Rhynie Gala is back in action!
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Rhynie Gala is set to enjoy a special milestone as it returns from a two-year hiatus due to Covid-19.
When the pandemic hit, the popular annual event went the same way as many other festivities and had to stop all action. Two years later, the organisers are delighted to be back.
Averil Stewart, one of the organising committee members, said: "We are excited to bring back Rhynie Gala for what would have been our 40th year had it not been for cancellations due to Covid."
Fellow organiser, Kate Beverly, added: "This is a chance for village folks and those from out and about to enjoy a day together, to catch up with friends and enjoy some family fun."
The Gala, which takes place on Friday 19 and Saturday 20 August, kicks off with a kids disco and bingo with licensed bar on the Friday night, followed by a jam-packed programme from 1-5pm on the Saturday.
To the soundtrack of Huntly pipe band, Saturday's events include food stalls, performance from Leanne Macveigh Dance Academy, inflatable activities and children's rides, wood sculpture, stalls and various competitions.
One such competition is asking residents to put their creative skills to the test and produce a prize-winning scarecrow. Entries must be registered by August 12 to katebeverly:btinternet.com with your name and address.
Display your best scarecrow in your garden from Saturday 13, in time for the judges visits.
The lucky winner will be rewarded with a prize on Gala Day.
Baking enthusiasts could also get lucky with a prize in one of the following categories: 2 gluten free scones, 2 sausage rolls, 2 pieces of Scottish tablet, 2 gypsy creams or a decorated cupcake.
A craft competition has been created called: Something new from something old. Adults and secondary pupils are invited to submit their creative pieces to this, while primary school-aged youngsters are invited to join the competitions for pebble pictures and paint a scarecrow while pre-school age children can enter an animal mask made from a paper plate.
Green-fingered gala fans will not be disappointed as they are invited to submit 5 roses, 10 sweet peas, 3 cut flowers, a flowering house plant, a foliage plant or a table decoration.
Vegetable growers will get a chance to show off their produce with competition categories of: 1 cabbage, 3 carrots, 3 tomatoes or one box of assorted veg.
All entries must be brought to the marquee between 10 and 11.30am, with names attached.
Not to be forgotten is the ever popular Tap O' Noth hill race for adults from 1.30pm. Participants must enter by the end of Friday 19 and can pay their £5 fee and collect their race number on the Saturday at Rhynie playing field. Juniors can enter with an adult free of charge. For more information on registering visit www.inschtrailrunningclub.co.uk
The extravaganza will come to a close on the Saturday night with a dance and licensed bar from 8pm onwards. Live music will be provided by Diane Barbour and entry is £10 at the door, with under 16s paying £5.
The long wait is over for organisers and regulars of the much-missed event.
