The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
An Ríocht preparing for Santa visit in early December
AN RIOCHT Athletic Club’s Christmas Special, Snowed In, will take place on December 2 and December 3. This event was snowed in last year as families thronged to meet Santa, his elves and helpers in his extremely accommodating grotto.
As part of the Snowed In festival last year the organisers also held a craft and food fair on both days.
They are inviting people interested in taking a table at the fair to contact either Chris on 087 22 93 636 or Catherine on 087 29 98 164 – as a limited number of table spaces are available.
‘Snowed In’ at An Riocht was an absolutely outstanding success in 2015 and was enjoyed by adults and children alike,” said An Ríocht AC Manager, Kate McSweeney.
“We have decided to go bigger and better again this year and have spent the last few months negotiating with the head elves at the North Pole with a view to getting Santa back to An Ríocht.
“Luckily he really enjoyed his time in Castleisland last year and was delighted to fit us into his crazy busy schedule which we’re all delighted about. Bernard (who is chief elf at the pole) has given us Friday and Saturday, December 2 and 3, as his dates and we expect his visitor list to fill up very fast indeed.
“Many of last years visitors remarked on the old world, traditional ‘Christmas Feel’ that greeted them. Mrs Claus and her team of elf interior designers have already been sending us on the plans they have for 2016 and they’ll be moving in late November to ensure this look is achieved.
“The plans are actually based on the design they currently have in the North Pole as both the Clauses like to feel completely relaxed and at home when they visit.
“Mrs. Claus also has a few of her long standing best friends taking the journey with her who are keen to meet some Castleisland residents and get a feel for our culture here.
“They’ll be joining Mrs Clause in her kitchen and living room to get stuck into activities with the kids.
“They will also be bringing traders from the pole to set up market stalls, converting our studio into Christmasville for just this weekend. This part will be open to all members of the public and will be the ideal location to pick up a unique Christmas gift.
“Whatever about the younger population of Castleisland, the staff here at An Riocht are buzzing with excitement as they anticipate Santa’s visit.
“They even have countdown calendars on their desks and actually argued over who got to work on the day of Santa’s arrival ….. hopefully none of this will land them on the naughty list!! We expect this to sell out early,” said Kate.
Places can be booked at this link https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/snowed-in-tickets-27275615099
For constant updates checkout out the Snowed In at An Riocht event page on Facebook.
Tickets for children over two years old are €12 each. Santa insisted that children under two years old and adults get in free of charge.