A fun-packed Good Friday event — which includes a go-kart race, a dunking booth, a hot dog eating competition and, for the older fun seeker, a beer drinking competition — has made the Gilbert Lamb Fun Day in St. David's grow in appeal over the decades.

The event, named in honour of the St. David's County Cricket Club's longest standing president Gilbert Lamb, and held at the club field, gets better ever year.

Other activities set to take place will include three-legged races, egg-and-spoon races, kite competitions and the opportunity to participate in building a 20-foot kite at the site.

St. David's County Cricket Club president Aaron Lugo and secretary Barbara Ingemann spoke to The Royal Gazette about the time-honoured tradition that has been going on in the East End and the club's late president, Mr. Lamb.

"I was able to get some information on him from his relatives Gary Lamb and Judy Young," Ms Ingemann said.

With 30 years at the helm, Mr. Lamb was the longest standing president and in fact he was the president before the club purchased the land at its present location.

"He was also president when the club was built," Ms Ingemann said. "Everyone who knew him said that he was a hard man but very fair. He was a fisherman by trade. He made all of his own fish pots and fishing nets and the youngsters used to hang around and many learned a thing or two about fishing from him.

"All of the youngsters looked up to him and when they needed advice they would all flock to Gilbert for advice.

"It was not uncommon to go by the house and see kids sitting off drinking tea and having a treat with him."

Nephew Gary Lamb remembered fishing with his uncle Gilbert. "When Gilbert was cleaning fish or making pots you better not be standing there with your hands in your pockets watching," he said. "Gilbert did not tolerate laziness."

He and other members worked hard to build the club. "When it came to cricket he said it was a gentleman's game and that was how it was to be played, even right down to the uniforms," Mr. Lamb said. "You better not show up for training in anything but your whites.

"He was a no-nonsense man, he believed in respect and one better have respect when entering the club, men were never allowed to enter the club wearing a hat and, if you were caught swearing, he would fine you."

He took an equally serious approach to philanthropy and the club had many Christmas charity drives to help the less fortunate.

To honour the long-standing president who had given so much to the club, the annual Good Friday events were renamed in his honour in the late 1980s under the tenure of Arthur (Cracker) Minors (1986-1990).

Since then the Gilbert Lamb Fun Day has grown in popularity and it offers a host of activities for everyone, said Mr. Lugo.

One of the most popular events is the go-kart race, which begins at 2.30 p.m. near St. David's Lighthouse and then travels down to the club field.

Many of the club's members are putting the final touches on their go-karts in readiness for Friday's big event.

"People come outside of their houses, even if the don't come down to the field," he said. "This year we have a volunteer who will ride down with them to give some play by play."

All entrants are welcome in the go-kart races.

The organisers work hard to make it a fun day for everyone who comes out.

"Every year it just grows and grows, and this year we have added a Hot Dog Eating competition," said Mr. Lugo. "Each year the committee adds a little bit extra."

Of course no Good Friday event would not be complete without a kite competition and fun day attendees can compete in a variety of categories.

"We have the smallest, two sticks or match sticks — they don't have to fly, but they have to look like kites. The prettiest; the most original; and Ernest McCallum builds his on the field, which is a 20-foot tall kite."

Children can also participate in creating the largest kite. Last year's kite was a rest in peace kite, which honoured many of the people who had passed.

While there are activities aplenty and a canteen at the club, Mr. Lugo said guests are encouraged to bring their own food and drink.

"Act like it is a picnic," he said.

They also have old time races for children and, if you are up to it, adults.

"We were contemplating having the egg and spoon without boiling them, but you don't want to make a young person cry when they drop it," Mr. Lugo said.

Members of the Chapel of Ease will also be handing out Hot Cross Buns and fish cakes, while the club will have a tent of its own with goodies.

Bring cash for the carnival events, food and drinks, Mr. Lugo said, but: "Everything else is free."

And most events are not weather dependent, he added: "It is rain, blow or shine. The fun castle is the only thing that isn't rain, blow or shine."

Part proceeds go towards St. David's Primary, Clearwater Middle School and St. David's Pre-school and the other part goes back into the club.

Cellular One is also donating raffle goodie bags and prizes for the day's events.

The day's events begin at 11 a.m. and ends at sundown.