CARNIVAL capers warmed the hearts of the young and not so young in South Zeal last Saturday.
An excellent array of costumed characters braved windy weather to present a colourful procession.
Among them was this youngster, William Guscott, who took a first prize in the under 5s class as the children's favourite, Noddy.
An excellent array of costumed characters braved windy weather to entertain others, led by Jessica Punchard representing carnival royalty and aided by the welcome participation of the Allstars Majorettes.
Increased participation in the afternoon carnival processions demonstrated strong support for the popular event, staged thanks to the hard work of the organising committee.
This, combined with the excellent response of parishioners and visitors who turned out in great numbers, could convince organisers that the carnival should be a regular fixture in the calendar of village entertainment.
Without the evening carnival and procession of illuminated floats, the prospect for continuing the carnival that had been revived approximately 25 years ago hung in the balance.
Harking back to the ancient fire festival celebrations signalling the ending of summer and welcoming winter, the illuminated carnival is beset with insurance problems and regulations and might face a doubtful future.
However, a transfer to celebrating summer by combining the carnival with Zale Fayre is being considered by those that want the carnival to continue.
The carnival committee thanked all who participated, including those who worked hard to produce the scarecrows that delighted visitors and the three judges provided by the Lions Club, who were hard pressed to finally decide the entry winners.
Results: Children's Classes: Class 1: Groups — 1st Off to the National, the Woods and Alford families; 2nd Pirates, South Zeal Cubs; 3rd Pirates, South Zeal Pre-School.
Class 2: Under 5 years — 1st Noddy, William Guscott; 2nd Butterfly, Lucy Abbot; 3rd Pirate, Connor McKnight.
Class 3: 5-7 years — 1st Surfing the Net, Emilia Bazeley; 2nd Alien, Joel Barnes Barrett; 3rd Pig, Elsa Frangleton.
Class 4: 8-9 years — 1st Butterfly, Anya Barnes Barrett; 2nd Witch, Rhiannon Mayfield; 3rd Minnie Mouse, Beth Frangleton.
Class 5: 10 – 11 years — 1st The Stig on holiday, Laura Bazeley.
Class 7: Pairs — 1st Tweedledum and Tweedledee; Katie Jecks and Emily Rowlands.
Class 8: Wheels — 1st Austin Powers, South Zeal Scouts.
Overall winner: Off to the National, the Woods and Alford families.
Adult Classes: Class 10: Pairs — 1st Andy and Lou, Jane White and Lyn Stoner; 2nd Naughty schoolgirls, Maria Guscott and Kerry Miller.
Class 12: Wheels — 1st, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Danny Watkins and Charlie White.
Overall Winner: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Danny Watkins and Charlie White.
Scarecrow competition: 1st Ella Kaye's 'Jazz Man'; 2nd The Guscott family's 'One Man and His Dog'; 3rd, The Bazzeley family's 'Baz'.