Hollywood taking a step back in time as fair gets under way
THE Hollywood Fair Committee is busy making preparations for the seventh annual fair, which takes place this year from Thursday, August 17, to Sunday, August 20.
The Hollywood Fair promises again to be hugely entertaining for everyone, with the pre-1950s rural heritage theme of the fair proving a massive hit. Everyone is asked to embrace the spirit of the occasion by dressing up in pre-1950s attire with organisers saying that ‘it makes the Hollywood Fair all the more exciting and you get to enjoy the spectacle of seeing everyone else dressed up in clothes from a by-gone era.’
The fair commences on the Thursday evening with a ceili/set-dancing session in the GAA centre. Children’s fun and games takes place in the GAA field on the Friday evening from 5 p.m. to 6.30 p.m.. Later in the evening there will be traditional music and singing in the Ceilidh House in the village.
On Saturday there will be an exhibition of old photographers in the Hollywood Centre betweem 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. There is also Afternoon Tea Downtown Abbey Style in the Ceile House between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.
On Saturday, August 19, Bishop Eamonn Walsh will concelebrate an old-style Latin Mass in St. Kevin’s Church at 6 p.m. with local clergy. Dressed in pre-1950s attire, the large attendance usually make their way to the Mass by pony and trap, vintage vehicles and bikes.
After Mass, another slow-bicycle race is planned, followed by a dramatic re-enactment in an adjacent field. There will be music on the stage in the village from 8.30 p.m. including performances from Club Cheoil na Lochanna and Music under the Mountains Band, ARC and the Healy Sisters and friends.
A huge turn-out is expected on Sunday when there will be a huge day of entertainment, including exhibitions of traditional crafts such as threshing, blacksmithing, stone-cutting, wood-turning and butter making. There will also be a world record attempt for the largest gathering of people wearing flat-caps. This is open to men, women and children so please bring a flat cap along with you on the day and take part in the attempt.
At 10.30 a.m. there will be sheep dog trials while the Rathdrum Pipe band will perform from 1.45 p.m. until 2.15 p.m.
Between 2 p.m and 6 p.m. there will be a local art exhibition and flower arranging in the Church of Ireland while there will be a hand shearing competition at 2 p.m.
The Mary Byrne School of Irish Dancing will perform from 2.15 p.m until 3 p.m.
At 4 p.m. there will be vintage machine shearing by Eoin Roddy and James Doyle while the Ballymore Eustace concert band will perform at 3 p.m.
There will be a falconry display at 4.15 p.n. while between 4 p.m. and 6.30 p.m. there will be set dancing with Syl and Liz accompanied by the Brian Boru Ceili Band.
At 5 p.m. there will be the presentation of prizes from the sheep show while there will be music from 6 p.m.
Last year there were almost 100 stalls selling their wares on the day and organisers are expecting a similar number this year. Handicrafts being displayed and demonstrated include spinning, knitting and sewing. Among the items on display at the fair are vintage cars and farm machinery.
The fair will be officially opened at 2 p.m. by the Minister for Health Simon Harris, ably assisted by Rita O’Rourke and Pat Corrigan. Some people may also find love at the fair as the renowned Lisdoonvarna match-maker Willie Daly will attend again this year.
Another big attraction is the sheep show and the competition for the various categories attracts intense local interest. This year the committee is delighted to welcome Joe Healy, national IFA President, who has kindly agreed to act as judge.