Christmas kicks off in Ballyconnell
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A dedicated team of men and women working on the erection of the Christmas lights in Ballyconnell last week.Image 2 of 2
Team Ballyconnell turnout in force to put up the Christmas lights. Peter McVitty, Daithi Neary, Larry Lee, Shane O’Neill, Kevin Taylor, Terry Curry, Damien Brady, Gail McCoy, Arlene Brady, Gerard Crowe and Luke Walsh.Photo: Sean McMahonTHE locals in Ballyconnelll show the meaning of community and Christmas spirit when they get together to erect the town’s Christmas lights ahead of the big switch-on, which, this year is on December 7.
Of course, Santa and Mrs Claus will be there on the day when all the children of Ballyconnell can meet the main man and their friends for a disco.
There will be a Quiet Santa earlier in the day and any parents who would like to know about this are asked to privately message Ballyconnell Community Centre Facebook page for information.
This year, the official start of Christmas in Ballyconnell includes a Christmas Craft Market for local crafters and creatives to sell their festive wares, food and drinks in the main hall of the Community Centre.
Sure, Christmas is for kids, but for those who fancy an afternoon perusing the stalls and meeting neighbours, while sipping on hot chocolate, the market will run from 1pm until 5pm.
Some of the things that will be on sale are yule logs, jewellery, popcorn, mulled wine, crafts and tea/coffee.
Santa and Mrs Claus will meet and greet all the kids at the Community Centre from 4-6pm during which time the children’s disco will also be in full swing.
Meanwhile, from about 6pm at Market Square, the local Ballyconnell will assemble to sing Christmas Carols as they await Santa’s arrival for the big switch-on at 7pm.
Santa and Mrs Claus will be taken by fire brigade from the community centre to the Market Square.
Gail Patterson is a member of the Ballyconnell Community Centre committee and is part of a group of volunteers who help organise the lights and switch-on every year.
She says there is a “great vibe” on days like these in Ballyconnell.
“There’s a lot of work behind the scenes,” Gail told the Celt. “But everyone is in great form, there’s a great buzz around the town and it’s great to see everyone come out to support such events and meet up with neighbours.”
Gail said this year’s lights include a couple of new features including one for the side of a building.
“We try to add a few new lights every year and people tell us they’re nice,” Gail said. “All these things show Ballyconnell in its best light and makes the community proud, which all adds to the nice vibe.”
Come out on December 7 for a fun-filled day beginning with quiet Santa, followed by Christmas market, Santa and kids disco, carols in the Market Square, Santa’s arrival by fire brigade and culminating in the switch on of the town’s Christmas lights.