Get into the swinging 60s at Fair Day

THE swinging 60s is the theme for this year’s Fair Day being held in Rathfriland on Saturday, September 22.

Organisers from Rathfriland Regeneration have decided to embrace all that was good about the 1960s with the emphasis on flower power, hippies, mods and much more.

Setting the scene for this year’s much waited event is another Scarecrow competition again being organised by the hard working Cancer Research Rathfriland committee. It was a huge success last year and hopefully the town and surrounding countryside will be covered with hundreds of scarecrows.

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For more information call Violet Bell on 028 4063 0536 or Mae Ingram on 028 4063 0298.

The Fair Day will get underway at 10am with local groups, organisations and charities selling various crafts, homemade foods and treats in many stalls dotted across the Square.

There will be a fun-packed programme of entertainment throughout the day with lots to do for children including giant inflatables, water zorbing, face painting and balloon modelling.

Chairman of Rathfriland Regeneration Mr Pat Rafferty said, “We decided to go with the 60s theme as Fair Days were held in the town during this era. We wanted to provide something different, lively and colourful and hope as many people as possible get dressed up.

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“The ladies can don their Mary Quant inspired clothes and beehive hair-dos and I’m sure we will be seeing some psychedelic prints, hippy kaftans, mods and mini-skirts! It’s really just a bit of fun and we hope to get the same if not better support than last year.”

Like last year, the main focus will be on the Square with sounds of the 60s belting out throughout the day.

Street entertainers and stilt walkers will mingle through the crowds with two slapstick comedy shows planned for the afternoon.

A junior talent show is also taking place in the afternoon and this is sure to be a real hit with the crowds - there will be prizes for the winners.

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Not forgetting animals – a Dog Show will be taking place in the Square – more details to follow. Fancy dress is optional for the pets and prizes will be handed out.

Also happening at approx 4pm is the kids tractor race with two age categories competing - 4s and under and 5-7s. A mini route will be created along the Square and kids will pedal their favourite tractors across the finish line. There will be prizes for the winners and small token for all children taking part. To enter call 07712 671 986.

Keeping with the 60s theme there will be a Jiving Competition in the Square - dancing to all the Sixties greats.

One of the highlights of the Fairday will be the Pram Race held in the Square at approximately 7.30pm.

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Kathy Wilson of Rathfriland Regeneration said, “We are now taking entries and teams must consist of four people. One baby (adult) will remain in the pram while the other three take a lap each. A track will be created and hopefully the crowds will turn out in force to cheer the teams on. We really want to see local sports teams, businesses and families come together and put in teams. Prams can be customised in team colours and fancy dress is encouraged. All adult babies must be dressed appropriately and dummies are optional!”

To enter a team call 07712 671 986 - or entry forms are available at Once Again Charity Shop and SM Shoes.

The evening will come to an end with music by the fabulous Marty Fay and the Bandidoes.

There will be strictly NO hot food vans permitted into the Square on the day and ALL stalls must be pre-booked with Jill McDowell – phone 07710 699 909.