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PROMOTIONS / EVENTS
Each year Letterkenny plays host to an exciting
International Festival which proves to be a success year after year. The
Chamber provides administrative help and support to the organisers of this
annual event.
Also during the summer months, the Earagail Arts
Festival is held annually in Letterkenny and the surrounding areas. Many
are drawn to the area for this festival which has attractions and events
at various locations in the area.
The Donegal International Car Rally is held annually
in June and is based mainly in Letterkenny. Many are attracted to the area
for this event, and facilities for competitors are well-provided at this
time.
During the summer months of 1997 the retail committee of the Chamber of
Commerce organised summer entertainment for all the family in Letterkenny's
Market Square on most Saturdays. The aim of which is to show that Letterkenny
is the place to be this summer for shopping, friendly atmosphere and free
family entertainment. The range of entertainment include clowns, face-painting,
music and children's shows.
Each year the Chamber hosts the annual St. Patrick's
Day Parade, the success of which is growing each year. Much work is put
in by the Parade Organiser, Mr. Brian McCormick, making the event as enjoyable
and successful as possible, for both particpants and spectators.
Also during the year, the Northwest Charity 10k
Road Race is held in Letterkenny, with competitors from both the local
area and further afield taking part. The Chamber is able to provide much
administrative help to this event.
Due to the European Union regulation regarding
festive lighting, there had to be a huge investment in new Christmas Lights.
The Chamber secured a loan for the purchase of these lights and were delighted
when the Urban District Council approved a large annual contribution. With
these new lights, the Chamber aims to make Letterkenny a brighter place
at Christmas.
During National Tree Week, Coillte kindly sponsored
over 100 trees to local community groups, business and schools. The Chamber
administered this project and were delighted with the response. David Donnelly
of Letterkenny Urban District Council offered guidance regarding the correct
planting for the oak, ash and rowan trees.
Under the guidance of Mr. Seamus Browne, a Chamber
Council member, the Chamber organised the stage-end finish of the 1996
FBD Milk Ras. This major event brought hundreds of riders and their entourage
to the town who had to be accommodated and fed, arrangements for which
were put into operation nearly six months prior to the event. Although
the race itself is over very quickly, the organising committee did major
work in the months and weeks coming up to the national event to ensure
the safe and problem-free visit to the town. The stage-end of the race
was covered in the national media and brought welcome attention to this
part of this country.
An Annual Dinner is organised each year through
the Chamber. At this dinner the Chamber awards the 'Letterkenny Business
Person of the Year Award' to a person who has been voted for by the committee
and has proved to show commitment and dedication over the years. Previous
winners include:
* 1996 - Jim McCormick - "Magee's Pharmacy"
* 1995 - Joe Gilmartin -"Pharmacia/Upjohn
Ltd"
* 1994 - Paul Reynolds -"Paul Reynolds &
Co. Estate Agents"
The 1997 Annual Dinner will be held in October.
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