All events are run by a small band of volunteers, who have worked together for over 5 years with some who have been involved for many, many years.
The events team plans and organises community events and is supported by many more who help run things on the day. As is inevitable people get older and, while they are still keen to be involved, we
NEED more new volunteers to help out, especially with the physical stuff.
some of our volunteers
There is a lot of work, some of it heavy, in making our events happen but there is also an immense sense of satisfaction in seeing events deliver happiness to the community.
So, please consider becoming involved. Every little helps whether that be a couple of hours helping with teas or moving tables and chairs and building marquees. Anyone interested in coordinating
one or more events is especially welcome. The events are for the community so we need the community to be involved to inform what people want to see.
Interested? Then contact us!
The Duck Race has taken place in Dollar for many years and has become a great family morning out. It is a fundraising event that is used to benefit the community as well as allowing the Events Team
to offer a more varied range of attractions at the Gala. Prior to the event and on the day itself ducks are sold, currently £2 each. The "owners" of the first three ducks crossing the line win
a gift voucher and a toy duck; the next seven ducks also win a toy duck.
The event normally takes place on the second Saturday in May each year, generally the Saturday following May holiday weekend.
The event starts at 10:00 am with the Gala Queen and King starting the race when the ducks are launched into the burn by Dollar Museum. The finish line is just north of the footbridge by
Strathdevon Primary School. Close to the finish line is the Dollar Hive where a BBQ along with refreshments are open to all.
Dollar Gala has been a focal event in Dollar for decades and takes place over the first weekend in June each year. We follow a traditional approach for key elements with a few changes each year
to keep the event interesting. Of late we restored activities such as Tug O War and tried new things like Reenactment displays. In advance of the Gala we decide on a theme and the shops' window
displays and fancy dress are judged based on this theme. A Guest of Honour is invited to open the Gala and along with the Gala Queen and King judge the window displays.
On Gala day we start with the fancy dress parade in Dollar Academy grounds followed by a procession to Market Park led by Dollar Academy Pipe Band, followed by the "Royal Party" and Guest of Honour.
On arrival at the field the Guest of Honour formally opens the gala and presents prizes. Within Market Park and Dollar Hive there are a number of activities to entertain our community. There are children's
rides, side shows, fundraising stalls for local groups and a variety of other activities including Kids Fun Races. Around the Gala field we provide space for community groups to fund raise and provide fun activity
while raising awareness. In the evening we aspire to hold a family ceilidh or family disco. Throughout the day we provide a BBQ along with teas and coffees as well as a bar with the latter available at night.
Dollar Fireworks are well know in Dollar and further afield and is arguably the best firework display in the area. It takes place on the nearest Saturday to 5th November.
At the display we cordon off areas of New Field, south of the Health Centre.
The display starts with the lighting of the bonfire upon which sits the "Guy" created by kids from Strathdevon Primary School. Once all spectators have entered the field the firework display starts.
Before and during the display a BBQ is in place along with refreshments and a "glow stick" stall for kids to buy glowing items. It is very much a family affair. An admission is payable to cover costs,
with any surplus use to support other community events.
Dollar Winter Festival takes place on the first weekend in December. It includes Christmas Lighting, Christmas Trees, Santa Tour and the Dollar Winter Festival Day. Towards the end of November
Christmas Street Lights are attached to lamp standards in Bridge Street and Park Place. Thereafter they are switched on, as are the lights over the Burnside.
On the Friday night of the festival weekend Santa Claus enters his sleigh and, supported by a bevvy of volunteers, makes a tour of Dollar to visit as many children as possible.
Voluntary donations are collected to offset running costs for the weekend.
On the Saturday the festival takes place at The Hive where we have a Christmas Market in the marquee.
Within The Hive we have teas coffees and refreshments, an arts display for local artists and Santa's Grotto along with entertainment from local groups. Outside we have a BBQ and on occasion other food stalls.
At 4:30pm we hold a procession to the Memorial Garden for formal switch on of the Christmas Tree lights accompanied by community singing supported by Hillfoot Harmony.