Tweedbank Fair week has been hailed a success by the outgoing chairman of the organising committee, after attracting large crowds.
Donald Forbes, who will step down at November’s AGM after 20 years at the helm, said he had never seen so many people on the school field as on Saturday.
“The weather really made it on Saturday. The parade was the biggest I’ve ever seen, and it was great to see the local football club, Tweedbank Thistle, put two or three age groups into the parade in their kit,” he said.
“It was great to see all the kids marching along behind the principals and the pipe band.”
The investiture ceremony on Tuesday night saw Tweedbank Lad and Lass Reece Simons and Katelynn Pringle exchange colours with the Braw Lad and Lass.
“It is really good of the Braw Lads Gathering to continue to support us every year,” said Mr Forbes. “They never let us down, and the kids get a big kick out of being able to get their photos taken with the Braw Lad and Lass.”
The fair programme continued on Wednesday with the annual fancy dress parade, which almost escaped a late downpour.
Mr Forbes said: “We nearly got the parade finished before the rain started, but the judging was all done in the dry on the school field.
“More and more people are entering every year it seems, and we even had some adult entries this year too.”
A children’s evening of magic and bingo attracted well over 100 local kids on Thursday, while the adults’ evening on Friday had strong support.
The fete and fun day on Saturday was the highlight of the week however, and the fantastic weather ensured big crowds turned out to enjoy all the fun and games on offer.
Borders Sport and Leisure Trust provided sporting challenges, while local groups had the chance to carry out fundraising activities.
A car treasure hunt also proved popular on Sunday, despite competing against a number of high profile events across the region.
The support for this year’s event and a recent boost in numbers on the committee has given Mr Forbes confidence in the future of the fair.
“We have 10 or 11 members now who are well capable of taking Tweedbank Fair forward,” he said.