Fun day still going strong in fifth year
It got off to a great start in July 2014 when the Commonwealth Games came to Glasgow.
King’s Park Church organised a special party day to mark the Commonwealth baton going through its part of the city.
It was never intended to be more than a one-off, but five years on the Commonwealth celebratory event is still going strong.
Minister Sandra Boyd and her team of church volunteers deserve gold medals because the fun day went down a treat once again last week as around 200 people attended.
She told the Reformer: “It was a great day and we’ve been lucky as this is the fifth year we’ve had really good weather too.
“Once again, we held the event outside in the church grounds. Never once did we have to go inside.
“It’s a legacy to the Commonwealth Games because it all started as a community event on July 22, 2014.
“That was the day the Commonwealth baton arrived in our area and we had a party that day.
“In the following years we’ve held the party on July 23 because that was the date of the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games.
“Everything is free thanks to donations, money made the previous year, and coffee mornings.”
The Queen’s Baton for the Commonwealth Games travelled the length and breadth of Scotland between June 14 and July 23 in 2014.
Communities were invited to stage fun and cultural events staged along the way, and King’s Park Church got involved when the baton travelled through its streets.
At last week’s fun day marking the anniversary of the special event, a bouncy castle, which was located outside the front of the church building.
Owl Magic – Scotland’s largest owl display team – brought birds from Ayrshire for visitors to enjoy.
The crowds were also entertained by magician Gary Dunn, who got kids and adults involved in his trickery.
Also available at the fun day were hamburger and hot dog stalls, arts and crafts, and a glitter tattoo artist.
Three local businesses supported the church fun day with sponsorship including King’s Park Cafe, Costcutters, and Abdul’s greengrocers.
The Commonwealth Games anniversary celebration has now turned into an annual party for King’s Park churchgoers and the wider community.
The event is clearly a winner – and Rev Boyd is keen for it to go the distance.
She said: “Hopefully the event will continue with support from church volunteers who have been doing a great job.”
* Fun day picture special on page 32.
It’s a legacy to the Commonwealth Games because it started as a community event in 2014