A golden occasion for Castlebar International Four Days Walks
THE 50th Castlebar International Four Days Walks, which takes place from Thursday to Sunday next, June 29 to July 2, is set to be a celebration of the festival's popularity and longevity.
Very few festivals in Ireland last half a century or over, so having one in the county town of Mayo is something really special.
Dating back to 1967, the event only ever missed one year and that was due to the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in the UK and parts of Ireland in 2007.
It was deemed too much of a risk at the time to hold the ramble, which involved crossing farming lands.
There are expected to be a few pleasant surprises for the participants during the course of the golden jubilee festival, all of which are being kept a secret apart from the fact that everybody who completes the four days will receive a specially commissioned 50th anniversary medal.
A significant development this year is the fact the ramble is booked out due to the unprecedented numbers taking part. However, there is a waiting list in operation and it is hoped as many as possible on the list can be accommodated.
Health and safety issues, as well as insurance regulations, insist that the numbers participating in the ramble must be restricted to 200.
This has resulted in many walkers being disappointed but it cannot be avoided. The 20k walks are a very good alternative for those missing out on the ramble and the bonus is that you get back to town earlier.
Another significant development is the return of the Parade of the International Flags. This takes place after the Walkers Mass at 7 p.m. in the Church of the Holy Rosary, Castlebar, on Saturday evening.
Talented local soprano Eve Garavan has confirmed that she will sing at the Mass and the expectation is that the parade will start just before 8 p.m.
The route is Chapel Street, Tucker Street, Linenhall Street, Main Street, Ellison Street and Mountain View on route to the festival headquarters at the TF Royal Hotel where a night of traditional Irish music and dancing, featuring a Wolrd Champion Sean-nós dancer, is planned.
A total of 42 national flags will be carried during the parade which has been organised by Mick Baynes, Castlebar events co-ordinator, Ger Deere and their team.
An Army party and the Castlebar Concert Band will lead the event and members of the public are urged to become involved.
The full programme of events is available on the Castlebar International Four Day Walks Facebook page and it is important that all walkers attend the briefing session on Wednesday evening at 7 p.m.
Now let's hope the weather picks up between now and Thursday morning.