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‘Black Friday’ signalled the real start of the Christmas shopping madness, but things are officially kicking off in Tralee this weekend and there’s a lot to get up to. Here’s a few suggestions…
Saturday
1. Meet Santa and friends…
Santa Claus and friends joined by Rose of Tralee, Elysha Brennan at the launch of Santaland at CH Chemists and the Christmas parade which takes place on Saturday at 2pm. Photo by Dermot Crean
CH Chemists are turning The Mall into a Christmas wonderland when Santa friends go on parade. Taking place from 2pm, the man himself will be joined by Mrs Claus, Anna and Elsa from Frozen and a host of characters for the annual parade. Let’s hope the rain stays away.
2. ‘Star’ lights up Christmas…
Kerry star Kieran Donaghy will officially switch on the Christmas lights to officially kick-off Christmas in Tralee. The Stacks man will be helped by nine year old Emma Lynch from Caherleaheen NS, who won a colouring competition for the honour.
The switching on will take place at 5pm in the Square and all are welcome for the countdown and some fun.
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3. Taste of Tralee…
The Taste of Tralee returns again to Manor West where delicious foods will be there to sample in the festive surrounds of the main hall. Kingdom Party Pals will also be on hand to meet the kids. It takes place from 12noon to 6pm on Saturday and Sunday.
4. A Royal performance…
Mike O’Halloran brings his play, ‘A Queen’s Speech’ to the stage for the second night of a two night run at Siamsa Tire. The play is said to be a hugely enjoyable blend of comedy and drama set in the summer of 2011 when Ireland was lifted from the gloom of recession by the promise of a State visit by Queen Elizabeth II.
The performance begins at 8pm, for tickets call 066-7123055.
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5. Ballyheigue Beardfest…
Over the road in Ballyheigue, around 30 lads are preparing to face the razor in Kirby’s Bar at around 9pm for the Ballyheigue Beardfest.
Local hairdressers are on call for the big shave off and on the night there will be a monster raffle and and an auction of signed sports goods including a Man Utd Jersey.
All money raised will be split between the Kerry Cancer Support Group, Kerry Cork Health Link Bus and the Johnny Roche Road to Recovery Fund.
Sunday
Joe Flynn.
6. Kicking it for Joe…
Tralee Dynamos club are organising ‘The Legends Game’ at 12 noon in Cahermoneen to honour a Kerry soccer hero, Joe Flynn.
The Rahoonane man has made the news recently for speaking so frankly, honestly and courageously about his battle against terminal cancer. Now Dynamos are honouring their former player by inviting soccer players of all ages to ‘Kick It for Joe’. So call up and lend your support, with the Kerry Cork Cancer Bus benefitting from any donations.
It should be a great afternoon, with refreshments after down in The Huddle Bar.
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7. Brandon Exhibition
A Mental Wellness Exhibition in association with Be Aware! Suicide Prevention, will be held in the Brandon Hotel with over 40 exhibitors, guest speakers and workshops. It will also be an occasion to launch ‘Minding Our Minds’ a guide to supports and services.
It takes place from 1pm to 6pm and admission is free.
