The Eden Whale Festival's "Big Day" lived up to its big day name. Huge crowds lined Eden streets for the ANWE Street Parade and Rod Run to cheer on an enormous number of vibrantly coloured community floats, hot rods, log trucks, classic cars and bikes who cruised their way to festival grounds at Barclay Street Oval.
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The Mad Hatter themed procession was led by Eden's very own Benny the Blue Whale. Crowds gave the thumbs up while log trucks honked, lionesses waved, soccer kids squirted water pistols and youth band Bournda Rock rocked out in a vintage ute.
This years Eden Public School's float consisted of hand painted orcas jumping through waves with star model Sammy the seal taking pride of place on the roof.
Teacher Jenny Edwards told the Magnet Sammy was inspired by a photograph of a seal riding on the back of a whale taken by Robyn Malcolm which went viral around the world a few years ago.
Following the hour long parade the massive crowd poured into the festival site ready for some good food, good music and all round good times. Strong winds threatened to blow the action away. But in true Eden fashion people clung on to their hats, marquees and kites and continued to enjoy the live acts, food and demonstrations through out the afternoon.
Check out the gallery of photos that captured some of the action throughout the day including the Street Parade, festival grounds and Nolan's Capstan pull.
