It’s a busy weekend in Maynooth.
A holiday market, outdoor hot food vendors, tree lighting, caroling, musicians and Santa Claus himself are just some of the things happening through the streets of Maynooth this Saturday, ahead of the evenings Brighten the Night Parade.
Hastings Highlands Community Events Co-Ordinator Amy Doole says that the Maynooth parade is the first big event she’s organized since starting in her role this year.
“We’re expecting a great turnout of floats. We don’t require pre-registration. If anyone is still thinking of putting a float in, you just have to turn up at the Loggers Field between 4 and 4:30 on Saturday and we’ll get you in the parade. There are prizes for the best floats.”
Doole says that a ‘team of skilled children ‘ will be judging the floats.
A Christmas Market at the Hastings Highland Center will continue the ‘wonderful tradition’ of Chris Hass, who has organized Maynooth markets for years.
The Market takes place from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Doole says that there will be over 40 vendors inside and that, for the first time, there will be vendors outside.
“We’re going to set up what we call our little ‘ode to a European style Christmas market’ with hot food.”
Doole says things like hot cider, coffee, hot dogs, baked beans, smoked turkey legs, chili-cheese nachos and more will be available.
“It’s going to be fun and you can hang out outside. We’ll have a couple of heaters, you can visit the market and walk around the Christmas trees.”
While in past years Santa has been at the library after the parade, this year he will be there from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m.
“Kids can come and talk to Santa, have a picture, and there’s some presents for kids in the library. And then at the end, at about 4 p.m., we’ll have Mayor Tony Fitzgerald lighting the Christmas tree just before the parade starts.”
Many more activities, celebrations and sales will be happening around town.
The United church will be hosting a rummage sale with free popcorn at the Church.
Classical guitarist Ian Russel will be joined by flautist Betty Leicster in the library for holiday music between 10 a.m. and noon.
United Church members will be carolling through town starting at 2 p.m. and all are welcome to join in.
The Brighten the Night Parade hits the streets of Maynooth at 5 p.m. Dec 14.
