A NINE-year-old girl was the star of the rose fete this weekend as the event enjoys its best ever year for volunteers and fundraising.
The children’s festival took place on Saturday, May 18 in Market Field and saw the crowning of the rose queen Aimee Halewood, from Middlewich Primary School.
There were a record number of volunteers at this year's event
Festival chairman Karen Fewtrell said: “It was an absolutely fantastic event with a really good turnout as well. The weather mostly played its part, but it did look like it was about to rain for a lot of the day.
“The rose queen and her retinue looked amazing in the procession and it was lovely to see so many other children in fancy dress join in.”
The crowning of festival king Kian Forrester
Every year the rose queen raises money for her chosen charity and the retiring rose queen Amelia Jones was delighted with her effort.
Karen said: “Amelia chose St Luke’s Hospice which is very close to a lot of people’s hearts. She was hoping to raise £1,000 for the charity but throughout the year the total raised reached £1,200 which we were all very happy with.
“Aimee has chosen to raise money for the Do’s Trust and she has already made a start on her fundraising.
“She was walking around the festival with a big smile on her face and a collection bucket and it was already half full when I saw her.”
There were plenty of stalls to keep people entertained with some new attractions.
The new rose queen with Bernice and Bill Walmsley
Karen said: “Punch and Judy was back and that has always been popular but we also had a new stall with donkeys and children were allowed to pet them and go on little rides. That seemed to go down very well.
“The sports day was very well attended as well, in fact at one stage we thought there might be almost too many children eager to take part.”
Punch and Judy made a return
Karen was ecstatic with the community support the Rose Fete received.
She said: “I would like to sincerely thank everyone on the committee for all of their hard work organising the event. There only about seven or eight of us so it was a brilliant effort.
“I would also like to thank all of the volunteers as well. The number of volunteers went up as well this year which was fantastic to see.
“The Middlewich Clean Team were out as well keeping the park clear which really does make a massive difference.
“I would like to thank the community for coming to the event and all the parents who brought their children.”
Mickey and Minnie Mouse were there to take pictures with the children
The committee is organising the annual duck race which takes place on Sunday June 16 at 3pm in the Big Lock.
For updates and to volunteer visit the Middlewich Rose Fete and Children’s Festival Facebook page.
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