Oughterard will host the Corribdale Pony Show and Country Fair on Sunday in aid of two west of Ireland charities.
Cancer Care West and Galway Hospice will benefit from this special event which takes place in the Corribdale Grounds and GAA pitch on Sunday.
The fair is being held in absence of the Oughterard Show which, according to its website, was cancelled earlier in the year for "unforeseen circumstances".
It is understood the Oughterard Show Society, which is a limited company by guarantee with seven directors, cancelled the show after a poor turn-out at its annual general meeting.
Concerned townsfolk, on learning of the cancellation, called for a public meeting about eight weeks ago when a committee was formed to see if it could put together a special event on the traditional show day.
The committee which includes two directors of the Oughterard Show Society and two former directors, is chaired by local councillor Seamus Walsh, who says the last Sunday in August has always been special for Oughterard.
"The last Sunday in August has been part of the fabric of agricultural and social life in Oughterard for more than 50 years. It is the traditional show day," he says.
"It has been a huge achievement to organise the event in such a tight timeframe, but the public response and support we have received shows just how important this cultural gathering is to the people of Oughterard."
Many of the volunteers on the Corribdale committee have been involved in the Oughterard Show throughout the last 54 years, and Councillor Walsh says they all hope the traditional Oughterard Show will be back.
"It is my hope this committee will get together with the Oughterard Show Society to see a return of the traditional show on the last Sunday in August."
The Corribdale Pony Show and Country Fair has received the backing of local businesses to ensure this year's go ahead.
Although without sheep or cattle this year, the family orientated fair will boast in-hand and ridden ponies, a dog show, and a poultry section. Sheep racing will be a highlight of the day's activities, in addition to the usual trade stalls and various displays, including bees, vintage cars and machinery, and horse-shoeing. A host of events has been organised for children, including inflatable obstacle course, bouncy castles and sorb balls, while the organisers are running a jersey competition.
Full details, including schedule and entry forms available from www.corribdaleponyshowandcountryfair.com
