20-07-2002
Rockers and waiters tune up for Mardi Gras
Rick Jagger, Bon Bon Jovi, Angus Foo Young, Axel Rosenallis and Paddy Joe Hendrix will be among the stars at Mountmellick’s Mardi Gras Festival, from Friday, August 9, to Sunday, August 11.
They’ll be strutting their stuff at a new event – the Air Guitar Competition, scheduled for the Saturday.
Festival PRO Marc (Elvis) Connelly revealed: "As we speak, the five contestants are in deep training and have being for months. Their highly sophisticated instruments are already being shipped to a secret warehouse just outside the town."
He explained: "Because of the security risk, the location of the event has not being finalised yet."
In essence, the competition is simulated guitar playing to a backing track of rock music. Interested in participating? Contact Elvis Connolly or any other member of the Festival committee.
Festival Chairman Michael Gormley commented: "We hope that the winner of the competition can go on and represent Mountmellick in the World Air Guitar Championships."
The Mardi Gras festival was officially launched at a function in Mountmellick Credit Union House on Monday night.
Another innovation this year will be a race to find out who is the best waiter in the town. It will take place on the Friday night. Each contestant will carry a tray with two beer-filled pint tumblers and will be expected to drink a glass of beer in each pub along the route – 11 in all. Time and the amount of beer left in the tumblers at the end of the course will determine the winner.
As part of the Festival, an indoor soccer tournament – with 16 teams in groups of four – will be played in the Sports Complex. It begins on Friday night. The final is on Sunday.
Organising the event is Alan George, Manager of the Mountmellick’s first team. A Dubliner, he is now living in the town for the past two years and is already going native.
A pre festive show – to get everyone into the partying mood – will be staged in the Concert Hall on Wednesday night, August 7. The entertainers will be Kathy Durkin, Dennis Allen and comedian Bal Moane.
The festival will begin with a opening parade at 8:15pm on the Friday. Happenings during the weekend will include a children’s fancy dress contest spectacular firework display, Druid Golf Society Captain’s Day, children’s show in the Concert Hall, pavement painting competition, "live" music in O’Connell Square, a vintage rally, a treasure hunt, Mountmellick Work exhibition, a family day of fun in Smith’s field, Tug-O-War and beat in the street.
Mr Gormley, Who is also the Town Council chairman, said the main reason for the Festival was "to put something back into the town." Proceeds from last year’s Festival went towards erecting extra Christmas lights, he explained. He thanks all who supported the Mardi Gras, including his committee colleagues and sponsors.
New Mountmellick walking route to be launched
The official launch of the Slí na Sláinte walking route in Mountmellick is to take place in O’Connell Square, Mountmellick on Tuesday, 12 July 23 at 7pm.
Over 12 months in its preparation, the walking route is an initiative of the Irish Heart Foundation to attract people of all ages walk for leisure and good health. The Mountmellick project is a joint venture between St Vincent’s Hospital, The Mountmellick Development Association and the Town Council. The Midland Health Board Health Promotion Service and Laois County Council have provided funding for the project.
The walk features attractive signage at kilometre intervals so that people know the distance they have travelled and can plan their walks.
Following the official opening of the walk, guests are invited back to St Vincent’s Hospital for light refreshments.
