Laois Christmas light-up truck and tractor event gets into gear

A wonderful Christmas spectacle in Laois will roll back into towns and villages this December.

Mountmellick Macra have confirmed that the Light Up Truck & Tractor Run will take place again this year on Saturday  December 17, kick starting Christmas festivities not only in Mountmellick, but the surrounding towns and villages.

Trucks and Tractors from around Leinster, bedecked in Christmas decorations, will converge in Mountmellick to set off on a fun convoy around Laois, to raise funds for St Vincent’s Community Nursing Unit and the Irish Air Community Ambulance.

The Macra club chose the groups becuase they say they are vital for the community.

"St Vincent’s Community Nursing Unit, a local service, provides invaluable and outstanding care for the elderly. Unfortunately, there have been incidents locally that required the assistance of the Irish Community Air Ambulance. This service is funded by voluntary donations and without the service, many accident victims and casualties would not receive the medical treatment required within critical time frames," the club say.

Last year’s event held in aid of Cuisle Cancer Support Services raised a staggering €14,096 for the charity.

The Truck & Tractor Run was officially launched last Friday evening in Mountmellick Macra Hall. Speaking at the launch Committee Chairperson, Chris Joyce, said the organisers are hoping the whole community will turn out to support the charity run again this year.

“Last year we didn’t know what to expect when we organised the event. The country was still living with Covid restrictions before Christmas with everything closed. The event, which was the first of its kind in County Laois brought much needed Christmas cheer for everyone, both young and old.”

As the event is just a week before Christmas, organisers are encouraging participants to dress in Christmas attire and decorate their vehicles in lights and all things Christmassy as prizes for best vehicles will be awarded on the night.

"The more the merrier and anything goes! However, it is important to note that decoration is not essential to participate in the run," they say.

“We are hoping to build on the numbers from last year. It’s easy to take part and based on feedback from last year’s participants the easiest and safest way to light up your vehicle is with battery powered lights which are widely available,“ they advise.

Assembly point for the Run is the grounds of the Mountmellick Development Association. Registration commences from 3pm with the Run departing at 6.30pm sharp. Fee for trucks is €30 and tractors €20.

In a change from last year, the tractor and trucks will take the same route. Following their departure, the vehicles will travel by Irishtown past St Vincent’s CNU, down Mountmellick town as it continues for Killeigh. It is expected that the first of the vehicles reach Killeigh at approximately 7pm, Clonaslee at approximately 7.15 and Rosenallis at approximately 7.30pm. 

Members of the public are invited to line the streets and are welcome to visit the MDA Car park to cheer on the event. Volunteers will be onsite and at the various locations with collection buckets for spectators who wish to donate to the event.