Neighborhood Klein-Zundertse Heikant has won the 80th edition of the flower parade in Zundert. Their car Freeland Festival was voted the most beautiful of all creations by the jury. The audience award also went to Klein-Zundertse Heikant.
After the past corona years, the largest dahlia parade in the world finally moved through the streets of Zundert as usual on Sunday. And during the second passage it was the hamlet of Klein-Zundertse Heikant that heard the magic words ‘you may stop’. The second prize went to the hamlet Helpt Elkander, the third to Klein-Zundert.
The fact that Klein-Zundertse Heikant was declared the big winner came as no surprise. It was the very last car of the parade.
Tears
As usual, the traditional Zundert Jubel produced the necessary emotions and tears. For example, with the young builder Max. “Unbelievable. We’ve had such a great year.” And that is now going to be extra celebrated tonight. “Time to relax, but party first.”
The inspiration for Freeland Festival comes from the Burning Man Festival in the US state of Nevada. The winning car is 37 meters long, 13 meters high and passed through Zundert with no fewer than 180 extras.
Third time lucky
For the hamlet of Klein-Zundertse Heikant it is three times as good. They came second in the previous editions in 2021 and 2019. The last victory dates from 2014. And it is a double celebration for the hamlet, because this year they celebrate their 75th anniversary.
The organization of the parade reported earlier this Sunday that never before so many people had attended. It is estimated that there were between 1200 and 1300 pushers, tractors, drivers, musicians and extras.
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