Get in the festive spirit in Limerick with a Christmas fair and dinner dance

THE ELECTION date of November 29 has focused the minds of many but plenty more are thinking about December 25.

A traditional start to the festive season in east Limerick is Bilboa National School’s annual Christmas Fair. While over in the west, Tony Noonan is holding a fundraising dance ahead of his spectacular lights display. 

Bilboa National School’s Christmas fair takes place this Sunday, November 19 in the Community Centre, Cappamore from 2pm. 

It is the perfect opportunity to get some presents in the bag early for your nearest and dearest. It has been running for a remarkable 36 years.

Speaking on behalf of the Bilboa National School Parents Council, Noreen Walsh, chairperson, said: “This is a community event for all parents, pupils and the local community to come together and show their support for our thriving school.

 “We all work together to provide a fun-filled day’s entertainment for everyone who attends.”

Ms Walsh said there will be many events and great prizes to be won on the day. 

“There is something for everyone! There are entertaining activities planned such as guess the weight of the cake, face painting, tin can game and the ever popular hang tough.

“There will be household items along with preloved formal wear, crafts, Christmas decorations, bric-a-brac, cakes and plenty of sweet treats, bargain children’s toys, books, fuel and of course the famous spin the wheel. 

“Our MC Simon will be busy on stage with 13 rounds where people can win  fantastic prizes and Christmas hampers,” said Ms Walsh.

Fifth and sixth class children were busy making posters as part of a competition for the fair. 

“All children made a great effort for this and we picked six pupils who we felt were exceptional and their names are Alisha Kelly, Shane Kelly, Nicole Heney, Ethan Ryan, Ava Egan and Colin Bourke. And these posters are used as part of our advertising for the fair.

“And, of course, all this could not take place without Santa Claus and he will be in high spirits mingling with the community and all the children,” said Ms Walsh.

For more information,  the school’s Facebook and Instagram pages.

Over in west Limerick, it won't be too long before Tony Noonan turns on his Christmas Lights in Templeglantine.

He handed over €29,536 to charities from last year's display.  Tony will mark 25 years of lighting up faces later this year with his wide array of festive lights ornaments.

READ MORE: Limerick students queuing to celebrate annual 'Christmas Day' event in low temperatures

He has organised a fundraising dance in the Woodlands House Hotel for this Sunday night, November 17 from 9.30pm. Entertainment provided by the Michael Collins Band.

What better way to get into the festive mood than spend the afternoon at the Christmas Fair in Cappamore and then dance the night away in the Woodlands - both for very good causes.

For more on the dance please see Tony Noonan's Christmas Lights Display Facebook page.