BUDDIES are gearing up for the annual Sma' Shot day parade and festival next Saturday.
On July 4, Paisley people and visitors will again celebrate the historic victory of weavers over their employers in 19th century Paisley.
Since then, the event which begin in 1856 has evolved over time into an annual celebration of arts and cu
lture.
This year's Sma' Shot day will begin with a parade from Brodie park to the town centre, for a fun-packed day's activities including music, drama, crafts and workshops.
Leading a group of some 60 drummers will be Tommy McGrory, founder of Paisley's Loud'n'Proud school of rock.
He told The Extra: "This time we've got five different groups taking part so we should be making quite a lot of noise".
Tommy added: "I think it's really important to celebrate what the weavers achieved in the 1850s but it's also interesting to think of what a big date Sma' Shot day would have been on the calendar back then.
"These people didn't get weeks of holidays in the summer and Christmas like we do — so a day off meant much more.
"It must have been quite a sight as thousands of people paraded through Paisley in the morning towards the railway station, to take a trip to Greenock or Stirling".
Meanwhile the weather stayed mainly dry for Barshaw gala day on Saturday, with activities such as a climbing wall, paintball, sports and model boat sailing, as well as face painting and stalls.
And Lilias Day in Kilbarchan was a huge success with thousands turning out for the village's parade and park festivities last week.
Bunting was hung, houses and shop fronts decorated and a day of stalls, sports and games was enjoyed by all.
Bill Lamont (80), who has attended 43 consecutive Lilias Days, told The Extra: "We've come every year since we moved to the village and it's a great day out.
"The family is all grown up but they still all come to watch the parade and cheer on people in the procession".
Fountain Gardens gala day was brought forward by two months to June 13 in the hope it would mean brighter weather — and the gamble paid off.
Councillor Kenny MacLaren said: "Congratulations should go to everyone who organised a stall or held an event, and especially to Paisley north community council which applied to the local area committee to help pay for the event".
