkerboo Festival Committee vice-president Michelle Thornton said the event organisers were on the hunt for some new members to join the team.
“We’ve copped a few hits over the past two years; we’ve lost some committee members who have moved away and some who have life getting in the way,” she said.
“Our numbers have dwindled and to run a successful festival we need manpower, so we’re looking for committee members and volunteers for the day.”
At markets held by the Yakkerboo Festival Committee over the past year, Michelle has received positive feedback from community members who were looking forward to the festival’s return.
“All people could say is ‘When is the festival coming back?’; people really want to see one again,” she said.
A lot of planning goes on behind the scenes, with more committee members and event volunteers needed for Yakkerboo.
“There’s sorting out grants, planning the parade, contacting the schools, setting up on the day and Covid-19 safety measures,” Michelle said.
“In 2019, there was between 5000 and 10,000 people over the two days.“
As soon as one Yakkerboo Festival ends, planning for the next one begins.
“Pakenham has grown so much and there’s a lot of new people who haven’t been to Yakerboo, so we’re keen for them to see what it’s all about – it’s just a fun family weekend and we aim to make it as cheap as possible,” Michelle said.
The word Yakkerboo means a place of green pastures.
“Originally, a ball was held with towns in the shire nominating a princess, from whom a Yakkerboo Queen was selected, this doesn’t happen anymore, however, things that were held and are still held are the street parade and cavalcade of cars, the market and Mr Yakkerboo’s birthday and kids’ fun fair – the festival is very much family-orientated,” Michelle said.
“We are looking for committee members and volunteers for the day to help keep the festival going and bring a smile to the faces of the families of Pakenham and Cardina Shire.”
The 2023 Yakkerboo Festival may be arriving as soon as April.
In the meantime, an Annual General Meeting will be held on Tuesday 30 August at the Pakenham Library where the committee will discuss its progress in planning the event and potential new committee members can express their interest.
