THE bunting is already up as Kilbarchan continues preparations for its summer gala on June 6.
Named after Lilias Cuninghame, daughter of an 18th century laird, the annual event draws hundreds to the village.
One of its fixtures is Neil Lamont (52) who runs Kilbarchan East church's coconut shy every year.
He told The Extra: "Lilias day i
s popular with locals, but there are also lots of visitors from outside the village. The event brings people together and is a great day out.
"We have three coconut stalls every year and they are always busy from the park opening till it shuts.
"There is the chance to win all sorts of prizes and nobody can resist having a go."
The village will be decked on the Saturday with shows and stalls offering home-baking, tombolas and raffles for great prizes. Charity stalls, sports events and fairground rides will make it a fun day for the whole family.
The parade starts at 1.30pm from Tandelhill Road, and tells Kilbarchan's history from the sixth century to the present.
The procession wends its way to the steeple, then on to the public park at 2pm, where Miss Lilias — this year Cheryl Lynch — will read the proclamation to officially open festivities.
Arena events during the afternoon are to include the Liathach dog training display team, Kilbarchan and Bridge of Weir primaries' youth challenge football match and the Golden Lions parachute display team.
Elsewhere, people are also looking forward to Renfrew's annual gala (next Sunday) where thousands are expected to turn out.
The parade leaves Canal Street at 1pm, arriving in Robertson park at 1.30pm for the official opening by Renfrew's Eleanor Donaldson — citizen of the year for her voluntary work.
There will be live on-stage entertainment from Renfrew North youth pipe band, Eleanor Weir school of dance and Kirklandneuk community centre.
