Working as a cohesive unit this past four months with family friendly event planning in mind, the Athlone St. Patrick’s Day committee have announced details of a number of events to take place over the weekend of March 16 and 17 as the town acknowledges the country’s national day.
Significant planning has culminated in a detailed list of family friendly events aimed at attracting large numbers to Athlone over the two day period.
With visitors from Providence and Boston in the US expected, the committee have earnestly worked to provide entertainment to suit all tastes.
The main focus for the weekend, the grand parade, is scheduled to commence on the Connacht side of the town on Saturday, March 16, at 12.30pm from where it will make its way through Church Street before culminating at Burgess Park.
Further family fun events which are noted to take place on Saturday, from 11am-12pm are community interactions with the Gardai and ambulance personnel at Burgess Park, while at the same location, bouncy castles, magic shows and a pet show are sure to appeal to the children.
The civic centre will be the venue for a BMX display with a ukelele band providing the music at the central location.
Garrycastle will be the notable hub of activity on Sunday, March 17, with a family walk along the greenway, commencing at the white gates at 12pm. A teddy bears picnic at 1pm is Garrycastle will entice the children, while 2pm is start time for an American football match on Garrycastle GAA grounds.
Commending the hard working St. Patrick’s Day committee, Town Mayor, Cllr. Frankie Keena, noted the detailed list of activities set to take place throughout the St. Patrick’s weekend.
“Over the two day period there is certainly family entertainment in abundance and the committee have worked tirelessly in putting together a list of events which will appeal to the general public,” Cllr. Keena remarked.
Noting one event in particular, the Town Mayor call on members of the public to participate in the Guinness Book of Records attempt which takes place following the grand parade on Saturday afternoon.
“Following the parade there will be a marvellous opportunity for the public to break a Guinness world record by having the most St. Patricks dressed up in the one location at the same time. This will be both fun and colourful and at the same time creating a challenge for everyone to beat,” Cllr. Keena commented.
The Town Mayor hoped that the expected additional footfall into the town would be of immense benefit to the hospitality and retail sectors.
“This festival offers a great opportunity for both the retail and hospitality sectors to tap into this extra footfall of local people and tourists into Athlone and I would suggest that businesses in this regard offer a ‘Green Saturday’ discount promotion. I would urge the general public to embrace the national weekend and make this festival beneficial for everyone,” Cllr. Keena concluded.
The Mayor also paid tribute to the very hard working committee who have been planning this festival since last Autumn.
Further events will be announced on athlone.ie in the coming days as the build up to St. Patrick’s weekend continues.
