FESTIVAL FUN ON THE QUAY
THERE was great excitement in Arklow over the long weekend as the annual Maritime Festival took place.
One of the main fundraising events hosted by the Arklow Lifeboat, the festival is a great feel-good family event and this, year the son shone on the town as crowds mingled along the quay for a wide array of entertainment.
Festivities kicked off on Friday however, at Arklow Sailing Club as the Maritime Queen selection night took place.
Redcross native Katie Hawthorne was chosen as the lucky winner and was the guest of honour for the duration of the weekend.
Lifeboat Bingo, hosted by Arklow Parish Office was another Friday highlight with a total of €1,000 raised towards the fund.
The remainder of the festival fun, took place all day Sunday and was a change to the two-day running order of previous years. It proved a successful move and large crowds were welcomed to the South Quay for fun, games, musical entertainment and much more.
The morning commenced with the Blessing of the Fleet, performed by Fr Pádraig Ó Cocláin, Rev Nigel Sherwood, Pastor Solomon Aroboto and a Derek, from the crew of the Brocklebank, a retired Methodist minister.
From a bouncing castle to the highest inflatable climbing wall in the country, and a Falconry Ireland display to First Responders and South East Archers, there was no shortage of exciting attractions.
The dramatised Viking Landing was a winner once again, led by Arklow man Colm Weadick and featuring many of the local Sea Scouts, it was a real crowd pleaser.
Tony Fennell of Arklow RNLI thanked the community for coming out in such large numbers and for once again supporting the lifeboat.