BYMICHAEL BRESLIN
Carnival time is quickly catching up with Kesh, once again! Each year, the town is encased in the carnival spirit and, this year, the organisers hope 2007 will be no exception.
Beginning on Tuesday, 10th August, the festivities run until 19th August, culminating in the annual service of thanksgiving in the Lough Erne Hotel.
The carnival swings into action with the ever popular Carnival Queen Dance in the Lough Erne Hotel where the highly competitive prestigious award of Carnival Queen will be awarded to one lucky girl, along with a prize of £250.
The Children's Playstation Experience takes place on Saturday, 11th August followed by Pig Racing, dancing competition and evening entertainment.
Sunday 12th commences by the popular Tractor Parade, organised by Shane Johnston of Johnston Agricultural Contracts. This is the second year the parade will take place. It leaves from Kesh Main Street and heads off to Lisnarick, Trory, Ballinamallard, Irvinestown and back to Kesh via Manoo.
All proceeds are in aid of Multiple Sclerosis and it is envisaged there will be a bigger turnout from last year. This will be followed by a tractor handling competition and farmers BBQ and dance in the May Fly Inn.
The next full week of the carnival kicks off in style with the commencement of the IFA Fund Week at the NFC Club Grounds.
This event is always well supported by the young people of the area and lasts for five days. For the older of us, there is the Old Crocks Football Match at Mantlin Park on Wednesday 15th August.
Country and Western entertainment comes in the form of a live broadcast by the BBC with Hugo Duncan in the Millennium Boat Park on Friday, 17th August.
For the younger generation , there is the best dressed bike competition, kids talent competition, and numerous events organised by Cherish SureStart.
Saturday 18th August offers the best of the carnival atmosphere due to the variety of events. The car boot sale always proves to be a favourite with the public, and it will be followed by the Fancy Dress and Float Parade.
The town's Main Street is expected to come alive with the Vintage Car and Tractor Displays, Duck Derby, to name but a few, with the day coming to a close with the annual Young Farmer's Club Dance.
Sunday 19th August heralds the launch of the Raft Race which starts from Muckross and finishes at Drumrush where live entertainment will be playing.
Other events covered during the carnival festivities include table quizzes, arts & crafts workshops, 10k Fun Run, rally experience, tractor handling, bowling, donkey derby, walk for women, table tennis, tug-o-war and many more.
As ever the carnival the carnival concludes with the Service of Thanksgiving held in the Lough Erne Hotel. Music will be provided by Killskeery Brass Band, with local clergy participating in the service.
The Kesh Community Carnival committee thank all of those involved in any way with the organisation and sponsorship of our festival.
