Ballinasloe Fair

With just a few weeks remaining to the start of fair week, the volunteers of the Fair & Festival Committee are busy finalising the schedule of events.

The Fair is once again expected to attract upwards on 85,000 visitors to town over the nine-day event. The programme of events organised by the Fair & Festival committee all of whom give of their time in a voluntary capacity costs an estimated €160,000 to stage annually and is worth in the region of €8 million to the local economy.

The Carlton Shearwater Hotel will once again be the main sponsor for 2012. Associate sponsors include Ballinasloe Credit Union, Gullanes Hotel, Supermacs, Domac Plant & Tool Hire & Premier Proteins

On the equestrian side of events, Horse, Foal & Pony sales will take place on the fair green over three days, Sunday the 28th of September, Monday the 6st October and Saturday the 6th of October. The Horse of the fair, Pony of the Fair, Cob of the fair and Foal competitions will all take place during the 3 days of sales on the green.

Popular events organised by the fair & festival committee during the nine-day festival will include busking competition & free street entertainment. The All Ireland Tarmac Tug of War Competition which will take place nightly from Tuesday 2^nd to Friday 5th October. The Singing Pub competitions will also take place midweek. A Monster Fireworks display at the Marina on the 2^nd weekend will light up the night sky. Bakery Competitions, Art Competitions, Dog Show, street entertainment and the International Craft and food market in St Michael’s square will conclude the programme of events on the weekend of Friday the 5th – Sunday the 7th of October.

Two new events are being added to the programme of events for 2012. On Wednesday the 3rd a Heritage day will take place in the town and on Wednesday & Thursday night a Country Music festival will also happen.

In keeping with tradition the annual event to select the Fair’s Queen will be held prior to the Fair and marks the countdown to the age old Festival. Entry forms are available from the secretary at 0872071869

As preparations continue for the Festival the committee are calling on local citizens to assist in the running of the nine-day event. If you have an hour or two to spare during the week perhaps you would consider helping out, a helping hand is always needed. Call to the festival office, which will be opened in September if you like to get involved.

If you are interested in providing B&B accommodation and would like to be included on the official accommodation listings please contact the festival secretary- Mary Phelan on 0872071869

For regular updates check back here and find ‘Ballinasloe Fair’ on Facebook.

Timmy Broderick.