Sunshine and crowds anniversary event at Claragh Bridge Show

Sunshine and crowds anniversary event at Claragh Bridge Show

31 July 2013

THE tenth anniversary Claragh Bridge Show was bathed in glorious sunshine last weekend, helping the event attract one of its biggest ever crowds.

The cross-community vintage, classic and agricultural show continues to go from strength to strength and there was also a record number of vehicle entries.

The warm sunshine helped show off working vintage threshing mills and bailers in all their splendour, while helicopter rides also proved extremely popular with the large crowd.

There was a host of stalls while a number of community, voluntary and charitable organisations were represented at the event, including PIPS, Mind Your Mate and the Donard Marie Curie Fundraising Group.

There were trade standards for visitors to peruse including the country market and craft fayre, while the Drumaroad & Clanvaraghan Community Association were in charge of a “community zone.”

The opening of the Blacksmith’s Shop on the Ballynahinch Road by Walter Watson and the display of original blacksmith tools was also enjoyed by visitors.

Other popular attractions last Saturday included the annual tug ‘o’ war competitions as well as the traditional sheep shearing exhibition. In addition, there was free children’s entertainment throughout the day with music. The duties of compere were in the capable hands of Eamon McCann.

Claragh Bridge Vintage Club chairman, Liam Quinn, paid tribute to the efforts of the committee members and volunteers who helped organise last Saturday’s show.

“It’s a great credit to the dedicated voluntary efforts of all involved who worked, planned and organised the show since January to ensure an enjoyable day for all the visitors who attended,” he said.

“The 10th anniversary show has without doubt been the most successful since 2004 and was attended by large crowds and attracted record entries.”

Mr. Quinn said the weather also played a huge part ensuring people enjoyed the carnival festival atmosphere and wide range of attractions.

He added: “Given the present economic climate, the success of last weekend’s show was far beyond the committee’s expectations and we wish to thank all our sponsors, advertisers and patrons.”