With a whole host of activities including children’s races, face painting, rides, stalls, raffles and more, it was a day for the whole family to enjoy in the summer weather at Oakley Park.

The Minion-themed parade saw kids and adults alike don all kinds of fancy dress, and even a certain local councillor got in on the act!

“A big massive thank you to Bobby Clelland, who ran about the park dressed as a Minion and was jumping on the bouncy castle and going on all the rides available,” said Renee Foy, chair of the gala committee. “He was a great sport. And well done to our fancy dress winners, including our first-place Spongebob.” She added, “The sun was shining and it was absolutely fantastic. There was a tremendous turnout and the stall holders had a ball, they made some amount of money! There were water balls, bouncy castles – the kids had an absolute ball!

“A brilliant effort went into the shops and Oakley Pharmacy won ‘best dressed’ for its Wizard of Oz theme. We also had a prize for best dressed garden for the first time this year to encourage people to get involved and support the event, and Mrs Bernard won that.” There was also some drama as one of the birds of prey decided to take to the skies in an apparent escape attempt!

“We had a bird display and one of the eagles went missing,” said Renee. “There were quite a lot of pigeons and it just took off but two hours later it was retrieved safe and sound!” The winners of the George Beveridge Memorial Sports Cup were Amy Jack for the girls and Regan Dowie for the boys, while the five-a-side tournament saw player of the match awards for Johnny Breen (P1-7) and Jack Nicol (high school). The day was closed out by Oakley singer-songwriter Katland Shields.

“I’d like to say a big thanks to all who sponsored the gala,” added Renee.

Anybody interested in becoming part of the Oakley and Comrie events group is welcome to come along to the next meeting at 7pm on Monday 24th August at Oakley Community Centre.