ORGANISERS of Cotherstone’s fun carnival weekend were determined to spread a little joy despite the coronavirus lockdown by organising activities including a socially distanced fancy dress parade.
Bunting was strung across the green and through the main part of the village by resident builder Richard Green before the weekend.
In a change to the usual fancy dress parade, those who donned costumes followed a route around the village and all kept socially distanced. The format allowed villagers to enjoy the fun and spectate from the safety of their own gardens.
The village’s annual scarecrow trail has long been a major attraction for visitors and this year was no different. The committee set a theme of key workers and there were plenty of different ones for judges Mike and Amanda Sharp to choose from.
The couple, who won the competition last year, determined the winning effigy was of a scientist. A farmer and his flock of sheep was judged second and a postman third.
Although there were slightly fewer entries than in normal years, the committee was delighted some parts of the fun was able to continue.
Rachel Atkinson said: “It’s our first year as a committee and the first time I’ve organised the scarecrow trail and we did have lots of things planned if lockdown hadn’t happened.
“But there has been a lot of support and Adam and Karolina at Teesdale Supply Stores have been great in handing out the maps and trails.”
Nicola Swinburn said: “It’s good that we have been able to do something and it’s lovely to see people getting involved.”
In addition to the scarecrow trail and parade there was an online fun quiz, virtual pet show and numbers draw.
