Alternative Fortnight will still be great fun
Plenty contests, quizzes and activities planned
Comrie Fortnight kicks off this Saturday – but not in the traditional manner.
The pandemic has put paid to all the usual fun-filled events enjoyed by village folk and visitors, such as the Pram Derby, concerts, sporting competitions and the Grand Float Parade.
However, the committee has put together an alternative programme for residents to enjoy during the next two weeks.
This year’s Comrie Fortnight will predominantly be a village-focused affair.
A bountiful brochure filled with competitions and quizzes is being delivered free to every household in the close-knit community.
But that doesn’t mean that Fortnight fans living outwith the village have to miss out altogether.
Some of the competitions can be entered via the Comrie Fortnight Facebook page, such as the virtual Pet Show and Bike Parade.
And Facebook Live quiz nights have been lined-up for Sunday this week and August 2.
There is also a competition for residents to create a masterpiece in their garden or on their house, in leu of not having a float to decorate.
Hazel Elders, a long-time supporter of Comrie Fortnight, had been invited to officially declare the Fortnight open at the ceremony and street market on the Boulevard that had been scheduled for this Saturday.
She will still do the honours at 1pm, via a recorded message on the Facebook page.
And Strath residents can watch the live raising of the Comrie Fortnight flag on Friday from 7pm.
Comrie Fortnight chairman James Stewart told the Herald: “Under the circumstances and with the current restrictions, I think the committee have done a great job of coming up with ideas that provide events and activities for the community and visitors during the Fortnight.
“Although events are not in their normal format and not ideal for the pleasure of full social interaction, hopefully they will provide a bit of fun and enjoyment.
“Hopefully this is seen as a positive by everyone rather than us taking the option to cancel the Comrie Fortnight this year.”
Mr Stewart continued: “I think that having the brochure available in the community is a great thing and hopefully a bit of a tonic for everyone as we all progress out of the lockdown phase and the restrictions have started to be eased.
“It has been an extremely difficult time for parents, the young and the elderly with very little or no social interaction.”
Mr Stewart added: “Although we are not able to have our traditional last day of the Fortnight with the Float Parade and the activities in the Laggan Park, which undoubtedly the whole village and visitors enjoy, I do hope that everyone can get behind the garden/house decorating event, which I think provides a great opportunity for everyone to show off the usual skills of creative thinking, humour, constructing something fun and superb costume design.”