After months of preparation, Clackmannan Gala Group is hoping that the sun shines for the big day on Saturday, 4 July, at the King George V Park from 12noon-4pm.

The event will be officially opened by local resident and community activist, May Graham MBE. The parade will leave from Clackmannan Main Street at 12 noon.

The third gala since the event was revived after 17 years will have an American theme as it takes place on Independence Day and there will be a few surprises from the world of Disney too.

This year’s Gala line up is Gala Queen, Sirin Erdogan (10), Lady-in-Waiting Chloe Barr (11), Flower Girl Niamh Hall (5) and Pageboy Alexander Baillie (5). The children are all pupils from Clackmannan Primary School.

There will be the usual wide variety of entertainment, including super heroes, rodeo bull, pony rides, a fancy dress competition, Central Scotland Fire and Rescue Service and much more. The Bowmar Pipe Band also in attendance.

Refreshments will be available throughout the afternoon.

There will be a change in format this year, as the Gala Committee is hoping to hold the traditional children’s races in the afternoon of Friday, 3 July, in the park, and the children’s rides will be open from that evening onwards.

The final fundraising event before the big day itself is a race night which will be held on Saturday, 27 June, at the Horseshoe Bar in Clackmannan, which the Gala Group hope will be well attended.

Gala Committee member Margaret Solomon said: “The Gala seems to come around quicker every year and now it is just a week or so away, we would like to make a big appeal for volunteers to help out at the Gala itself on Saturday 4 July as we need everyone who can spare the time to join in and make it the success it has been in previous years.

“As the 4th of July is American Independence Day, the Gala will also have a red, white and blue theme, which is the colours of the American flag.

“We are hoping that local residents will join in with the spirit of things and will decorate their houses and gardens to celebrate Gala Day. There will be a special prize for this and the fancy dress competition.

“We would also like to thank everyone who has given of their time throughout the year and those who have made donations – it all contributes to a great family day out.”