Long ago, when the Maggie Fair was a bi-annual event, in the autumn a young girl was chosen from the village.  She would be crowned the ‘Fair Maiden’ with a crown of flowers and a sash of tied wheat.  This was to symbolise the harvest and to give thanks for a fruitful year.  At some point the fair went from two to one, and the custom of the ‘fair maiden’ was lost.  Four years ago after some research, Ginny Slater resurrected this and it has become a lovely part of the fairs history once again.  Maidens are invited to apply and are chosen by the committee before the day.  They are presented with a crown and a sash, and get to accompany the guest speaker on the fair day.  This year will again be open to girls of both villages and forms are in the shop and attached to this newsletter.

The week running up to fair is always kept clear in my diary; I love the whole feel of doing something for the village.  Although I have only lived here for six years, the village has been like an extended family, and it’s great to feel part of something.
Apart from the day of the fair, there are the events leading up to it which include the Jumble sale and art show. These are always well attended and there are many bargains to be had.
The actual day of the fair starts early with the field convener, (David MacKay) co-ordinating volunteers to make the many stalls ready and put up the gazebos (always fun, especially if it’s windy). The work behind the scenes always the most important and always the least noticed, but the most appreciated. 
Gradually people will start to appear and begin setting up their various attractions, there is a wonderful feeling of camaraderie, with everyone pitching in and helping out.

As lunchtime approaches we get busy with the fancy dress preparations, and once this is judged, they march up the hill to the Cross, with the pipe band where the fair is officially opened at 1.30 by a guest speaker and the ringing of the Maggie fair Bell.  Then and only then can money pass hands, be warned the cake stall sells out very fast!  Crafts, plants, books and toys; bottle stall and wheel of fortune.  And don’t forget the fantastic teas!

This year sees the return of the very popular assault course, as well as different interactive demonstrations.  Bouncy castles, giant games and stalls.  The raffle tickets can be bought now from any committee member.  There will be vintage and classic cars and bikes on display. 
A car boot sale and much more! 
Visitors from far and away come to the fair, to experience something that is dying out in our fast paced society.  They enjoy the feeling of belonging to something and the smiles and laughter from the stall holders stays with them until next year.

This fair is unique and possibly one of the oldest in Scotland, and to be a part of history is something I’m very happy to be part of.
The Maggie Fair is something that we should all be proud of, a tradition that is kept going by volunteers.  As with all village traditions this gets harder every year and volunteers become thin on the ground.  People are needed to run the various stalls, set up on the morning and scrap in the evening, and help with the teas.  Everyone is welcome and no-one is turned away.  The right to hold the fair was given to the village by a king no less.  Be a part of this wonderful village tradition, just phone the secretary to offer your help. (870514)



If you can donate anything to the stalls please contact them.

Stall Holders
Cake and Candy - Belinda White 870475
Crafts and Gifts - Celia Roberts   870182
Jumble Sale - Mary Macgregor
Teas - Jenny Pratt        870541
Plants - Ginny Slater        870514
Toys - Jane Birnie        870416
Book Stall - Mike Nunns        870302
Wheel of Fortune - Kevin Black        870305
Park Convenor - David MacKay  870233
Raffle - John Fettes        870335

Thank you
Ginny Slater
Secretary