BY MARK McKELVEY
There has been a concerted effort in recent years to promote Orange culture and make the Twelfth celebrations a family and tourist attraction and this weekend's events in Omagh promise to be bigger and better than ever before.
With approximately 60 lodges participating Omagh will be welcoming bands from throughout the six districts of this North Tyrone area as well as sisters and brethren from lodges in Larkhall and Airth in Scotland.
The added element this year to the traditional parade, are the carnival floats depicting scenes from the Battle of the Boyne and street theatre will be integrated into the parade that has been organised by the Border Arts in Castlederg, which is a cross-community group who have been working closely with the local Orange Order for the past 12 months.
The event will commence at Campsie Playing Fields at 11.30am on Saturday, July 12, with the parade starting at 12 noon.
Speaking this week, Worshipful District Master (WDM) Omagh LOL No11, Andrew Scott was keen to portray the Twelfth celebrations as an inclusive event that is open to all communities.
He said, "One of this year's themes is to turn 'the Twelfth' into more of a family day out. It's always been a family day, but this is more about attracting spectators and tourists.
"We have had this foresight of creating a family atmosphere with entertainment and pageantry here for 12 years now which has been enhanced yet further since Tyrone Orange Vision was formed in 2000. We have been reaching out to people by having workshops in neutral venues as there needs to be greater learning and understanding of different cultures.
"For someone who doesn't know anything about what will be happening, this is a day of colour, pageantry, music and artwork. There will also be a penalty shoot-out competition with the winners receiving signed David Healy Northern Ireland Shirts.
"It's a family day to be enjoyed, there will be a religious service and I think the event will be a learning process for those who don't understand much about the Twelfth. I would welcome people and invite them to come along and see for themselves what's happening."
With up to 15,000 visitors expected in Omagh this Saturday WDM Scott was pleased to confirm that numerous business would be staying open in the town and benefiting economically from the celebrations.
On the night of July 11, a fireworks display will take place in a field behind Riverview Park, Hospital Road, at 10.30pm. This follows a fancy dress parade of housing estates by the Blair Memorial Flute Band.
Meanwhile, Twelfth parades will also take place in Aughnacloy that will welcome nine districts, assembling on the Caledon Road from 11am onwards, with the parade starting at 12.30pm sharp.
Kesh will be welcoming lodges from Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim and Monaghan that will lead the parade with the 15 lodges of Fermanagh falling in behind. The assembly field is on the Ederney Road and the parade will move off at 12.30pm also.
The Police Service has been working closely with parade and protest organisers and local communities throughout Northern Ireland to ensure that this year's events pass off without incident.
Assistant Chief Constable for Rural Region Judith Gillespie and Assistant Chief Constable for Urban Region Duncan McCausland said they were optimistic that everyone could enjoy a quiet summer.
"As always, we will police all parades and protests in an appropriate, proportionate and human rights centred way." However, said they will take a robust approach to underage and on-street drinking during parades.
