AN upper dale community is getting ready for its biggest event of the year.
Middleton-in-Teesdale residents are hanging out bunting, decorating shops and gardens with scarecrows and putting displays on the village green in preparation for this year’s carnival on Saturday, August 3.
Eileen Dent, chairwoman of the carnival committee, said: “We are looking forward to a great day. We have the usual attractions like the coconut shy and the bouncy castle but we are also having bigger rides and a few surprises
too.”
In the run up to the carnival weekend, organisers are promising fun and games with competitions, a treasure hunt, scarecrow trail and cycle races.
There is also a chance to win £100 on the Carnival 500 board, which will be available in shops in the village until all squares have been sold.
The carnival committee has praised the village’s community spirit in helping it cover the costs such as insurance, road closure for the procession and the licence to use the school field.
The committee is also thanking staff and customers at the Middleton-in-Teesdale’s Co-op for raising £202.30 from a hamper and lucky dip at Easter.
“This was another fantastic contribution towards these costs and really appreciated,” Ms Dent said.
On Friday, August 2, a family night is to be held at the Middleton-in-Teesdale Sports and Social Club where Leah Fletcher will be crowned carnival queen at 7pm.
Organisers are asking people to join in the fun to make the 2019 carnival procession bigger and better than last year. Cash prizes are on offer for floats and fancy dress walkers.
The procession starts in Alston Road at 12.45pm but all those taking part in the parade are asked to be there at noon for judging.
Anyone entering a float is asked to let organisers know before the event. However, information on who is entering a float and the details of the theme will be kept “completely secret” before the big day, so rivals don’t steal a march.
Contact Eileen Dent on 07875 778265 for details or visit the carnival Facebook page.
