Thring (1982), TV Personality Daryl Somers (1983), footballer Kevin Bartlett (1984), TV Personality Ian "Molly" Meldrum (1985), motor racing driver Peter Brock (1986) and champion doubles tennis player Paul McNamee (1987). Another source lists Gobbi (1968), Marks (1969) and Richards as Jester (1971). Young Ambassador (2003–2009): Carrie Stoney, Sam Quinn, Alan Wu, Natalie Bassingthwaighte and Trisha Broadbridge. From approximately 19811988 there were also instances where Moomba included a Prince and Princess of Moomba designation consisting of two children chosen through a competition held by local radio station 3KZ. Fireworks Fireworks are a big part of the Moomba festival and large displays occur on every night of the festival. The fireworks are above the Yarra river. Carnival A traditional carnival including a ferris wheel are held in the Alexandra Gardens along the river bank. In recent years, the carnival has extended to Birrarung Marr across the river. It is popular with children, and dagwood dogs and doughnut stands line the paths. River activities Moomba particularly celebrates the Yarra River, which has been much maligned during the history of the city until the last few decades. Water skiing Water skiing in the Yarra was introduced to Moomba in 1959. The tournament has both Junior and Open divisions, with the finals crowning the Moomba Masters Champions on Moomba Monday. River floats The festival has featured Chinese dragon boats and the Moomba Showboat. Birdman rally Among the more popular events is the Birdman Rally, begun in 1976,which is traditionally held at the Swan Street bridge over the Yarra River. However it has been held only intermittently during Moomba's history. It was stopped for a number of years due to high levels of E. coli contamination of the Yarra. Subsequent clean-ups reduced pollution to acceptable levels and 2004 saw its return. In 2005 the rally was held in the new inner city park, Birrarung Marr, close to its traditional location. Music and live bands Moomba's performers have included international musical acts such as ABBA, Neil Diamond and AC/DC as well as a number of smaller local acts. In 2012, performers included Tex Perkins and Daryl Braithwaite. Citations References Other reading Eckersley, M. 2012. 'Australian Indigenous Drama'. Tasman Press. Altona. External links Melbourne City Council's Moomba page Social history of Moomba, on Culture Victoria Snopes.com entry on the word "Moomba" Also see the official Moomba history book written by Dr Craig Bellamy et al. (2006) Festivals