With a prevalent festive atmosphere very much to the fore, the Athlone Christmas market will be a focal point within the town’s Civic Square with cabins open for shop local trade on two weekend occasions - Saturday and Sunday, December 11 and 12 and from Friday, December 17 to Sunday, December 19 inclusive.
Speaking to the Athlone Advertiser this week, Cllr Frankie Keena, welcomed the festive initiative as he encouraged members of the local community to give of their shop local support to the Christmas market.
“The Athlone Christmas Market is scheduled to take place over two weekends in Athlone Civic Square during this festive season. Again, the attractive timber market cabins secured by the Athlone Festival and Events Project group two years ago will be provided for the traders.
“These cabins create a marvellous festive atmosphere and uniformity which will complement the fantastic range of products that will be on sale by local traders from both the Athlone and wider environs.
“There will be twelve market stalls provided to local traders this year. We are so fortunate to have many local traders all producing a fabulous range of gifts to suit all tastes.
“The cabins will stretch from the canopy on Church Street towards the post office. All traders will have hand sanitizer on their stalls available for public use and appropriate signage will be erected along the route to assist people to shop in safety,” Cllr Keena stated.
Affording his gratitude to Westmeath County Council for their generous financial support towards the running costs for this year’s Christmas market, the local authority Cathaoirleach expressed his hope that the public will “come out in force” and support all the local traders exhibiting and “pick up that Christmas bargain”.
Noting the demand for Christmas market stalls this year, Athlone Chamber of Commerce CEO, Mr Gerry McInerney, expressed his delight that local traders will have the opportunity to display their wares during the festive season.
“We are delighted that all Christmas market stalls are now fully reserved over the two weekend duration and we hope that intending browsers will give of their full support to our local traders,” Mr McInerney asserted.
“Locally crafted products on sale range from handmade pieces of art using pebbles, handmade chocolates, handmade waxy melts and candles, personalised prints, Christmas garlands and candles, natural honey, scented candles and skincare cream by DeDANU.
“There will also be an opportunity to purchase Christmas puddings, mince pies, teas and coffees,” Mr McInerney asserted.
The Midlands Polish Community is also hosting a musical extravaganza on Saturday, December 18, in the Civic Square.
“This group have marvellous experience in organising such events and it really is a show not to be missed. This musical show will add an extra positive feature to the Christmas market,” Cllr. Keena concluded.
