A Packed Prestwick Prom
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Tens of thousands of residents, visitors and holidaymakers enjoyed a fantastic day out at the seaside on Saturday (26 June) to celebrate the centenary of Prestwick promenade and seafront.
Supported by South Ayrshire Council, Scottish Power Renewables, EventScotland and National Lottery Awards for All, Prestwick Promenade 100 recreated the magic of glorious seaside days 'doon the watter' and confirmed just how much fun a 'staycation' can be
The celebrations got underway with a fun-filled town centre Treasure Hunt in the morning followed by an afternoon of family fun, clowns, boats, kites, sandcastles and ice-cream (with an estimated 4,000 ice-creams sold), which kicked off with the Grand Hurrah Prestwick Promenade 100 Parade.
A whole host of fun activities were then available throughout the day including a sandcastle building competition, which was won by seven year old Natasha McLellan
Local Councillor Margaret Toner, Portfolio Holder for Economic Development, Tourism and Leisure, said: "What an absolutely fantastic day – it exceeded all expectations and I was thoroughly pleased to see so many people come along to see what our town and seafront have to offer.
"Days out and holidays by the seaside were a way of life for many of us and the success of this event shows just how special these times – and these places – not only were, but still are today.
"Visitors who came here themselves as young children are now coming back with their own children or grandchildren and I hope this continues for many years to come.
"I would like to thank everyone involved in making Prestwick Prom such a terrific event – the organisers, supporters, residents and most of all, the visitors who took the time to come back to Ayrshire. Hopefully it won't be too long before we see you all again."
The event was a huge hit from residents and visitors alike:
Mrs McMillan and Mrs Tedford from Glasgow said: "We just came down for the day and by chance found all this going on. We're having a lovely day and are delighted to have just won these prizes. It's nice to see the seaside so busy."
The Clarkson family, who recently moved to Prestwick from Newton Mearns, said: "We really have just 'come back to Ayrshire' as David is going to be the new minister for Monkton and Prestwick North. Our highlight of the day was the geese herding, that was pretty special!"
The Ovens Family from Springside and West Dunbartonshire, said: "We're staying at the Dutch House Caravan Park and, as you can see from the kids in the water, they are having a ball!"
Other comments included:
- "Marvellous – never seen so many people down here. The organisers really did us proud."
- "Great! Should have it every year – particularly good for the children."
- "The sandcastles were amazing and seeing the sea line scattered with sailing boats, canoes and families enjoying themselves in the water was good."
- "Great to see the beach being used by the community – should have more of this type of thing."
- "There was something for everyone and you do not have to spend any money so it meant I could bring my kids down for a good day out and not go home broke."
- "I liked the sandcastle competition best, I amazed myself how much fun I had with my kids building one. We will be coming down to the beach again as a family and building more."
- "Good old fashioned family fun, outside in the fresh air. A great atmosphere."
- "I was born and brought up in Prestwick and I have never seen the beach so busy. The local people who organised this certainly showed everyone how to arrange a good event."
- "I will remember this day forever, it was really that good. My children had so much fun."
The Prestwick Promenade 100 Centenary Celebrations were also supported by Prestwick North Community Council, Prestwick South Community Council and Prestwick Rotary Club.