Emma is this year’s gala queen
Local girl Emma Reid will be crowned Gala Queen during Blackford Gala Day on Sunday, June 11.
The annual coronation dates back to when the first Gala Day was held in the village to mark Queen Elizabeth II’S Silver Jubilee in 1977.
Emma will be crowned by outgoing queen Evie Head and be asked to attend community events over the course of the year along with attendants Amber Mcintyre and Natalia Bajkousdka.
The final official duty as part of the role is traditionally opening the following year’s Blackford Highland Games.
Gala Day itself sees floats and a fancy dress parade leave the Moray Institute at 1.30pm to go down Moray Street and up Stirling Street, led by Comrie Pipe Band.
Prizes and trophies are up for grabs, including the Jock Aitken Trophy for‘best in Show’.
Floats can be entered by families, neighbours or village clubs and organisations.
Anyone needing assistance in terms of obtaining a trailer for a float, or advice if the weather should take a turn for the worst on the day, is asked to call 07740 923822 or check either the Blackford Gala Week or Blackford Cares Facebook pages.
Gala Day also sees the winners of the scarecrow and art competitions revealed.
The Blackford Gala Day committee spokesperson said:“there’s plenty of time to create the scarecrow idea you’ve been working on.
“Use straw from the bale in the church grounds – thanks to Kevin Wilson – if you wish, but we’ve seen some great ideas made with other stuffing.
“Entries, with a name and address, should be submitted by the Monday evening of Gala Week through the clipboard in the village shop, Blackford Gala Facebook page or by email to gala@ blackford.org.uk.”
The committee representative added: “With the Eurovision Song Contest having been held in the UK for the first time this millennium, the theme for all age groups is Eurovision.
“Perhaps you are inspired by a favourite song, or you can capture this year’s Eurovision theme,‘united by Music’.
“We’re asking for a painting, drawing, model or something from any other medium.”
Entries can be handed in to any Gala Week event from the Sunday until the Wednesday of the big week.
Categories are: pre-school, P1-4, P5-7, secondary pupils and adults.