This article is from page 23 of the 2005-10-18 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 23 JPG
CHRISTMAS may still be a little bit too far away for most to think about, but there are some in Ballyvaughan who have already started planning just how to make this festive season a little bit different for the people of North Clare and beyond.
This year Ireland’s first European style out- door Christmas market will take place in Bal- lyvaughan with a whole host of activities, shop- ping and cheer which is sure to warm the hearts of locals and_ visitors alike.
The idea of an outdoor Christmas market has been popular in Germany and Austria for several fonabnw lee
These markets, the most famous of which takes place in Nurem- berg and Vienna, allow shoppers to buy presents outdoors in a leisurely atmosphere where the stopping is mixed with an occasional glass of mulled wine and some local delicacies.
The markets were orig- inally began by traders who would lay out their goods for a few days in a town’s market area.
As it developed the market became more sophisticated with fairs being held over a longer period before Christmas, and always around the town’s main church.
Indeed, these markets became so popular that a priest in Nuremberg complained in 1616 that he couldn’t hold the after- noon service on Christ- mas Eve because nobody attended mass because of the market.
Last year the Bally- vaughan Christmas mar- ket started out as a spon- taneous idea born only two months before the start of the market.
This year however, the organisers have gone one step further with the purchase of traditional wooden huts which will
be erected in St John’s Hall.
The stall will sell a wide range of products and serve food and drink from these huts.
The stalls will decorat- ed with fir garlands and chains of lights while inside the hall there will be a large array of crafts, gifts and food.
This year there will be 28 traders, the major- ity of which will be lo- cal craftsmen, as-well-as horse trap rides around he village and _ carol singing. Aside from the market visitors to Bal-
lyvaughan will be able to take in performances from Galway’s award- winning Cois Cladaigh Chamber Choir and John SUE Teen
As-well-as these con- certs there will also be a series of workshops on topics such as Christmas entertainment, Christmas decorations using natural materials and floral dec- orations. The Christmas market will run from 10 am to 6 pm on December 3,4, 8, 10, 17 and 18.
For more information: www.bally vaughanire- land.com