Castlerea Rose Festival gets underway
Castlerea Rose Festival Committee, pictured from left, front: Claire Devine, Cllr Paschal Fitzmaurice, Susan Gaynor, Lisa Joy, tourism officer, Roscommon County Council, Mary Lambert and Joe Pearl. Back, from left: Lorna Finch, Peter Dolan, Marina O’Flanagan, Kevin Moran, Jennifer Young, Edmund Hester, Julie Malone and John Young. Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin
The Castlerea Rose festival gets underway today, Saturday, July 25th and runs until Sunday, August 2nd.
Events get underway this morning with pop-up chess at Castlerea Library followed by a family fun day this afternoon at Castlerea Celtic. The grand opening parade through the streets of the town will commence at 8 p.m. and will be followed by Gorilla Radio live on the town square. The opening night ends with a spectacular fireworks display.
By his own estimation, this year’s Castlerea Rose Festival is the 30th one local councillor Paschal Fitzmaurice his been involved in organising.
The chairperson of the festival committee has witnessed firsthand how the festival has evolved across three decades.
“We’ve seen it grow over time and we’ve seen it change. It started out as a small festival, but the enthusiasm was always there and the interest has grown and grown over the years and this year it runs from July 25th to August 2nd.” Recalling his best memories from festivals of the past, Cllr Fitzmaurice had a few events that stuck with him.
“The Mystery Man was a standout feature in the festival, it was a huge success. We’ve also had lots of different bands on over the years. Qween last year was very memorable, that was a massive night and the parades over the years and the numbers of people who come in to participate are always stand out moments.”
With nearly 30 people working almost year round on the committee, the large foundation for collective thinking and new ideas is what has allowed for the festival to constantly grow.
Events are tailored for all interests, such as the family oriented children’s disco or pool party. For the creative minds, the Kilteevan Art Group is holding an art exhibition while the Hub’s indoor market will display top quality goods and crafts.
The festival also has a health and wellbeing theme, as Empower Fit run an outdoor workout and the Castlerea Crusaders host the popular Run with the Roses.
Cllr Fitzmaurice credited the committee and volunteers for making the Rose Festival the success it is today.
“The team we have there, that’s the number one thing. The team of people and all the work they do as volunteers is huge – that’s what has really made it.
“I’m chairperson, and I couldn’t do it on my own, it’s the heavily committed team that makes the festival,” he stressed.
“This year promises to be even bigger and better, with something for everyone. From country music and American rock to the best of Irish live entertainment, our first-ever Castlerea Food Festival, the return of our spectacular grand opening parade, and what promises to be our biggest fireworks display yet, there's plenty to look forward to,” he said.
* The opening parade gets underway on Saturday, July 25th at 8 p.m. and promises a vibrant explosion of giant inflatables, live music, colourful lanterns, dazzling dancers, lively floats, and the joyful sights and sounds of different cultures coming together in a celebration of singing, dancing, and community spirit.
