DOUBLE Olympic Gold Medallist Andrew Triggs Hodge MBE will open the annual Dittons Fair at Giggs Hill Green, Thames Ditton on Sunday May 11.
The family man, who is also a Surbiton High School local governor and recent captain of nearby Molesey Boat Club, will attend with wife, Eeke and their six-month-old son, Sebastian.
Andrew said: “These small community fairs are what makes the hearts of small communities beat.
“Supporting it, and the Cubs and Brownies that are running it, is one of the wonderful consequences from all the hard work I’ve given the sport, culminating in our achievements in London 2012.”
Running since 1956, the free family event will feature over 20 craft and charity stalls and is the result of four months’ planning and preparation.
Fair Chairman, Martin Cooper said: “The Pig Racing is a unique spectacle and one not to be missed.”
He added: “The Red Sparrows aerobatic display team will be making a return visit to the arena after many years in mothballs!”
Running from 1-5pm, the full programme of arena events also includes the Dotty Dog Show and Canine Gymkhana.
Andrew advised: “If there is one rule for fairs, it’s to try everything, to not stop until every game is played, every food stall sampled, and corner searched.
“However, this may have been the rule when I was 10, not 35. So perhaps we’ll see when I get there.”
A community event, the Dittons Fair supports The Dittons Scout Group and numerous other local charities.
Martin revealed that sponsorship and numerous gifts from local businesses would be put to use as Tombola prizes.
Last year, the fair attracted over 3,500 visitors to Giggs Hill Green during the afternoon.
Martin said: “We hope for a similar attendance this year and especially look forward to seeing new guests.”
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