THE first count of the Garioch Lions Club Charity Raft Race committed a staggering total of around £9,000 - and still to add are the proceeds from the bouncy castle, cuddly toy and popcorn stalls.
The weather held and with 35 diverse and colourful rafts, skippers and crews ready to set sail from Kemany's Kembhill Park, the scene was quite spectacular. And it was a first for the race, which celebrates its 30th birthday this year - for the first
time ever the race attracted foreign entries, two Norwegian teams, whose company donated a generous £1,000.
Community spirit filled the air in abundance. With a large number of people sending them off, the 35 rafts started the race, two sadly didn't make it home and one managed to clock in with a third place, crossing the finish line in two halves.
At the halfway mark, the Shakkin' Briggie heaved with spectators, all routing for their favourite raft and two Lions' helpers, manning the briggie managed to accrue £46 worth of donations from the generous crowd.
There were no serious injuries on the day, only minor cuts and bruises - and no-one needed first aid, though there were some very cold people at the end of the day.
Donald Ingram, founder of the event, was available to present prizes for the fastest home made raft, the fastest ladies only, the best decorated, the best home made raft and the best fancy dress crew, and the crew and individual to raise the most money.
The Garioch Lions have extended their thanks to all that made this day special - Jim King who provided Landrover and winch, Rembrant Timber for the landing dock, JM White burger van, Mike's Ice cream, Scotframe for their generous support, FROM Scotland, all the people that helped on the day and members of the public who provided the atmosphere and very generous donations.
A special thanks goes to ATC who manned communications, monitored the race and kept the organisers informed.
Results were as follows: Fastest homemade raft - 1, Quicksilver (1h 29m 05s); 2, Three Blind Mice (1h 35m 13s); 3, Pointy Like Stick (1h 37m 45s). Fastest ladies' raft - 1, Pirates of the Don (3h 4m 3s); 2, Aly's Angels (3h 15m 10s). Best decorated raft - 1, Garioch Gladiators; 2, Barmy Army; 3, Kemnay Primary. Best homemade raft - 1, Inverurie Ambulance Station; 2, Forky Males; 3, Mikey's Tartan Army. Best fancy dress crew - 1, Kemnay Village People; 2, Pirates of the Don; 3, Garioch Gladiators.
Raft with highest donation - Forky Males (£1,260); Highest individual donation - Forky Males (£776.33).
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