Today being Australia Day Alan and I got up really early and drove down to Noosa where Alan's Light Horse Troop were involved in the Australia Day celebrations for Noosa Shire. These took place beside the Noosa River in perfect weather. First there was a `wet parade' up the river, lots of boats and kayaks flying Australian Flags. Then there was a `dry parade' with the Light Horse Troop, a pipe band and various others. Alan's very important job was to raise the Australian Flag while the band played the National Anthem. After this there was a stage set up where the ceremonies of nationalisation took place. Every `new Australian' took home an Australian native plant. Afterwards we walked along the river where there were heaps of people barbecuing, picnicking and having fun, playing cricket etc. What struck me was that there were Australian flags literally everywhere. One group we saw had a string of flags around their portashade and a huge bunch of gumleaves in a watering can. Also just about every boat out on the river was flying a flag. I entered into the spirit of things by wearing my Akubra and buying a small flag to wave. (good to see these were `made in Australia').
In the photos you can see Alan doing his thing with the flag. The really rotund gentleman in the background wearing braces is Noosa Mayor Bob Abbott - a real character, he also plays in a jazz band.
