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waving as they jump up and down. Everyone is totally absorbed by this colourful festival of hilarity.
Given that there is a distressingly trivial first prize at stake, the rowers in the leading bathtubs seem unduly determined to win!
“What’s that?” says OpenMike, “a secret weapon?”
Each of the bananas has pulled out a ripe banana from the top pocket of their denim dungarees, waved them in the air for all to see, and now they’re eating them!
“A sugar boost! Is that allowed?”
“Fowl Vengeance” is still ahead, but “Despicable Kevin” is gaining on them in the final 50 metres. The crowd is going wild. NutJob is doing his nut and KristalClear is almost hoarse with all that shouting! Urged on by young Hayley, the ElderWolf has now entered fully into the spirit of the event, though with all the noise nobody can hear a word either of them is saying, nor work out who they’re actually supporting!
“Despicable Kevin or Fowl Vengeance, who crossed the line first?” asks OpenMike.
A short discussion ensues among the judges. Hayley’s not sure who won. Nor is she sure which team she actually wanted to win. The bathtubs were glorious, the fancy dress costumes inspired, the antics adorable, and she loved them all.
When asked, the ElderWolf explains that her own personal preference doesn’t matter, she has to be impartial. Being the model of a perfect leader, the ElderWolf agrees that it was a tie.
Wisely, extra laurel wreaths have been laid on just in case. OpenMike announces the winning entries, and the four sailors climb the stairs onto the dais. The Stump from Jackanory Square was brought to the quayside earlier this morning. It now takes centre stage with Hayley standing proudly on top of it.
Each sailor receives their prize. Hayley places a laurel wreath on their heads and hands each of them a small cup cake which Franklin had baked earlier in the day. Hayley receives a friendly, sincere hug from each sailor in turn.
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