All the fun of the fair in Longford as Ballinamuck readies itself for Olde Fair day
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Mick Flavin, Bríd Shaughnessy, DJ Peter Masterson and new local band, 'For the Love of Folk' will perform in Longford on Sunday at the Ballinamuck Olde Fair
Preparations are going positively for the hugely-popular Ballinamuck Olde Fair next weekend with an abundance of entertainment for younger and older people.
The long-running event was established in 2013 and it has been held every year bar a short hiatus during the Covid pandemic.
Committee chairperson Hugh Donnelly said they are hopeful of attracting another large crowd and that they will have plenty of stalls, dancing and displays for attendees to enjoy.
"Last year between 1,700 and 2,000 people came through the gate.
"It was a great day weather-wise and we would be hopeful of another good day and a big crowd."
Hugh said there will be lots of quality music and entertainment including popular local country music star Mick Flavin, Bríd Shaughnessy, Peter Masterson and new local band, 'For the Love of Folk'.
He praised their enterprising committee of 16 members and he stated they are very grateful to about 40 dedicated volunteers.
Hugh said the event is very well supported by people in Counties Longford, Leitrim, Roscommon and Cavan and there is a 'great community spirit'.
"They come from all over.
"We have stalls coming from all over the country too, even as far away as Mayo.
"There is a man that is coming with his little pet farm and these little ducks and rabbits and he is coming from Mayo as well."
"There is ducking chairs [a classic, crowd-pleasing dunk tank-style game], there's lots of animals and there will be amusements and attractions for children such as a merry-go-round and spinning teacups.
"There will be a lot of different things going on throughout the day."
Hugh said the weekend will kick off with a 'Boxty Making Demo' from 3pm to 5pm on Saturday, July 11.
A vintage parade will be one of the highlights on Sunday and that will commence at 1pm and run from Gaigue Cross to the '98 Bar.
"There will be vintage cars and vintage tractors there.
"The Longford Pipe Band will lead them onto the field and then after that they will play a few tunes on the dance floor there."
Hugh said Pat Murray will be providing a free horse and carriage ride 'coming down the road all day'.
There will be novelties such as 'Cow Bingo' and a fundraising raffle held on Sunday, July 12 with a top prize of a €500 hotel voucher and a further four prizes ranging from seated Westlife concert tickets to a €150 cash prize.
One ticket can be purchased for €5 or three can be bought for €10.
Hugh said there will be no entry fee, but attendees can make a donation if they so wish.
Hugh said any money made on the day is used to fund for the following year Ballinamuck Olde Fair is, therefore, self-sufficient and economical.
"People can make a donation at the gate, we never charge.
"People can give whatever they want on the gate, you don't have to give anything.
"A donation is all we look for on the gate, that's it."
Hugh said they are thankful to local farmer Francis McKenna's for providing them with the field for the events and to all the volunteers who assist on the day with jobs such as car parking.