ALL the fun of the fair came to Tavistock this week, with the revival of an old Easter tradition in the town.
Robin and Diana Pike, the mayor and mayoress of Tavistock, cut the ribbon last Thursday to formally open the fair on the Meadows, and re-kindle an event previously held in Tavistock from the 16th to 19th century to celebrate the feast day of St Mark on April 25, the anniversary of his martyrdom.
People of all ages enjoyed the dodgems, 'crazy shake', 'cage rides', ghost train and a host of other attractions.
Dean Bailey, the owner of Funlands, the Exeter-based firm operating the fair, told the Times: 'We have been doing Goose Fair in the town but I have always wanted to bring an Easter fair to Tavistock and this is an ideal operation for me. The support of Tavistock Town Council has been tremendous.
'We are only charging £1 for all the rides to make it affordable for all the family, especially in these difficult economic times. Hopefully it will all go well and it will be the first of many here in the Meadows.'
Cllr Robin Pike welcomed the attraction and said the council would monitor the fair but hoped it would become a more regular event.
He said: 'We thank Mr Bailey very much and Funlands for coming to town. We think it important to have such an attraction for people to enjoy at the beginning of the leisure season and wish the fair every success.'
Once the fair is finished the area will be levelled. Any damage to the Meadows will be repaired, with no cost to the town council.
Funlands, which is opening free to disabled youngsters and adults today (Thursday) between 4pm to 6pm, will also make a donation to the mayor's chosen charity, the Mary Budding Trust, which supports children with special needs.