Derby River Derby didn’t have the best start to the day.
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Director Steven Atkins said it was raining and drizzly with about 10 people at the event when it kicked off in the morning.
“And probably eight of them were on a raft going down the river,” Mr Atkins said.
But the sun emerged as the morning progressed, blazing down on hundreds who gathered to watch the river races and enjoy the festivities.
About 150 people – including Tasmanian Senator Jacquie Lambie in a duck suit – ventured down the river rapids in inflatable rafts and wetsuits.
“It’s a good community event.”
It was his first year as director, but far from his first year at the Derby River Derby.
As a child, he would come most years to the derby.
“Running around, laughing and smiling with your friends, what could be better than that?”
Several years ago Mr Atkins started volunteering.
“I started pushing Zorb balls around.”
Now he was organising the entire derby about four years later.
Planning started in early January with organising sponsors, but later in the year everything picked up pace, he said.
“Your pile of jobs just gets higher and higher, without your volunteers, you wouldn’t be able to do it,” Mr Atkins said.
“It’s a pretty incredible job to see it all go up … and have the day fall into place.”
About 20 volunteers helped to set up the day, which covered the Derby riverside with marquees, stalls, laser tag and other entertainments.
Festival chairwoman Maxine Mullins said the numbers were slightly down compared to previous year.
However, she suspected the wet start to the day had deterred some from venturing down on the day, Ms Mullins said.
“There was something for everyone.”
The river races and duck race still proved popular with the crowds.
Raft, Run, Ride was held for the first time and while it didn’t have a large number of entrants, Ms Mullins hoped it would continue to grow each year.
The North East Rivers Festival relied on sponsors and community support to make it possible, she said.