MAGICAL NIGHT AS MITCHELSTOWN ENJOYS FESTIVE LAUNCH
It was a magical night and a resounding success as the Christmas season officially got underway with the turning on of the lights in Mitchelstown last weekend. The weather was very festive indeed with sub zero temperatures as hundreds turned out to see Mr and Mrs Claus arrive with all their helpers much to the delight of all the children in attendance.
“We have to send out a big thank you to all the kids who ended up helping Santa and Mrs Claus. It was lovely to see families all walking together down the main street, and nearly ever child with a balloon in their hand. The sound of the carol singers and the lighting of the tree and street lights was fantastic,” Kool Christmas organiser, Claudia Richardson told The Avondhu.
Sleigh bells ring Santa arrived on a wonderful sleigh while children from Bright Sparks performed Christmas carols outside Reidy’s SuperValu. Meanwhile, Santa’s headquarters (a vacant shop premises next door to The Avondhu) was superbly staffed by members of the Mitchelstown Youth Cafe group as girls and boys brought presents for the ‘Toys for Tubs’ appeal and had their photo taken with the great man himself.
Everyone gathered in the New Square at 6.30pm for the switching on of the Christmas lights.
WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS TREE
Claudia Richardson of the MBA was delighted with the turnout and added, “The Christmas tree is wonderful and the honour of switching on the lights fell to sisters Leanne and Tara Quirke.
I must commend everyone that gave sweets and helped organise the event. Friday night was a really cool Christmas, yes it was freezing, but surely seeing Mrs Claus on that amazing sleigh warmed everybody’s hearts.
A massive thank you to Jim for the effort and talent that was put into it and compliments also to the Santa’s on the night, what an amazing turn out of gifts for the less fortunate kids this Christmas at the ‘Toys for Tubs’ appeal.
And, for those kids who haven’t yet collected their photos taken with Santa, one of his elves dropped them off at the Pizza House for you to collect.”
SHOPS OPEN LATE
After the lights had been switched on there was a lot more to see and do in Mitchelstown on Friday night.
The shops stayed open late offering free refreshments and other treats. There were Zorbing balls outside Mr Mister and The Treasure Chest while the candy floss van at the Stylelounge was in big demand also. Face painters added further the party atmosphere at Barnie’s, The Favourite and O’Sullivan’s Toys.
“I asked someone did they have a good night, and they replied ‘No, I had a fantastic night’. I really hope everyone enjoyed the Christmas festival, and I still welcome more ideas and suggestions for next year’s event,” Claudia Richardson said.
Published:
Thursday 9th December 6:39pm
