Kirkgunzeon will celebrate the relaxation of Covid restrictions on Saturday – by bringing its gala day out of cold storage.
Billed as the Maxwell Memorial Hall and Kirkgunzeon Canines Summer Gala, the event has pulled in community-wide support ahead of the big day.
Kirkgunzeon Canines owner Emma Maxwell and the hall committee are organising the event which runs from 10am to 4pm.
Emma, who raises money for Lost Dogs Dumfries and Galloway and Greyhound Rescue at her centre and doggie “freedom field” at Kirkgunzeon, had no clue her initial plan for a community day would turn into something much bigger.
She told the News: “Due to the overwhelming support from my customers and not many events being planned in the area I had the idea of having a fundraising event in the local hall.
“But after talking to friends, customers and other local dog businesses owners it grew legs and in a couple of weeks had turned into a summer gala.
“I am on the hall committee in the village and I run Kirkgunzeon Youth Club so I asked if I could hire the hall and green next door.
“Everybody was so great and said they would help organise it.”
Saturday’s events and entertainment feature a dog show, dog agility displays and dog scurry, a duck race, BBQ and licenced bar.
Craft stalls, a tombola, bouncy castles and teas, coffees and home baking are also on the menu.
Emma said: “More and more people came in with support so I had to ask my friend and local farmer Rory Young if I could use his field.
“He agreed and I asked more of my friends to help.
“We now have Stewartry Dog Club bringing all their equipment to do ‘have a go’ sessions and eight dog showing classes.
“Regular customers Carol and Simon have agreed to run the dog scurry for me.”
Emma added: “I am absolutely blown away by the incredible support and kindness friends, family, villagers and customers have shown over the last few weeks.
“Without them the gala would not be possible.
“I really am the luckiest woman to have my freedom field, great neighbours and be able to support two local charities.”
