Rose of Tralee set to open Laois Christmas event

Rose of Tralee Katelyn Cummins will be in Stradbally on Saturday to officially open Laois’ newest Christmas event.
Katelyn will be joined by Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council, Cllr Barry Walsh to open the Fitz of Inch Christmas craft fair, Santa experience and variety concert on Saturday, December 13.

Property Manager of Fitz of Inch, Michael Fitzpatrick made the tough decision to scale back the festive event from a three day festival to a one day event.

“As a solo entrepreneur and businessman, letting people down is probably one of the hardest things that you have to do. There is so much more in the circle than everyone just coming. You have the traders, events, bills to pay, you have so many different things going on but unfortunately we had to make the decision to cancel the Friday and the Sunday,” he shared on social media.

“Saturday will still go ahead as planned. We are so grateful for our traders, our vendors, our suppliers and of course the performers for the concerts who have all moved to the Saturday. We hope to be able to give you a really great experience on Saturday, December 13 for the one day of our Christmas Festival.”

Michael said while he is disappointed he couldn’t go ahead with the three days he is really grateful to be able to host the one day event at the venue and asked the community to come along and support it.

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The opening ceremony and ribbon cutting will take place at 12 noon.

The festive concert will include The Stradbally Community Choir; The Buggie School of Irish Dancing; QueenBees Bocal Harmony Group and The Vicarstown Ukulele Group.

“With our Craft Fair, Visit Santa Experience & Christmas Variety Concert we know it’s going to be a Saturday to remember. Arriving with friends, family or your pups there’s something special waiting for everyone!” Michael added.

Tickets are available by visiting the website www.fitzofinch.com.