DALBEATTIE is the largest town in the Stewartry and is delighted to be taking part in Day of the Region for the first time this year. Dalbeattie is a busy town, whose granite houses reflect the quarrying industry on which its prosperity was built. There used to be a working Harbour, from which you could get a ship to anywhere in the world, but why would you want to leave when you are surrounded by beautiful forests, and at the centre of the town is the best park in the area. The shops on our High Street are uniquely individual and well worth exploring, especially our award winning Butchers. We want to make the weekend a Celebration for the whole Community to showcase all the things that happen here.

One of the themes of the weekend is "Us & Our History" - as in the very personal history of the people who lived and still live in Dalbeattie. There will be an exhibition in the Town Hall of Local Family Trees. See if you are there and get a bit of advice from a local Genealogist if you are stuck with your research. There will be a rolling computer display of Old and New Photographs of Dalbeattie and District in the Chambers as well as a photographic display of Shops and Business as they are now. Here you can relax and see how our town used to be, and how vibrant it is now with photos of recent events. In the Chambers there will also be a chance to hear some about some of the history - some WW2 experiences and the story of our Museum.

There will be various Trails around the town - Arts, where you can see works being produced in artists' studios; Sports where you can have the opportunity to take part; Historic and Sites of Interest; and A spot the hedgehog competition in the various shop and business windows- find them all and you will get a free drink at the Town Hall on Saturday [tea, coffee or juice only]. Refreshments will be served on Saturday, even if you do not win the competition.

There will be a Lantern Parade in Colliston Park on the Friday night with music and local youth groups to start the weekend. On Saturday local crafters are putting on display their various crafts and may even allow you to take part in something different. On Sunday there is a Drama Workshop, for age 10 and over, please get in touch to book a place.

This is a weekend for us, by us, to show everyone just how proud we are to live in our town, and all the great and varied things that happen here.