Gresley Carnival in June 1988 was hailed as "the best ever" by organisers, despite fears it may not go ahead. The streets were lined with cheering people while Maurice Lea Memorial Park was packed with stalls and attractions.
A few months before the big day, organisers were forced to call an emergency meeting in a bid to attract more helpers.
Around 20 people responded to the plea from the Gresley Ward Community Committee which was enough to save the carnival.
The overall winner of the float contest was Gresley Beavers with its anniversary celebrations of the Dandy and Beano comics while second were St George's C of E Primary School with a mediaeval theme and third was St George's and St Mary's Sunday School with "All Things Bright and Beautiful".
The parade was late leaving the common because so many floats turned up before it finally started on its three-mile route around Gresley.
Among the floats were a 1958 Rolls Dennis fire engine and an American six-wheeled Mack towing truck which at 48-years-old still had enough power to pull a 38-tonne truck.
Those were the days....
The carnival atmosphere was started early in the day by The Creators Steel Band when they performed in Swadlincote town centre during the morning and in the main arena during the afternoon. The day was officially opened by the High Sheriff of Derbyshire, Marjorie Kenning.
