AS FAR as entertainment-seeking activities and attractions are concerned, the Topsham Town Fayre never fails to disappoint. And, regarding this year s week-long extravaganza, which started on Saturday, August 22, the 2009 event was no exception. Speaking

AS FAR as entertainment-seeking activities and attractions are concerned, the Topsham Town Fayre never fails to disappoint.

And, regarding this year's week-long extravaganza, which started on Saturday, August 22, the 2009 event was no exception.

Speaking about its success, Kevin Hack, secretary of the fayre, said: "We were well supported with everything we put on.

"It is always nice to see people coming together, taking part in the activities and having fun.

"Hopefully everyone enjoyed themselves as we always try to put things on that caters for all tastes."

The fayre, opened by Keith Smith, the new town crier, got off to a flying start in its first weekend with a record-breaking Topsham Allotments and Garden Association flower and vegetable show.

In a first for the show, 65 competitors put in 595 entries and judges said it was the best standard they had seen since the event started in 1990.

The overall champion was the show secretary Andy Barber and his wife Mary. The couple entered a total of 45 classes.

Additional highlights from the week included Topsham's new royal family being crowned on Monday, August 24.

Charlotte Griffin, 14, was bestowed with the honour of named carnival queen and eleven-year-old Brogan White, and Robyn Wilson, 10, were given the title of princesses.

The green near Matthew Hall was transformed into a scene reminiscent of the famous BBC Crufts show on Tuesday afternoon when a dog show was held.

Cuthbert, a terrier cross, was awarded the first-placed prize in the crossbreeds section. Ozzie, a black Labrador triumphed in the pedigrees category.

Alfie, a dalmation, was victorious in the waggiest tail section; Dexter, a jack Russell, was first in the dog most like owner class and the best veteran was a 12-year-old terrier.

The dog named as the one the judge would most like to take home was a nova scotia duck-tolling retriever.

A pub-a-thon took place on Wednesday, August 26, an evening of fun teams for adults around Topsham's pubs.

Mary Evans, Exeter city's newest alderman, marched through the streets of Topsham with a flock of sheep on the day of the carnival.

And, the famous carnival precession was held last Saturday night, followed by music and dancing in the street, to bring the curtain down on festivities.