Coachford looks forward to an awesome Autumn Festival
Some of last year's Queen of the Festival contestants at the launch of the 2011 Coachford Autumn Festival.
THE Coachford Autumn Festival will take place from August 19 to 21 and is to feature a round of the All-Ireland Ferguson 20 Tractor Build competition, a large veteran, vintage and classic car and tractor display, a High Nelly Run and many other activities throughout the three days.
However, choosing a festival queen is close to the top of the list.
" Last year was like stepping back in time to the 1920s to see these wonderful machines back on the roads again. We are expecting the event to be bigger this time around and are looking forward to seeing many more men and women dressing up in the style of the 1920's to the 1950' s and cycling whatever High Nelly they can find between now and Friday August 19," said Danny Riordan, Festival coordinator.
McFadden's Funfair will be in Coachford from early on Friday July 19 and the festival kicks off with the High Nelly Run on Friday evening at 5.30pm and a 7 a side hurling tournament.
Saturday will feature the Dog and Harrier show along with the Mini club of Ireland display, Power Pull, Mini digger competition and tractor balancing. The main event of the day, the Festival Queen competition and festival dance will round off a hectic Saturday.
There were 13 competitors for the title of Queen at the 2010 festival, and organisers are keen to follow up last year's success.
"Many businesses are anxious that they find the right person to represent them on the night so we are asking if there are any young women out there who would like to enter, just let us know and we'll get them a suitable sponsor," said Paul Murphy, Secretary.
The tractor build competition will take place the following day and the host club will be up against tractor building teams from counties Donegal, Galway, Tyrone and Cavan.
The weekend also promises old time threshing, tractor balancing, mini digger challenge, power pulling, farmers market, sheaf tossing, Pig on a Spit, Model Toy display, children's sports, and lots more.
Organisers of the festival, Broomhill Vintage club say € 3,000 from last year's event was presented to the AWARE charity and the same charity along with some local groups will be the benefactors from this year's event.
