Xmas switch-on will be 'best yet'
Thursday October 30 2008
THE MAYOR of Mallow has appealed for local drama groups to take part in the turning on of the Christmas lights next month.
Mayor James Kennedy anticipates that the switching on of this year's lights will be a bigger event than ever.
This year the lights will be switched on a week earlier than usual with the Mayor eager to get Mallow in line with the city. Mallow town council, Mallow Rotary and Chamber of Commerce have joined forces as usual to ensure that the turning on of the Christmas lights is marked by a ceremony.
"It is intended that this year will be the best so far," said Mayor Kennedy.
The celebrations will kick off with a children's disco led by Dave Heaney Junior outside Mallow town council at 4.30pm.
Santa and the elves will lead a parade from the Hibernian Hotel at 6pm while the lights will then be switched on by the Mayor. Santa is also expected to make it up to Market Square. Later the parade will move towards the Church of the Resurrection where an outdoor concert will take place and the Rotary Christmas tree will be lit up in memory of the deceased in Mallow town.
Despite this year's celebrations being expected to be bigger than ever, Mayor Kennedy expressed some disappointment that the Spa, Bridge St and parts of O'Brien St will not be lit up for Christmas.
"There is a three-year allocation for funding to go towards Christmas lights, hopefully in the next two years all of Mallow town will be lit up at Christmas," said Mayor Kennedy.
Meanwhile, a Christmas food and wine fair iin aid of COPE Foundation will take place on November 5 at Mallow Youth Centre. The event is being launched by Herlihy's Centra in conjunction with COPE Foundation.
The evening will feature fresh food tastings, wine tasting, entertainment, prizes and much more.
The tickets are just €8 and are available from Herlihy's Centra, Mallow, and Cope Foundation, Quartertown.
- LOUISE MCCARTHY
