NEVER let it be said that there is nothing to do in York. With overdue serendipity, the sun blessed one of the busiest summer weekends the city has staged.

Sports fans were delirious, and not because of sunstroke. Both York Racecourse and Huntington Stadium boasted huge crowds: York Knights' massed support even created a divisional record.

Their enthusiasm was amply rewarded. The Knights overturned the league leaders from Keighley in flamboyant style. Meanwhile, a near 40,000-strong race crowd roared on a top quality field.

Better still, that exuberance did not turn sour later. Police reported relatively little trouble in York's packed pubs and bars.

A different kind of race event was taking place on the Ouse. It has been often remarked that York does not make the most of its rivers. Sunday's Dragon Boat Challenge demonstrates how much colour and life can be brought to our waterways.

It was a genuine community event, organised by the Rotary Club of York and involving 30 spirited city teams. And the day will have raised thousands of pounds for local charities.

The fun continued at nearby Rowntree Park. This was a double celebration, marking the park's birthday and its renaissance following a Lottery-sponsored makeover. Older residents believe the park is returning to its glorious best, something well worth celebrating.

Elsewhere, we witnessed the pomp and pageantry of HMS York's Freedom of the City parade, live music in Parliament Street and all manner of other outdoor events. Another stroke of fortune ensured that national TV crews were in York to cover the Synod shenanigans, broadcasting pictures of the city looking at its sun-beaten best.

Many of this weekend's activities were free and aimed at the whole family. Volunteers were willing to work hard and long to ensure each event was a success. That should be a heartening thought for those who are striving to relaunch one of York's best summer events - the Mystery Plays.

Updated: 10:48 Monday, July 14, 2003