Fire performance, circus acrobatics, free-wheeling puppets at Athlone family Samhain event
By Navjyoti Dalal
Athlone is readying itself for a free Halloween party at the Hollow, near Shamrock Lodge Hotel, 3-6.30pm. When the Veil Thins, as the event is called, is a family-friendly event where people can indulge in food, craft, music, acrobatics and fire performances.
When the Veil Thins has a line up of activities which caters to various age groups. While children can enjoy collecting trick-or-treat bags, face-painting, teens can rejoice in exploring the Witches Cove, groove music by Djs Cillian and Spiritual. There is also a live band performance by local band Corner Stone, circus acrobatics, roaming puppets and the event highlight, a fire performance by Helen Wildfire. The adults have an artisanal market to indulge in some retail therapy.
The craft market is curated by the Connaught Street Environs and Community Group, and will feature local artists and crafters like Brown Bear Creations who sell bags, tumblers and accessories with quirky quotes, handmade treasures by Teas Little Corner, pure local honey from Athlone Honey, handmade balms, soaps and skincare by Aloke Moon Beauty, badges and magnets by Before Whimsy, fabric crafts like bags, spectacle cases, bows, scrunchies, and more by EK Creations, wooden and laser engraved goods by Dev Forge, knitted and crochets items from Handknits by Linda, craft and magic creations by Mellys Handmade, Aloe vera products by Arlene Flemming, whimsical coasters, art, frames and more by Lar na tire makers.
There's ample range of food stalls to choose from, from hot street food by Smoky wheels, to live pizza by Dough re mi, to cakes and treats by True Colors (who also have gluten-free versions and healthier alternatives) and more. A couple of stalls are also allocated to South Roscommon First Responders (who provide emergency support in their surrounding areas) and Sarmetrix (an organisation that works in the search and rescue area), who will use the opportunity to spread awaremness about their work.
As the daylight fades, the event will culminate with a fire performance by Helen Wildfire. Fire is traditionally an inseparable part of the ancient Celtic culture and features prominently in festivals like Samhain and Bealtaine.
Organised by the Connaught Street & Environs Community Group in collaboration with the Athlone Family Resource Centre, the event is funded by the county council's Samhain in the Heartlands project. The event comes as a welcome surprise for many families who had planned an outing at the October 25th family fun-day which was called off due to Storm Austen.
When The Veil Thins will take place at the Hollow, Battery Bridge, Athlone, 3-6.30pm, admission to the event is free.