Galas, Carnivals and Field Days
Holidays in Cumnock were marked by special summer events for children and families.
Simple 
School Gala days were organised in the early 20th century and the first Cumnock Carnival was staged in 1946 as part of the Victory celebrations in Cumnock and was so successful that it became an annual event in June or July every year. The Carnival Queen was traditionally chosen at a beauty contest at a local dance and this continued up until 1960 when the Queen was chosen from local schoolgirls. The last traditional Cumnock Carnival was in 1974 where due to lack of volunteers the tradition fell by the wayside. Cumnock Gala then took it's place in 1985 and in 2010 there was a revival of the traditional Cumnock Carnival, although not attracting the thousands of revelers that it enjoyed in its heyday.
The carnival was the highlight of the summer for many people in Cumnock and from the surrounding districts. Hundreds of people took part in decorating their streets and entering a themed 'float' for the big parade through town ending at the Woodroad Park where the newly chosen Carnival Queen was crowned. Entertainment from bands, fair-side attractions, swimming competitions, exhibitions and plays lasted over a whole weekend.
Galas and Field Days also ran throughout this time often to replace the Carnival of running in tandem.
Below we have researched most of the years through Chronicle archives, film, programmes and actual photographs of the events, many of which have been donated by members including Mary Little, Janet Smith, Bobby Grierson, Robert Stevenson, Garry Savage and other members.
Scottish Screen Archive's Film 'CUMNOCK CELEBRATION, JUNE 1951' by John Nimmo have agreed to share the link on their website: http://ssa.nls.uk/film/1929. Thank you Scottish Screen Archive!
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This was the Festival of Britain celebration
Queen: Betty Warnock crowned by Jean M Hunter of the Holm, Cumnock.
Ladies in Waiting: Stella Kelly of Gray Street, Cumnock and Jessie Anderson of Cairn Farm.
Kilted Pages: David Bell and Bobby Mitchell.
Flower Girls: Brenda Clark and Doreen Copeland.
CHG member Mary Little found some of these photographs many years ago in the old rubbish tip at Skares. Some other photos from Bobby Mitchell and the programme by Jenny Smith.
The link to the Scottish Screen Archive's Film 'CUMNOCK CELEBRATION, JUNE 1951' by John Nimmo: http://ssa.nls.uk/film/1929.
Queen: Moira Penrose of Keir Hardie Hill, Cumnock crowned by Edith Lindsay of Ayr Road, Cumnock.
Ladies in Waiting: Eva Stewart of Netherthird and Jean Kay of Wylie Crescent, Cumnock.
Train Bearers: Maureen Carballo and Margaret Currie.
Pages: William Simpson and Billy Falconer.
Herald: John Pearson.
Queen: Betty Etherington of 1 Hearth Place, Cumnock crowned by Mrs G Connell, Ayr Road, Cumnock.
Ladies in Waiting: Jean Muir of 5 Logan Avenue, Logan and Carolyn Auld of 21 Carsgailloch Avenue, Netherthird.
Train Bearers: Linda McCall and Janet Irvine.
Kilted Pages: Robert Gilmour and Billy Millar.
Herald: Robert Adamson.
Queen: Anne Murray of Carsgailloch Avenue, Netherthird crowned by Margaret Henderson of the Holm, Cumnock.
Ladies in Waiting: Maureen Maxwell Cairnscadden Road, Craigens and Betty Smith of Glen Avenue, Logan.
Train Bearers: Marion Grierson of 36 Herdston Place, Cumnock and Sandra Scott.
Kilted Pages: John McGhee and Alexander Dunlop.
Herald: Robin Laughlin.
Queen: Vivien Steele
The Carnival Queen was chosen from the 3rd year at Cumnock Academy. Girls were nominated from 3rd and 4th tear classes and a secret ballot held. Viviene was in year 3b.
Attendants: Grace Armstrong, Sheila Dickson, Beatrice Hessett, Margaret Grant and Esther Finn
Herald: Gordon Leman
Pages: Jim O"Conner and Kenneth Young.
Queen: Maria Quadri of 72 Ayr Road, Cumnock crowned by Moira Anderson of the White Heather Club.
Ladies in Waiting: Alexis Anderson of 16 McQueen Avenue, Cumnock and Nancy Owens of 44 Emrys Avenue, Cumnock.
Train Bearers: Isobel Libberton, Joanne B, and Mary Woods, Yvonne Johnstone.
Kilted Pages: Brain Paterson, Alexander Simpson, Victor Kwiatkowski, and Robert Esquierdo.
Herald: Andrew Paterson.
Queen: Rachel Milligan.
No pics as yet.
