Hundreds soak up Carnival entertainment
7:01pm Saturday 13th June 2009 in News By Simon Farr
Hundreds soak up the entertainment at the Chesham Carnival
HUNDREDS of people took to Lowndes Park today to soak up the sun and enjoy the entertainment of the Chesham Carnival.
The Mayor of Chesham, Justine Fulford, led the annual parade of colourful floats through the town from Asheridge Road to the park where the judges awaited to cast their votes for Float of the Year, which was awarded to Little Spring School.
Street dancers, singers and traditional Maypole dancing entertained the crowds outside the Mix 107 stage, while the many stalls, face painting stands, animal enclosures and children's play areas kept visitors of all ages happy.
Mrs Fulford said: “It's been a brilliant day and one that everyone in the town looks forward and you can see that today – if you're not on the parade, you're running a stall or just here soaking it all up.
“It's a fantastic turnout, there are lots of new stalls including the classic motorcycle stand in partnership with the Chiltern Air Ambulance and of course everyone has been supportive of the Royal British Legion since the fire.
“It was a privilege to lead the parade, it was brilliant fun and wonderful to see people line the street to watch us go by – it's the premier social event of the year and another great success.”
Budding firefighters were given the chance to climb aboard a Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue pump, while the Scouts, Sea Cadets and various other organisations were on hand to recruit potential members.
The Royal British Legion sold tombola and raffle tickets from it's stall – the first public event the club has made an appearance at since a fire ripped through its Broad Street HQ last month.
Chairman Bob Parrin said: “We've had a lot of support today from Carnival visitors and also from towns people over the last few weeks.
“We've had various charities and businesses offer to put on fundraising events for us in a bid to find a new home and I think it just shows that the town cares and everyone is fully behind us.”
Resident Prem Ruparelia said: “I've lived here for four years now and I didn't know this event took place, so I was just driving past when I saw all the signs and thought I'd swing by.
“It's an excellent event, it has brought everyone together to enjoy a fun day in the sun and we should definitely hold more community events like this.”
