Memories of a Bunyip Yakkerboo PrincessIt was 1977, I was sixteen,Chosen by some to be a princess.The Bunyip Young Farmers smiled,And Mum set me right—A dress was found. The plan was clear: a ball to attend, a partner was needed. So, I asked a boy,“Can you dance?” He said, “Yes, if you give me a chance.”Friday arrived, the hall was decorated, the band started playing, gowns swirling, and we laughed as our sashes swayed.We twirled around; our feet tapped in time to the music’s beat. Laughter rang out, the hall was bright—what a night at the Yakkerboo Ball. It was magic that night.The parade was quite windy that Sunday, and the Mini Moke was decorated attractively with crepe paper and extra ornaments.The Bunyip young farmers had worked hard with sticky tape; it all stayed together as they held their banner high when the parade began, moving through the main streets to the showgrounds. The Bunyip Princess was upon her throne, a bale of hay on the back of the Moke. She smiled at everyone with a wave of her hand, giving the children a lei with gold and green.For a 16-year-old, Yakkerboo was EnchantingNow, as we gather, through smiles and our memories,We celebrate and congratulate Yakkerboo —Now Fifty wonderful years of fun each yearWe thank YakkerbooMemories by Davina Thompson Veenstra