Newton Abbot Carnival Week might be down on the money raising side this year, but overall events went well.
With a downturn in the economy and rising costs a drop was expected, but that did not stop an enjoyable fun seven days.
Saturday's highlight, the procession, led by Okehampton Town Band, was well supported by carnival queen entries from around the area and the Teignmouth Queen entry Egyptian Treasures swept the board taking the Visiting royalty class, the Queen of queens and made it a hat-trick for the best attendants.
The most spectacular float was Monarch of the Glen, entered from South Brent.
During the week 29 teams took part in a quiz night, there was a tea dance, bingo, a talk on Old Newton Abbot by historian Fred Tozer, and a fun run twice around the paths skirting Decoy Lake.
The River Lemon changed colour between Steppes Meadow and Asda, when more than 1,500 yellow plastic ducks were set loose for the annual duck race.
Twenty minutes later the winning duck, number 1500, crossed the finishing line earning owner Sandy Gidley £100, with 286 second gaining Kate Mayor £50. Third was 379, Liz Furneaux £30; fourth 1507, Kara Mitchell £20; with fifth and sixth earning their owners Louise Asker and June Parker novelty bath ducks.
Volunteers from Newton Abbot Hospital's Tower Sound Radio ran their annual stall, one of 30 charity stalls in Courtenay Park on Saturday.
They were presented with a CD recorder by Ashburton software company Grey Matter.
Tower Sound has between 20-30 volunteers and broadcasts to patients in Newton Abbot Hospital daily throughout the year from 9am-9pm, apart from Christmas Day.
On Sunday a wide variety of activities were rounded off with Carnival Praise organised by Churches Together in Newton Abbot, which attracted more than 150 people to Courtenay Park.
The carnival was in aid of three charities – Newton Abbot Gymnasts, the Memory Cafe, and Street Masters – though it will be a while before the final figure is known of the total raised.
Carnival chairman Cllr Mike Ryan, who did the fun run for good measure admitting he thought it was only one lap, said the week went well.
He said organising the carnival was hard work and he thanked the committee for its backing, all those who had helped make the float for the carnival queen, and everyone who had supported the events.
Results
Visiting royalty – Teignmouth, Egyptian Treasures. Float spectacular – South Brent, Monarch of the Glen. Trade – Captain Jack Sparro's Motley Crew. Adult group – Teignbridge and Totnes Cats Protection League. Children's group Under 11 years – Magpies of the Wild West. Majorettes – Paignton Sapphires. Fancy dress adults – Arachnophobia. Fancy dress children – Raggy Doll. Best wheeled entry – Wild South West. Queen of queens – Teignmouth Egyptian Treasures. Best attendants – Teignmouth Egyptian Treasures. Mayor's cup best walking – Magpies of the Wild West.
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