THE kids had great fun at West Kilbride’s 2017 Scarecrow Gala despite the miserable weather forcing some of the rides to close.

Those attending this year’s event on Saturday, July 29, were soaked and the event ended up losing £3,000 according to the Gala Committee.

But the committee are not letting that put a dampener on things and are planning a fundraiser in September to make up for the loss.

There were still plenty of activities at Kirktonhall Glen to keep everyone entertained, including pony rides, stalls, face-painting and more.

Best-selling children’s author Alan Dapré was also there displaying his new ‘Porridge the Tartan Cat’ series, as was the Kandy Bar’s friendly mascot, McPie.

Jacqueline Wilson, of West Kilbride Scarecrow Gala Committee, said: “It went very well except the rain. We’ve got a deficit of £3,000.

“A lot of people left early because of the rain. “The rain was so heavy they shut the bungee trampoline and the laser quest too. An assault course was down as well because it was too wet.

“ABC Events had brought quad bikes but they went early because the rain made it so muddy and it ripped up the grass. I would’ve thought they would have covers for something like that but they didn’t. The kids were all disappointed.

“Most of the kids had a ball though because they still had other things to do. The bouncy castle and the roundabout were all still running.

“ABC let us down. They didn’t bring cover. Everyone was soaking wet.”

Jacqueline added that the committee are on the lookout for volunteers.

She said: “We do need a body of people to take down the marquee over the weekend. It’s a 10-man job.”

If you can lend a hand, contact Jacqueline on 07932477711.