The committee of St John’s Community Centre Lecarrow are reminding patrons that their first ever harvesting exhibition takes place this Saturday September 20 from 1pm.
This is a traditional exhibition with corn being harvested by old-fashioned methods to include the hook, scythe, horse-drawn reaper and binder, and the old-fashioned threshing machine. One of the main attractions will be a mowing machine owned by local man Eamonn Brennan which was purchased in Athlone in 1890. This is a rare chance to see such a historic piece of equipment in action. A sheep fair has also been added to the line-up; buyers and sellers are welcome. A tug-of-war competition will take centre stage from 3pm.
PRO of St John’s Community Centre, David Diffley, said, “This novel event is with the kind cooperation of local landowners James and Eleanor Coffey who have a large crop of corn to be harvested. The lands are located adjacent to the Roscommon County Soccer Grounds on the main Athlone-Roscommon road, which are easily accessible and offer excellent parking and viewing facilities. The exhibition will be a showcase of traditional farming methods with the corn being harvested in the old-fashioned way by people with huge experience.
“We feel that this exhibition will be a great opportunity for everyone to experience what a working farm was like in the days gone by and will be educational for both young and old.”
Refreshments will be served, with a barbecue and shop on site. There will be a harvest prince and princess competition for under 12s, goat milking, free horse-drawn carriage rides, pony riding, a steam engine display, a fortune teller, music, and dancing.
Trade stands are welcome; please contact the committee on (086 ) 8952283.
