Queen of the Lakes Festival kicks off

THE annual Queen of the Lakes Festival kicks off in Ballinrobe today (Friday), with events to suit all the family.

The committee have revealed an exciting line-up of events over three days, from Friday to Sunday (July 2), including a heritage day and markets, music on the street with Marty Mone and the Neil Diamond Experience, along with children's events and sporting competitions.

The highlight of the festival, as always, is the crowning of the newest Queen of the Lakes.

Last year's winner, Alison Madden will be on hand tonight (Friday) to hand over her title following an eventful year in which she also participated in the Mayo Rose competition in Claremorris. The 2017 Rose will be chosen at a function in The Valkenburg Hotel.

Children's attractions include a fairground and the teddy bear's picnic, which opened the festival at St. Joseph's NS this afternoon.

Events on Saturday include a soccer club blitz, a fun day and sponsored walk from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cornmarket will be brought back to olden days from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday as the Heritage Day and markets take over the area. There will be an art exhibition at the church railings. A Junior Einstein's kids science fun event will be held at the Parish Centre at 2 p.m. The Straw Boys will provide the entertainment at Cornmarket at 2 p.m.

Abbey Street will be closed off to traffic from 8 p.m. for a country and western night with Marty Mone of 'Hit the Diff, Slip the Clutch' fame, which will also include a rodeo bull for those brave enough!

The main street of the town will be closed off on Sunday for a family fun day from 2 p.m. which will then conclude with music by Martin and Ryan, followed by the Neil Diamond Experience.

Committee chairperson Monica Horan said the committee hope there is something for every member of the family at this year's festival. “We are really hoping the weather is in our favour as there are some great events taking place.”