The 2016 Roscommon Easter Parade was officially launched recently and is set to be a spectacular display on what will undoubtedly be a very busy weekend in the county.
Speaking at the launch Chairman John Doorly noted that the town is set to be a “hive of activity on Easter Sunday. We’ve the parade which is starting at the earlier time of 12 noon sharp and then of course the Roscommon Mayo match in Dr. Hyde Park which throws in at 3:30pm so we’re expecting a huge crowd and a great day in town.” There is strong community collaboration with the Parade Committee, Chamber of Commerce, Town Team and Tidy Towns all working together to make it a really memorable occasion for all.
“Recent years have seen an increase in the spectacle and colour that the parade generates and we anticipate that 2016 will be no exception” notes Doorly, “there’s always a great mix of floats representing all that Roscommon life has to offer so we are appealing for everyone to get involved again this year and showcase the town and county at its very best.”
Entries
“There’s a good number of entries in already” says Doorly, “however, time is getting tight and we’re asking for those intending to take part to get in contact as soon as possible”. The official entry form can be downloaded from the parade’s Facebook page and website roscommoneasterparade.com with the fee for community/voluntary floats just €30 and €60 for the commercial section. Entries can also be emailed to [email protected]. All entries must be paid in advance, no later than Holy Thursday March 24th, to Roscommon Easter Parade c/o J.C. Doorly, Corner House, Castle Street, Roscommon. “With this being a very significant centenary year we’ve included a special “1916” themed prize in addition to our established awards; Community, Commercial, Most Entertaining, and Overall. We’re also reminding businesses that we’ll have a Shop Window Display category which always adds to the occasion and of course those coming along to the parade can get creative and join in the fun with prizes on offer for the Best Easter Bonnet” concluded Doorly.
The Roscommon Easter Parade Committee in conjunction with the Castlerea Rose Festival offers the option for businesses and organisations to sponsor a specially commissioned float which is proving to be a popular alternative to constructing a float from scratch, especially where time and manpower is in short supply. The launch displayed a sample of floats on offer, courtesy of Cllr. Paschal Fitzmaurice. Full details are available from any committee member.
Litter, Safety & Traffic Management
The parade committee is very grateful to Roscommon Tidy Towns for their support in assisting with litter management again this year. Working in partnership with Roscommon County Council organisers are appealing to all participants and spectators to make an extra special effort in disposing of litter responsibly during and after the event. Extra bins will be provided. In the interests of both litter and safety organisers are also appealing to all those participating not to throw sweets or other items from floats and to please obey the marshals on duty. Notification of any traffic restrictions will be issued by An Garda Síochána.