All the Fun of the Fête

Garry Fete from the 'Bridge to Nowhere'

August Bank Holiday was an important date in the Tolsta calendar during the 1970s, 1980s and early 1990s. That was the day of the Garry Fête and, weather permitting, villagers and holidaymakers were guaranteed a good day out and a chance to meet up with old friends. Last year the Community Council set about getting the Fête going again, but on Monday August 6 th 2007, after a hard morning of erecting tents, stalls etc the northerly gale and the relentless heavy rain forced them to cancel.

This year Saturday 16 th August was set aside for the Fête and on this occasion the weather on the day was beautiful. Preparations got underway on the Friday and on that day the Community Council and their helpers beavered away transporting, tents, tables, chairs. The midges were out in their millions that evening but the work went on!

The Fête was well attended and catered for all age groups – Sale of Work with lots of stalls, barbecue, teas, bouncy castle, coconut shy, go-carts, tractor rides, spins on a digger etc. The children loved the tractor and the digger and the novelty sheep race raised a few laughs.

Prize winners

The Citizen Cup – Margaret Murray, 49 North Tolsta.

Best Garden – Macdonald, 51B North Tolsta

Tug of War – New Tolsta Team

Sheep Race - Spùt backed by Lesley Macdonald, New Tolsta

Top Raffle Prize of a garden seat – Ruaraidh ‘Coy' Mackay, Lochside

The community would like to thank the digger-driver Angus Mackay mac Aonghais Beag Aonghais Caoidh (Angus is always willing to come down from Coll to help with functions in the village), Gordon Morrison (Crosabhat House) for the tractor rides, Lewis Crofters for the use of their van, Alec Murray, Constructions (Ness) for help with the transport and all those who helped make the day so enjoyable. Thanks also to those who gave their support by attending.

£2,200 was raised on the day. Well done!

Children's Tug of War

Sheep Race