DOLLAR’S Summer Gala could not be spoiled by the weather that brought the rain in after a week of sunshine.

The popular annual event took place on Saturday, June 3, and it was an extra special day as organisers Dollar Community Council were delighted to have “magnificent community hero” and local butcher Brian Devlin as the guest of honour.

Brian has been a supporter of many community groups around Dollar as well as in the Hillfoots and he will be retiring this weekend after 40 years of serving customers.

The day began with a fancy dress parade at Dollar Academy where people formed up for the procession with the gala queen Astrid Ulrichsen with her three attendants Ishbel, Rachel and Eliza; and gala king James Johnston with his three attendants Baran, Oliver and Robert.

The royal party and Brian travelled in the parade car, a 1937 Morris 10 provided by local Andy Normansell, while the procession was led by the Dollar Academy Pipe Band to Market Park.

Following presentations, including a bunch of flowers for Brian’s wife Helena, the fancy dress winners were announced.

Throughout the afternoon, there were kids’ fun races for people of all ages with participants being supported by a good crowd.

There was also a range of inflatables and the introduction of a simulator kept the older children busy.

On the side there was splat the rat, coconut shy and many other activities that were managed by youngsters from Dollar Academy, who also helped out with the tables and chairs, earning a special thanks from the community council.

Two new events were trialled this year, they included the pie and spoon race, using specially prepared pies from Brian’s as well as the sausage eating competition.

Organisers wanted to thank the EDF Burnfoot Hill Community Fund as well as the many local sponsors who help throughout the year.