Ballinamuck Olde Fair Day
Ballinamuck Olde Fair Day is an annual daylong event, ran by local people from Ballinamuck, who get great assistant from neighbouring parishes to run the day
In keeping with the old traditions of days gone by, the locals wanted to run an event to do just that, from cooking “Bacon n Cabbage” on an open fire to watching the old thrasher in action, the 1st Fair day was organised in a matter of weeks, and such was its success, that is soon became the annual event of the year, which locals looked forward to, the day was is so popular, and attracts people from all corners of the country, from overseas and from the USA
The day starts off with a vintage parade from Gaigue Cross to the Fair Day field located beside the 98 bar; led by Longford Pipe Band, Local vintage clubs take part in the parade with tractors, cars and motorbikes alike, in recent years we were joined by Leitrim/ Longford Harriers with the ladies and gentlemen on horseback, the day kicks off with live music on the field, and usually a guest artist makes an appearance, the day continues with loads to keep young and old entertained, from Face painting, Bungee chords, Donkey rides, Water Balloons, while the thrashing demonstration keeps the older generation happy,
We also have “Johnnys Cottage” lovingly restored by The Fair Day committee and Ballinamuck Enhancement, this is a big hit, in the cottage, Bread making, story telling, live trad music all take place in front of the big open fire
There is lots to eat, with a wide variety of foods to choose from, the local ICA display their baking skills with their freshly baked brown bread, scones, cakes and apple tarts, tea and coffee is also served, the old tradition of Boxty making is firm favourite every year, you can buy freshly fried pan a boxty and a big mug of tea and relax and take in all activities going on
Live demonstration run right throughout the day, we have Basket making, Wood Carving, Iive animals, Art and Crafts, along with some fun games such as Cow Bingo, Guess the weight of the heifer, Dig for €50, Hang around for Cash, Unscramble the car, Digger and Ducks and everyones favourite The Ducking Chair, which in recent years have had many local celebrities take to the chair
The Ballinamuck Olde Fair Day is a great day out for everyone, our usual date is in July, so why not keep an eye on our Facebook page for updates, https://www.facebook.com/BallinamuckOldeFairDay
and come along for the fun, we’d be happy to see you!!! Who knows you might even win a load of turf !!
