Cherry Fayre

Helped by glorious weather, Olney's Cherry Fayre was a great success on the last weekend in June.

It was a traditional 'Country Fair' with country dancing by year 2 children from Olney Infants school, side-shows, produce stalls, teas, a barbecue and bouncy castle.

In the main 'arena', highlights included an impressive karate demonstration and a dog show. The M.P Mark Lancaster judged the competition for the dog with the waggiest tail.

The men's pancake race resulted in a photo finish and was the first time in its history that the there were joint winners.

Charites reported some of their best 'takings' ever. Advantage Africa, the small Olney based charity, took nearly £200 just on its  tombola.

The name 'Cherry Fair' is reminiscent of the days when Olney produced a large commercial cherry crop each year. What was left over at the end of the harvest was sold off each year at the Cherry Fair.

As the event fell so close to the Parish Church Patronal Festival for St Peter and St Paul, the town took a holiday and the travelling fair would come (as it still does).