Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Activities,stage and rides galore
Airdrie town centre was transformed into a colourful and busy spectacle for the town’s annual fair day.
Residents and visitors turned out in numbers in what organisers Town Centre Activities (TCA) called “the biggest crowd for years”, estimating that thousands turned out to join the fun during the course of Saturday.
Graham Street hosted the entertainment stage, where broadcaster and presenter Steve McKenna greeted crowds and introduced a series of acts including magician Peter Merlin, Reeltime Music, fitness demonstrations from Peak Fitness 4U and young performers from Dance Fuzion.
With closed roads cleared of traffic throughout the town centre, the streets were instead filled with attractions including an obstacle course challenge from the Scots Guards, who also gave a rifle demonstration.
Visitors also saw owls in a display by Alba Falconry, sat on the top deck of a McGill’s open-topped bus, and enjoyed all the fun of the fair by trying out rides including the Miami twister, funhouse and bungee jump.
A huge range of local organisations, including youth groups and charities, added to the sights and sounds of the day with more than 30 stalls in the town centre.
St Andrew’s Hospice was among those represented, while members of the Airdrieonians Supporters’ Trust – accompanied by mascot Rocky the Rooster – collected for cancer charities by walking to the town- centre event from the Maggie’s Centre at Monklands Hospital.
Youngsters were also able to enjoy inflatable fun at sumo wrestling, rugby and “jump and smile” attractions, as well as having their faces painted at the busy event.
Tow n centre coordinator Jack Duffy, of event organisers TCA, said: “I’m really pleased it was a good day; we’re trying to give people a good day out, create a good atmosphere and support town-centre retailers.
“Everyone joined in and enjoyed themselves, and what we want to see was the happy faces among stallholders, retailers and families attending the event.”
He added: “It was a great day but the fair day can still get better – roll on next year.”
Pictures by Stuart Westwood Photography.