The 2002 Elstree and Borehamwood Festival Parade was a great success, with hundreds of people spending Saturday afternoon at the show.

This year's parade was shorter than previous ones, to make it easier for walking entries to take part. It missed out Leeming Road and Aycliffe Road because of roadworks.

But this did not deter the crowds, who cheered on marvellous entries from the Red Cross, Bhaktivedanta Manor Hare Krishna temple in Aldenham, Borehamwood Fire Station, Woodlands Primary School and others.

Mayor of Elstree and Borehamwood Ernie Butler was delighted, and said: "There has been a wonderful community spirit this is how our town should be. I think it's great."

He thanked the police for covering the event, and the fire service, who stayed as long as possible, but had to rush off during the parade to deal with an emergency, and came back before the end.

Spectator Andrew Marle and his five-year-old daughter Katie watch the parade every year, and enjoyed this year's show: "It was excellent very good. Everyone enjoyed themselves."

The award for the best motorised float went to Elstree and Borehamwood Christian Council, and second place was handed to Ridgehill Housing Association. Tiny Tumbles Play Gym was named as the best youth float.

The best school entry went to Woodlands School's float, followed by Cowley Hill School's entry.

Cowley Hill's deputy headteacher, Nick Rowlands, said the children had enjoyed decorating their float on a Golden Jubilee theme, and dressing up as various kings and queens from history.

"It has been a very successful parade, and all the children seemed to be smiling, laughing and enjoying themselves."

Paul Welsh, the entertainments officer at Elstree and Borehamwood Town Council, said: "There were lots of people in Shenley Road, which, when you consider the World Cup was still on, was very good."

He wanted to know what people thought of the new shorter route, as he was trying to decide whether to use the same one next year.

This year's was the 25th festival parade Mr Welsh had organised, and he was delighted and proud to be able to walk the three-mile route after recovering from a recent operation.

June 26, 2002 15:00