American themed day goes down a treat in Swaffham
A Norfolk market town was decked out in red, white and blue on Saturday as a special themed day took place for families to enjoy before lockdown.
Swaffham traders were encouraged to decorate their stalls and shops, while children dressed up in Halloween outfits as part of the 'Stars and Stripes Day'.
The High Sheriff of Norfolk, Lady Roberts, and Swaffham mayor Jill Skinner judged and presented prizes for the best dressed market stall and fancy dress outfit.
Five-year-old Callum Reeve-Hayes was named as the fancy dress winner, receiving a toy for his efforts.
The best Halloween shop window award went to Myhills Pet and Garden Shop.
Mrs Skinner said “We are very pleased to have been able to bring a little colour and enthusiasm to Swaffham despite Covid, and the weather!
"A huge thank you to everyone who came along and took part or just enjoyed the morning."
Dereham Magpies, a cheerleading squad for Dereham Town Football Club, and the Swanton Morley Rocketeers and Rockets entertained shoppers with their Covid-secure dance routines under the Buttercross.
Cruising around the market during the morning were some classic American cars including a 1953 Chevy, some WWII Jeeps and a WC62 Dodge, following the cancellation of the town's 2020 Classic Car Show due to the pandemic.
Rob Bartram, landlord of the Red Lion in the market place, said the event brought some much-needed fun to residents and visitors.
Best Dressed Halloween Shop Window in Swaffham...Winner Myhills Pet and Garden Shop, LtoR, Swaffham Mayor Jill Skinner, Richard Burrows (Myhills Staff Member), Alex Duck, High Sheriff of Norfolk, Lady Georgina Roberts.. (42938035)
He said: "We had a few people come in. There were American costumes, cars and jeeps around the town although the weather played its part and killed it off a little bit.
"But it was good to entertain those who came and to help lighten the mood."
The event was the brainchild of town councillor Lindsay Beech, who also arranged a lockdown garden competition for Swaffham residents in the summer.
She said: "Everyone really got into the spirit of the day and there were happy smiles everywhere.
"Halloween comes to us from America so, with an election just around the corner, I thought we'd fly the star spangled banner for our allies."
Staff members at Swaffham's library got into the Halloween spirit for the event, while Lady Roberts opened a new shop, Jewellery Unique, as part of the morning's celebrations.
