The streets of Pembroke Dock buzzed with excitement and fun at the annual carnival, one of the top attractions in Pembrokeshire's winter calendar. If you thought carnivals were all about processions and floats, the Pembroke Dock winter carnival should make you think again. The parade was only a part of the seasonal celebrations that saw the town transformed into a colourful fairground, complete with amusement rides, charity stalls and snack bars. Bethel Baptist provided their usual hot soup service, free of charge, while a nearby stall sold home-made Welsh cakes. Activities included karaoke Christmas carols and the lighting of the tree by Father Christmas. At 7.30, an impressive firework display finished off the day with 'flare', set against the backdrop of the Cleddau estuary and the ferry port. Large inflatable hammers proved popular this year, providing a play-fight distraction as children lined Meyrick Street and Dimond Street, waiting for the parade to start. Then various brightly-lit gadgets and snake-like flags were waved as the procession of floats and walkers made their way through the centre of town. Best senior float was awarded to 'Spirits in the Sky' (Woodscross Carnival Club, Narberth), with runner-up being the 'A Team' (Llys-y-fran YFC). 'Spirits in the Sky' also won best overall float (the Ted and Lilian Crockford Trophy). Best town senior float was 'Santa's Letter' (Caledonia Inn). The lovable dog, Snorbitz, appeared with the mountain rescue team, headed by Military Road's Terry Leforte. The team were judged to be best senior group, while best junior group was awarded to 'The Pirates' (Barnardo's Yo Yo Family Centre), with Pennar Infants' 'Christmas Story' as runner-up. The best child prize was a tie between Ethan Boote and Jake Todd. K's Kitchen and Bakery, Water Street, were winners of the Town Council Salver for best dressed shop illuminated window competition. In these days of high insurance costs, the number of floats was understandably low, but there were plenty of walking entries, and with so much going on, the carnival attracted a very large crowd. Once again it was an event of which the town can be proud.