85,000 visitors expected as 2009 Ballinasloe Fair details are unveiled

The programme of events for the 2009 Ballinasloe October Fair was officially launched by Mayor of Ballinasloe Cllr. Johnny Walsh at a special reception hosted by Gullanes Hotel, Ballinasloe, on Monday night. Attended by sponsors, local councillors and officials, committee members and volunteers, the launch event marks the beginning three week countdown to this long standing traditional fair which is set to attract upwards on 85,000 visitors to Ballinasloe from Saturday 3rd to Sunday, October 11. Speaking at the launch of the nine day programme, Brendan Bradley, Chairperson of the Ballinasloe October Horse Fair committee said the Ballinasloe October Horse Fair owed a debt of gratitude to all its sponsors and in particular its local sponsors, who have dug deep into their pockets to ensure the survival of the 300-year-old Fair. With no direct source of income from tickets or gate receipts, the Ballinasloe Horse Fair is heavily dependent on sponsorship to meet its costs which, have been increasing steadily in recent years and is now in the region of €160,000 annually. This year the main sponsor is the local hotel the Carlton Shearwater and the fair committee is grateful for their support of the Fair particularly in these times of economic difficulty. Dermot Birchall, general manager of the Carlton Shearwater Hotel, Ballinasloe said the Carlton Shearwater Hotel was delighted to come on board as main sponsor of the Ballinasloe October Fair and support the continuation of the historically significant event. Other major sponsors of this year's October Fair include Ballinasloe Vintners Association, Ballinasloe Credit Union, Gullanes Hotel, Domac, Premier Proteins, Hayden's Hotel, Councillor Aidan McGrath and local businessman Paddy Delaney Additional dedicated sponsors include East Nightclub and venue, Concannon's Convenience Stores, Emerald Star, KPW Print, Supermacs, AIB, and Stronges Photography. Preceding the annual fair is the selection of the 2009 Carlton Shearwater Queen of the Fair. This glittering event takes place in the Carlton Shearwater Hotel on Friday, September 25, and entries are currently being accepted from eligible candidates. Highlights of this year's Horse Fair which runs from Saturday 3rd - Sunday, October 11th, include the Ballinasloe Credit Union Horse of the Fair Competition held in the Fair Green on Sunday, October 4th and the competition for Pony of the Fair sponsored by Concannon's Convenience Store Ballinasloe on Monday, October 5th. Popular non equine events during the nine day festival include free street entertainment from Jerry Fish and the Mud Bug Club on Sunday 4th October and the Domac Tug of War Competition running from Tuesday October 6th until Friday 9th October. Well-known country music star Declan Nerney looks set to be a big hit with the midweek crowds when he plays the Carlton Shearwater Hotel on Wednesday, October 7. On Sunday, October 4, Ballinasloe's main streets will be pedestrianised for a huge outdoor market with everything from a needle to an anchor for sale. Supermac's La Gaelach will take place on Country Fair Day, Saturday, October 10, with traditional musicians taking to the stage including Frank Owens and his Band, and the popular band Sticks and Stones. On Sunday, October 11, there is plenty of family entertainment with a Vintage Parade, the Premier Proteins Open Dog Show as well as the very popular French market attracting visitors from near and far. The festival winds up later that evening with the Annual Monster Fireworks Display sponsored by Ballinasloe Vintners Association. The Ballinasloe Horse Fair costs an estimated 160,000 to stage annually and is worth in the region of €8.5 million to the local economy.