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The Ayrshire Marymass Festival dates back to
the Middle Ages and boasts a rich heritage. Each year there is an
election of a Marymass Queen and a pageant of parades with numerous
traditional events. The highlights are the Saturday Parades featuring
the Irvine Carters Society – the only Carters to survive the motor age
– and a colourful street parade with decorated horses and horse-drawn
floats. Long ago races were run to establish the fittest draft horses,
and this tradition continues today with thunderous contests between
heavy horses. The 'Sclimin the Greasy Pole' should not be missed; young
men strive to retrieve a ham at the top of a greasy pole. All this and
fireworks, dog shows, a garden competition, a flower show and a
crowning ceremony make for a memorable 10 days
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