Santa to make grand entrance into ballina this weekend

The Ballina Frosty Salmon Christmas Festival will open with a bang tomorrow (Saturday, December 6) when Santa Claus arrives to town and will begin the journey to his fantastic grotto in the Military Barracks, Market Square.

The parade will begin at Jim Brown’s Lane/Ruby Brown’s Beauty at 4 p.m., where the children will escort him up through Pearse Street, on to Tone Street, and finally to the grotto. It’s time to get in the Christmas spirit, so bring your Santa hats and festive cheer - and don’t miss out on the grand opening of the Frosty Salmon Festival.

Further exciting festival events include the Santa Polar Express train, which will depart Ballina Train Station at 11.20 a.m. on Saturday, December 13, for a special train ride with the man himself. Tickets cost €10 and are in limited supply, so check availability now with the festival office on O’Rahilly Street or telephone (096) 79814.

IMC will be showcasing the newest Christmas movie, Get Santa, which will premiere that afternoon (December 13) at 3.30 p.m. All ticket sales proceeds will be going to Childline – all the more reason to get out and enjoy this charity screening.

Later in the month, the Mistletoe Market will take place in the picturesque Military Quarter in the Market Square from Thursday to Sunday, December 18 to 21, and there is still time for your stall or table to be included in this winter wonderland – if you want to set up a stall, telephone the parish office on (096) 70555 between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. All proceeds from the market go towards the St. Muredach’s Cathedral restoration fund.

From carol singing to the Grinch hunt, not forgetting the €10,000 Christmas cracker loyalty giveaway, free parking and a foodie extravaganza, there is an action-packed and truly festive line-up in store. Like the Ballina Frosty Salmon Facebook page or visit www.mayonorth.ie for more details.