Praise for Govan Fair parade

THE 2009 Govan Fair has been declared a roaring success after a joy-filled procession drew huge crowds to the streets of the ancient burgh last Friday.
Led by Councillor Stephen Dornan holding aloft the historic symbol of the Sheep’s Heid, the colourful parade took more than an hour to wind its way from Fairley Street in Ibrox to Elder Park Library.
All along the route the marchers and bands were cheered by local families, with children lining the pavements to wave flags while some adults preferred to watch from their tenement windows.
“This has been a great night for Govan,” said the Fair Association’s Chairperson Dorothy Courtney after the night’s festivities.
Honour
“We were lucky that it stayed dry, as the local people took the chance to come out in force to show their support.
“There were men and women and boys and girls of all ages there to see the bands, dancers and local groups. And, of course, the Sheep’s Heid.
“On a night like this it’s easy to see why the Govan Fair is not only the
oldest procession in Glasgow – but it’s also the BEST.
“And that’s all thanks to the efforts of so many people who devote their time to making this event happen.”
The evening that ended at Elder Park Library had started in the same building a few hours earlier when the new Govan Fair Queen was crowned.
This year that prestigious honour went to 11-year-old St Saviour’s Primary School pupil Abbie Hunter, who was selected after a vote among her fellow Primary 7 classmates.
The same poll decided that her Maids of Honour would be Katie Hughes and Kirsti Cleary, and her assistants Jack Bowman and David McGrath.
Abbie took over from Ibrox Primary pupil Shannon Jones, whose last task as Govan Fair Queen was to hand over her crown to veteran musician Bill Young.
The 90-year-old trumpeter – whose jazz band has entertained generations of Govanites at events in the area – was overwhelmed to be given the honour of crowning Abbie. He said: “This is a wonderful privilege.” Later, Bill stood on the review stand with his daughter Wilma to watch the procession go by.
He said: “Usually I’m playing with my jazz band at this stage, but this must be one of the best Fair processions in many a year.”
Bill’s judgment was backed by local MP Ian Davidson, who said: “It was a fantastic spectacle. It was great to see the whole community come out in force.”
And Govan MSP Nicola Sturgeon said: “On our way through the streets, it was fantastic to see so many families there, and clearly enjoying themselves.
“Everyone seemed to be smiling. It’s a wonderful night for the community.”
Effort
Among the spectators was 87-year-old Matt Barlow, who was a member of the Govan Fair Association Committee for 20 years and former Chief Marshall of the parade.
He said: “That certainly must rank as one of the best-ever processions.
“There seemed to be a lot more floats and groups taking part. And it was great that so many people came out to line the streets and show their support.
“The costumes were fantastic. It’s great to see so much effort was put in.”
Providing a transatlantic view of the whole event was American visitor Kara Deboeser, from Philadelphia, who has been spending a few months in the city to study at Glasgow School of Art.
And 20-year-old Kara, who is a friend of Matt’s family, said: “We have nothing like this back in Philadelphia. It’s a wonderful event.
“Everyone has been so kind, happy and friendly. I really like Govan!”