But carnival chairman remains upbeat.
HONITON staged its biggest carnival procession in years at the weekend, attracting at least 60 entries.
Collections, however, were down on the night.
Carnival chairman Bill Austin revealed collections totalled �2,360 - �520 less than last year.
But Mr Austin was upbeat, saying he thought it was a good result considering the economic climate.
There was a pleasant surprise in store for a walking entry.
Nigel Phillips, of A & A CC, made carnival history when he lifted the Best Overall trophy.
Announcing the result at Turks Head Function Rooms following the procession, carnival committee member Robb Sleeman said Mr Phillips’ Skullduggery entry had attracted maximum points from the judges.
For the first time ever, trained marshals operated road blocks. Without them, the carnival could not have taken place.
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