THE STREETS come alive this Saturday (October 21) for the annual Okehampton Carnival. The big event is the grand procession of brightly lit and decorated floats led by Okehampton Excelsior Silver Band and Okehampton Fire Engine. It starts from Mill Road at 7.15pm and wends it way through the town centre to Crediton Road, Limehayes Road and Exeter Road, returning later to the town centre. This year?s prince and princess are Ethan and Ashton Hoggins, who will be crowned at 3.05pm in School Way. The afternoon will then see the children?s procession through Fore Street. Judges at the carnival will start inspecting the procession tableaux at 6pm, looking for imaginative ideas and well-realised compositions. Roads in the town centre will be closed to traffic for two hours from 6.45pm, as preparations for the grand procession take place. Before the off, there is the important role of anointing this year?s Carnival Queen Poppy Ball. She will be crowned outside the Masonic Lodge in Mill Road, at 7.05pm. Organisers hope those who come and enjoy the carnival atmosphere, listen to the music and see the bright lights will help to make this year?s event a great success by generously supporting their fundraising. This year, the carnival committee is supporting the special care baby unit in Exeter as well as local charities. Please give generously to the official collectors and the designated appeal floats. However, please do not throw coins onto ordinary floats, they can cause serious injury. Entry forms for the evening and afternoon are available from Krafty Cards and JC Books. Although you have only until 5pm tomorrow (Friday) to return completed forms for the evening procession. While organisers would appreciate parents completing forms prior to the afternoon parade it is still possible to fill in a form on carnival day. For any information contact Shirley Friend on 01837 52230 or Marie Daniel on 01837 52790.
