Children's Kelloholm Gala glory

Jun 26 2009 by Our Correspondent, Dumfries Standard Friday

THE WHOLE community of Kirkconnel and Kelloholm enjoyed a fabulous annual children’s gala on Saturday.

The gala kicked off with a triumphal parade round both villages led by the very happy 2009 Queen Lauren Currie, attendants Ashley Marshall and Abbie Gallacher with pageboy Jack Carlyle and the retiring Queen Kader Farrow in their special coach.

The parade provided great entertainment with seven imaginatively decorated floats, many fancy dress characters, walkers plus four pipe bands from Buccleuch and Queensberry, Kirkcudbright, Muirkirk and the Upper Nithsdale Youth Pipe Band plus the Samba Drumming Sisters and the Baracudas Carnival Act.

Two hours later the parade completed its route at the Nithside Park which was crowded with many locals and visitors awaiting the crowning ceremony.

The 2009 Queen and her retinue were heralded into the arena by Pipe Major David Nelson and Piper Daren Williamson with the VIP guest Councillor John Syme and the MC Gala Chairman Josie Jardine.

Chairman Josie invited Councillor Syme, a very popular choice, to crown the 2009 Queen.

In an amusing speech Councillor Syme thanked the Gala Queen for the honour of doing this important duty. He said that he was proud that the local gala still maintained its high standards.

To a fanfare by the Sanquhar Silver Band, Pageboy Jack presented the crown to the councillor who duly crowned Queen Lauren Currie.

The afternoon was open to a full range of entertainment which included dancing displays by Steps and Styles and a range of fair ground activities with side shows and stalls.

The grand finale of the afternoon was the parade of the massed pipe band along the packed Main Street. In the evening there was time to enjoy the relaxing annual gala dinner dance

The eve of the gala was yet another very special occasion with a tremendous lantern procession culminating in a spectacular fireworks bonanza.

Over the preceding week the majority of activities were primarily for the youngsters who keenly participated in spite of the cold dampish days. No items are ever cancelled!

The gala committee is to be complemented for all their hard work organising the competitions and other attractions plus many barbecues.