“Haven’t seen this many people in Yass since I was the same height (as these kids) thirty years ago!” remarked a Yass local on the Yass Street Parade, Thursday evening.
“Strength in community. From babes in arms to the bus of seniors. Families with dogs and smiles galore. Emergency Services Being shown gratitude. Why we live where we live” – Jano Scanes
“Wouldn’t this be great if it became an annual event” Jackie Wilson
“What a great community we have. Thankyou” – Yvonne O’Mara
After a year steeped in fear of crowds and enforced isolation, it was a cathartic gathering on the main street of Yass last night for a parade and late-night shopping community markets.
Crowds lined the main street to wave and cheer on Santa, Council & Emergency Service Crews in tinsel-decked vehicles. Children clambered into Santa’s sleigh with nearby main street trees twinkling with Council’s newly purchased fairy-lights. Families mingled, enjoying a snag sandwich cooked by Rotarians. The Lion’s Club ham wheel spun cheerily while singers carolled the crowds that were pulsing along Comur Street in waves as people stopped to peruse the many artisan and craft stalls or upon seeing a familiar face to chat with.
Click to watch Yass Christmas Parade 2020
Yass father of three Kieran Eadie told The Times his family had been to a parade on the South Coast and loved it. So, when he saw the post about this parade the family decided to come.”It was really great. It’s nice that they had things kids love, like garbage trucks. My kids run out naked to watch the garbage trucks in the morning. And the big digger!”
Four-year-old Leo was asked his favourite vehicle in the parade “The Police car!
Yass Mother Marichka added,”‘It’s good to see so many happy people, so many stalls and people with their crafts – a great atmosphere.”
Yass Branch Commonwealth Bank Manager Ryan Cassidy brought out the smiles of volunteers from the Yass SPIN Foundation (Supporting People In Need) with CommBank making a community donation of $500.
“It’s awesome. We need this every year,” said their mother Reegen.
Fifteen-year-old student Julianna Pitt from Yass was one of many artists with their wares on display for sale
“This is my first time doing this. In quarantine, I decided hey, I am going to do water-colour and have a lot so I am going to sell them.”
Fourteen-year-old sister Angelina Pitt also had her beaded creations on show “I’ve just got a lot of stuff and you know, money’s cool” she laughed.
Alice Clark was also on hand to talk about her creations and had just sold $60 worth of prints.
“It’s lino-block, inspired by nature. I work in lots of different colours.”
Artwork by Alice can be purchased after the markets through local therapy-through-art business “Arts Health Business” owned by Camille Kersley.
Abigail Smith age 10 – “the reindeer in the sleigh”
