'The news is out and it's going ahead' – Huntly Hairst stalls sell out in 'record time'
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FOOD stalls at this year's Hairst have sold out in "record time".
The annual festival, taking place during the first weekend of September, will see more than 60 food stands take pride of place in the Square.
Organiser Kay Thomson said she had been "delighted" by the local response ahead of her first Hairst, which has also seen more than 40 crafters sign up to show their wares in the Gordon Arms Hotel.
"The news is out and it's going ahead this year, on September 2 and 3, with all the food stalls sold out in record time," she said.
"They sold out before we've even really announced the event, which has been fantastic.
"And we have some really interesting stalls coming along."
Along with the unprecedented demand from stallholders, the Hairst has also celebrated launching a new website which provides more detail about activities throughout Huntly during the big weekend.
In an effort to make the event more accessible, Deveron Projects will also open up a quiet garden space for those looking to get away from the hustle and bustle.
The new developments are a welcome sight for Ms Thomson and the Hairst committee, who are currently in high gear trying to get the festival over the line with only six weeks to go.
"Right now we are just striving to get to Hairst," she said.
"At the moment it feels like we always have this or that to do.
"But I'm really grateful for the committee's support support and the previous organiser Laura McNeil has been great, as she has stayed on the committee."
Ms Thomson added that the much-loved Big Picnic at Leith Hall, Kennethmont "is also getting bigger."
The event will take place between 9am and 4pm on Sunday, September 3.
Another key part of Hairst which is returning this year is the the Room to Run event.
Coordinated by Huntly Sports Trust, in partnership with charity Networks of Wellbeing and Huntly Rinning Quines and Loons, the packed day of running includes Wee Shortie junior runs, a 5k course, a 10k, and a Half Marathon.
"We're back for 2023 and planning the best ever Room to Run," a spokesperson said on the event website.
"Come along and make a day of it on the September 2– with lots of races and activities for all the family."
More fascinating Hairst-linked activities are also in the pipeline, including a Deveron Projects cook off in August, the Stovies World Championship and the return of the Shortbread Competition.
More details and new events will also be revealed in the coming weeks.
