One of the dale’s largest carnivals gets under way on Saturday, July 12.
New to this year’s Staindrop Carnival is a large younger children’s section on a previously unused part of the village green.
Fun on the day includes a classic car and vintage tractor show, fun fair rides, a colourful fancy dress procession, market stalls and food vendors and a dog show.
The action gets under way on the Friday evening when the annual fun fair opens for business. People who are entering the photography and art competitions should get their exhibits to the Post Office before 4pm on Friday.
Saturday’s activities kicks off with the opening of entries for the baking, craft and flower arranging categories at the Masonic Hall from 9am to 11am.
Next up will be the dog show in the main arena on North Green, next to the fun fair at 10am.
Carnival chairwoman Sophie Snowdon said: “We have categories for cutest puppy, loveliest lady, handsomest boy, best veteran (over eight years), best junior handler, waggiest tail and best sausage catcher.”
Prizes have been sponsored by Trophy Pet Foods.
The fancy cress parade gets underway at 1pm, setting off from St Mary’s Church.
Ms Snowdon said: “There is no theme to encourage everyone to get involved.”
Categories for the fancy dress, with prizes for first, second and third, include best celebrity lookalike or costume, best individual, best pair and best group. Judging takes place in the main arena.
Durham On Air will be broadcasting from the carnival throughout the day.
Other activities include an array of stalls and food vendors on South Green, along with Staindrop Football Club hosting a penalty shootout competition.
There will also be a re-enactment group giving a demonstration.
Ms Snowdon said: “New to this year is young children’s entertainment on a part of South Green that we haven’t used before (to the east of Central Buildings).
We will have a climbing wall, an inflatable slide, a bubble man, face painting and the young farmers will have a petting zoo.”
Judging of the photography, art, craft, baking and flower arranging will take place at 11am, and people can view the exhibits in the Masonic Hall from 1.30pm after the fancy dress parade.
Throughout the day the Hope charity will be serving coffee and tea from Scarth Memorial Hall.
Anyone who wants to help with the running of the day can email [email protected] or visit the Staindrop Carnival Facebook page.
- The A688 through Staindrop will be closed from noon to 5pm.
