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1,000 PEOPLE ENJOY THORNTON GALA
ORGANISERS of Thornton Hibs' last annual Children's Gala have hailed it as the best one yet.
Around 1,000 people turned out at Saturday's event in Memorial Park, which featured a huge variety of attractions, amusements, stalls and displays.
The gala kicked off at 11.30 a.m when Kinglassie Pipe Band led the parade through the village followed by baton twirlers and belly dancers.
Special guests local councillor David Cunningham and Glenrothes MSP Tricia Marwick officially opened the event and crowned the Gala Queen Kirsty Graham and Prince Stuart McGurnaghan.
The P4 attendants were Rebecca Ramage and Murdo King, P5 attendants were Rebecca Fane and Jack Guy and P6 attendants were Kathryn Gavin and Jacob McNab.
A wide range of amusements at the gala, which is the 13th one Hibs has hosted, provided something for everyone.
And these included a bouncy castle, bungee run, football game, ball pond, inflatable slide, bouncy boxing, gladiator, jousting, energy drainer, little dipper, obstacle course, sumo boxing, archery, swingboats, a magician plus a rodeo bull, puppeteer, face painting and tombola.
Other attractions featured were a miniature steam railway, a police car, fire engine and local company, Elite Falconry, also appeared with both a static and flying display. Demonstrations were given by an owl, hawk, falcon and eagle.
Another popular display was provided by Jay's Animal Encounters.
Jay, who is a qualified teacher and professional animal handler, brought a wide variety of animals allowing children to get up close and personal with their favourites.
These included tarantulas, a python, iguanas, chameleons, armadillos and a selection of tropical insects.
But the highlight of the show had to be the visit by the Royal Navy Sea King Mk 5 helicopter from HMS Gannet, which is based at RNAS Prestwick.
Gala co-ordinator Bill Nicholson told The Gazette: "The Sea King arrived a bit late but it put on a fantastic display.
"It did a couple of fly arounds then went to the east side of the pitch before a man winched down and simulated a rescue. The kids were over the moon watching this.
"The Sea King stayed for about 15 minutes and then did a flypast as it left.
"Spencer from 'Balamory' was there and proved to be a big hit with the children - you could tell by the looks on their faces.
"There were also mini quad bikes, free of charge and there was always a long queue of kids waiting to go on them."
Around 400 goodie bags were given out.
The gala activities were launched last Wednesday when 16 teams took part in a treasure hunt in the Hibs pavilion.
Bill continued: "Everything went really well and the weather was good too. I think it was the best gala we have ever laid on and there were more attractions than we've had in the past.
"It is sad to hand the gala over but hopefully the community council can get more people on board to volunteer and help organise it next year. I will still be on hand to assist with paperwork, but I wish them the best of luck."
He added: "It was great to finish on a real high."