Children's Gala Day
10 July 1913
There was a Great stir in Newtongrange yesterday on the occasion of the gala
day for the children of the parish. As the result of an appeal to the public,
the Committee was supplied with funds, which enabled them to carry out the
proceedings on a generous and somewhat elaborate scale.
Altogether some 1,500 children participated in the celebrations
and these, after being marshalled in the Public Park, marched in processional
order, and with flags and banners flying to Victoria Park which had been placed
at their disposal by the Star Football Club. The Lothian Silver Band led the
way, and in the forefront of the procession there was carried a large banner
on which " Newtongrange Children's Gala" was inscribed in bold characters.
After the children were regaled with refreshments, a long series of sporting
events for which handsome prizes were awarded was entered upon with great
gusto, the rivalry displayed by the youthful competitors being exceptionally
keen. The programme included a flat, skipping rope, egg and spoon, thread
and needle, mixed and three-legged racing, separate competitions for the boys
and girls of all ages between five and thirteen. Special prizes were also
awarded for floral bouquets, which were carried by the competitors in the
procession.
The Lothian Band remained in attendance throughout the day and to their accompaniments, dancing was engaged in by many of the adults present. The event passed off most harmoniously and successfully, and the general opinion of the children at the conclusion was that they had had the day of their lives.