The skies threatened all day Saturday – but the rain held off and the only shower was that of glory from the Bovey Tracey Carnival procession. A glittering array of floats, dazzling costumes and stirring music combined to produce a wonderful display of carnival celebration. The variety was impressive. From the towering, stilt-walking green man and woman to the mounted medieval knight with caparisoned horse, the cute walking teapot of Tea for Two, the limo 'royalty' from the Derby and Joan Club or the intrepid coastal walkers Dorothy and the Tin Man accompanied, of course, by Toto. The carnival procession, led by fire engines with flashing blue lights, took a hour to pass Fore Street. It was a hour packed with spectator enjoyment and community goodwill. The revellers lining the streets to watch the fun gave generously – Bovey Tracey Carnival committee is still counting the 'buckets and buckets of small change' to reach a final total for the week. The whole carnival has done well this year – with the possible exception of the Party in the Parke on July 29, when it poured with rain. 'The Fun Day went brilliantly,' said carnival committee member Mark Godwin. 'About 2,000 people attended, the Cheeky Girls were very good – they went on the Crazy Shake ride about three times – and the belly dancing, tug-of-war and dog show were all great fun.' Other events during the week included bingo, two children's parties, a pub quiz night, a jazz night at the Riverside, a barbecue and dancing in the square. The carnival finished with a big bang and a prayer – fireworks in the park on Saturday night and a carnival church service at the fairground on Sunday. 'It was a smashing week,' said Mr Godwin. 'It was a team effort from the carnival committee, all 16 of us have worked very hard to make the Bovey Tracey Carnival a success.'
