Carrickmacross was host to their annual Christmas market weekend last weekend.
To get everyone in the festive spirit the weekend started off on Thursday evening with the official turn on of the Christmas lighting by the man himself, Santa.
There was a kids disco and Kids Hip Hop Dancing, and a train ride around the town. The Hip hop dancers had very little room to perform due to the huge crowds who gathered to see them. Carrickmacross was lit up main street and side streets. The Chamber of Commerce had spent a lot of funds on new lighting this year which looks very impressive. The Chamber of Commerce were overwhelmed by the crowds, “changing the official lights turn on to a week day was a bit of a risk, but one that appeared to pay off very well based on the crowds who turned out” says Jim Hand, President of the Carrickmacross Chamber of Commerce.
Friday the marquee on main street had all kinds of aromas for the Taste of Carrick, many of our local shops, bakeries, cafes and restaurants took part to give something back to their customers and give people a flavour of what they have to offer. With 32 stands in total there was something to suit everyone’s taste buds. The No Salt Chef, Brian McDermott proved to be a big hit throughout the day, Cooking a locally sourced Sirloin Steak, a 7 ingredient soup, a pork dish and giving a few tips on how to get your food shopping done for Christmas on a budget.
Later that evening The No Salt chef, Brian McDermott again took to the stage for a fully seated cookery demonstration.
Saturday and Sunday the marquee was home to 43 exhibitors for the Christmas Gift and Craft Market. Many local shops took part as well as local craft makers, from knitting, crochet, jewellery, millinery, soap makers, candle makers, florists, patchwork makers, blacksmiths, Carrickmacross Lace and lots more. Who ever knew that Carrickmacross had so many talented people, it was a great opportunity for them to showcase their creations in Carrickmacross for the weekend. Rory McEvoy, Stationary Solutions, kept the exhibitors in good spirits over the weekend, and also encouraged shoppers to spend in his now famous “Happy Hour” which he has done for the last 3 years! Many exhibitors sold out of goods completely on Saturday which meant a long night of knitting and stitching for the following morning.
The Carrickmacross Chamber of Commerce were present in the Marquee all weekend selling and promoting The Carrickmacross Gift Vouchers, they are available all year round from Hands, O’Rourke’s Fuels, Supervalu, Birdy’s and Conway’s Emporium. The Gift vouchers can be used in any Shop, Café, Restaurant in Carrickmacross! We learned they don’t expire, as a voucher from 1994 was redeemed last year! The vouchers support the local economy and local employment. They are available in €10, €20, €50’s. The Vouchers are also a great idea for Staff bonuses, if you are an employer you can give €250.00 tax free to your employees in Carrickmacross Chamber of Commerce Gift vouchers, further information can be found www.carrickmacrosschamber.com.
The Chamber of Commerce noted a surge in hits to their webcam which is on www.carrickmacross.ie over the weekend there were over 1,500 new user clicks on the webcam and approximately 3,600 total clicks for the weekend, these are made up of new and repeat users. The webcam was used by many to view the Christmas lights switch on and to see the buzz in town from a great view point. Chamber of Commerce members heard many interesting stories about the webcam over the weekend, and how people have used it to connect with friends and family abroad. Watch this page in the coming weeks for more on this.
If all the activity in the marquee wasn’t enough, all shops in Carrickmacross offered weekend special offers, discounts and promotions. Shop owners confirmed that they too had one of the busiest days in months on Saturday. On behalf of all the business owners in Carrickmacross, The Carrickmacross Chamber of Commerce would like to thank everyone who came to Carrickmacross and supported our Annual Christmas Market weekend. Don’t forget there are just 19 shopping days left to Christmas, Carrickmacross asks you to shop local for them!
