Coronation return of 'hidden gem' Lumsden's Mary Fair
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A COMMUNITY event is to show Lumsden's "really strong spirit" when it returns for the Coronation.
The Mary Fair, an annual community event, is taking place on Sunday, May 7 this year.
Originally scheduled for the following week, the event has been brought forward to coincide with Lumsden's Coronation picnic in the park.
The Mary Fair is named after the Virgin Mary, as it was first held in fields next to the medieval St Mary's Kirk at Auchindoir.
However, the name stuck even after the event found a permanent home in Lumsden.
Bethany Cross from the Lumsden Community Association, which organises the Mary Fair, said the event would be a great chance to display Lumsden's best features.
"I feel like Lumsden is such a hidden gem," she said.
"We have a really strong spirit and people just don't know about us.
"So I think the Mary Fair is a really good way of promoting us and showing off what a small place like Lumsden can offer."
The community association, which also runs Lumsden hall, will spend cash raised by the Fair to support the hall's operation and maintain Lumsden's public toilets.
This year's Fair comes on the heels of a successful event last year.
Ms Cross said: "We hold the event to help fundraise for our hall but also to promote what we're all about and to bring life to our village.
"Last year was our first year back after a couple of years and it was a huge success. We generated over a thousand pounds.
"It's also great way to promote independent businesses who do crafts and other things, and a way of generating a bit of community spirit within Lumsden and surrounding areas."
The Fair will feature a range of food and drink, flower and craft stalls, as well as family events and a lucky dip for children.
A kids fun run, organised by the school, will take place at 11.30am and children will have the chance to become royalty themselves, by crafting their own crowns and joining Lumsden's own procession.
A raffle and tombola could also net guests a top prize, and the community association is inviting donations to boost both.
The festivities are being set up by the community association's committee of five.
Ms Cross, whose grandmother Sue is the hall manager, said the support of volunteers and the committee was essential to the future of the Mary Fair.
"In Lumsden, we really struggle to recruit volunteers to be a part of our Lumsden Community Association," she said.
"It's really crucial that we actually survive as a committee first before we start planning things and it is quite important that we have regular volunteers to be able to help and support us.
"Even if it's just a helping hand every now and again, I think it just shows a willingness to support communities whether you live in Lumsden or you live elsewhere.
"I just think it's important just to value your local communities and show support.
"And I think it's vital for rural Scotland, especially in the north east, that you remember and look out for your neighbouring village."
To get involved email events@lumsdencommunity.co.uk
