What are you doing on Sunday December 5? How would you like to be part of a first of a kind event in Athlone, when a host of Santas participate in a spectacular charity event to support the Midlands Simon Community on Athlone’s Civic Plaza?
The Santa Dash, which will commence with the turning on of Athlone’s Christmas lights by mayor Sheila Buckley Byrne at 4.30pm, will be the first event of its kind to be held in Westmeath. This ‘race against homelessness’ will provide an impressive sight with participants dressed in Santa suits invited to walk, run. or crawl two short circuits of the town centre -1,500 metres in total.
To ensure a great day for all the family, Midland Simon has also organised a Christmas craft fair to take place from midday to 4.30pm in the Prince of Wales Hotel. The fair will showcase a range of local produce and crafts, including Ann Hennessy Photography, Anne Marie Griffin Knitwear, The Ark Flower Boutique, Athlone Arts Group, Bastion Gallery, Clonmacnoise Pottery, MandyMac Jewellery, Edwin McCullagh Woodturner, Miriam O’Connor Jewellery, Mór Foods, Planet Life, Ursula’s Headwear, plus selected seasonal goods from the Simon Shop.
Shannonside FM supremo, Pete Casey, will be providing the entertainment and atmosphere on the plaza in the build up to the dash. Face painting will be provided by Athlone Towncentre and Balloon Crazy will also be brightening up proceedings.
CEO of the Midlands Simon Community,Tony O’Riordan, said he hoped as many people as possible would come along on the day. “We are calling on everyone in the Midlands to support the Santa Dash. While we think that many will choose to run on the day, we feel that most people are capable of at least walking the distance, and we’d love children to participate, as long as they are accompanied by an adult. We’ve organised Santa suits for all participants to create a spectacular visual effect.”
Interested dashers can register online at www.allirelandsantadash.com Each participant will receive a free Santa suit and all finishers will receive a commemorative medal.
Sponsorship cards and more details on the Christmas fair are available from the Midlands Simon Community, contact (090 ) 6444641.
