The search has begun in Ballinasloe for a new Queen of the Fair ahead of the Ballinasloe October Fair, which takes place from October 4 to 12.
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 in the east Galway town.
Sponsored by the Carlton Shearwater Hotel, the competition to select this year’s Queen will be held in the hotel on Thursday September 18.
“We are delighted to continue our involvement with the Ballinasloe October Horse Fair and to sponsor the ‘Queen of the Fair’ event,” said Dermot Birchall, general manager of the Carlton Shearwater. “We see the Ballinasloe Horse Fair as a major event on our calendar and, as a newly established hotel in Ballinasloe, are proud to be associated with this historical festival.”
The evening, compered by Ollie Turner of Galway Bay FM, promises glamour and entertainment as young women from Ballinasloe and the surrounding areas compete to win the coveted Queen of the Fair tiara.
The prize package on offer to the Queen of the Fair includes a cash prize from the Ballinasloe October Fair committee, a weekend for two in any Carlton hotel nationwide, beauty and pamper vouchers from Ballinasloe’s retailers, and direct entry to the 2009 finals of the Galway Rose competition in March 2009.
The fair and festival committee are encouraging local businesses and community organisations from Ballinasloe and the surrounding areas to enter a representative to support the event.
“The Queen of the Fair acts as an important ambassador for the Ballinasloe Horse Fair,” explained Mary Phelan, secretary of the Ballinasloe October Fair committee. “As queen, our winner on September 18 will participate in various events during the nine day fair and festival celebration including the official opening of the fair on Sunday October 5.”
2007 Queen of the Fair, Sarah Byrnes from Cloneen, said this week that she had enjoyed her time as ambassador for the event.
“It was an honour to hold the title for the year and I would encourage anybody who is thinking of entering to contact the Ballinasloe October Fair committee for an application form,” said Ms Byrnes, who represented Gullane’s Hotel at last year’s competition.
Application forms and further information are available from Mary Phelan, secretary, Ballinasloe October Fair committee, on (087 ) 2071869. The closing date for receipt of completed application forms is Friday September 12.
