Return of Hamilton’s
The clanking of cowbells, tunes from a marching band and toots of a fire engine horn were the welcoming sounds at Waikato’s Mooloo parade.
After a long hiatus away from the streets, the parade made its much anticipated return on Saturday.
A festive crowd of supporters marched along Claudelands road bridge in Hamilton amongst an array of red, black and yellow, the prized colours of Waikato rugby.
Rugby union fan, Ryan Wild wandered the sidelines of the Claudelands rugby field with his 22-month-old son, Quinn Wild.
He recalled being at the parade when he was a child watching in awe as the flotilla crept past.
‘‘Yeah I grew up going to the Waikato games and on the morning of the games we’d always be at the Mooloo parade,’’ Wild said.
‘‘When they had the Ranfurly shield it was always a big thing.’’
But Wild was most excited to bring the next generation along to experience the boisterous atmosphere too.
‘‘It’s a pretty proud moment . . . it was always a tradition which I’m going to instil in this one (son) . . . he won’t take the jersey off.’’
It had been a long-awaited return for the Mooloo parade after a long period of absence.
The event first kicked off in 1921 and marked its 100th milestone last year. But celebrations were delayed until 2022 due to the pandemic.