Arnold de Graauw (79) is a proud grandfather. On Saturday morning he was present early for the parade in D’n Haaykaant (Raamsdonk) to see his grandsons at work. Grandpa is not allowed to help and only has to watch. “No, Grandpa. We can do that ourselves,” they say.
Because after grandfather Arnold and son Theo (52), four grandsons have taken over. Now they are the wagon builders of the family and that makes Grandpa Arnold very proud. “It’s unimaginable that these young guys can make things like this in this way. I know how difficult this is.”
The four grandsons are part of the carnival club ‘Witte Gij ‘ut’ from Maoneblusserslaand. This Saturday they will participate in the parade in D’n Haaykaant. The members are between 14 and 19 years old.
“This is a stunningly beautiful car,” Grandpa Arnold beams. “Really well finished. I think they deserve a big prize.”
The youngest De Graauw generation does not need help. “They pick up something everywhere. Some tips from me and their father and from people from other associations.”
“I built cars myself until I was 75, dozens of them in total,” says grandpa. “I’m not going to start it again. I think it’s great that they have taken over. And I couldn’t have built it as beautifully as they did.”