Don't miss a fun-filled two days at Lahardane Harvest Fair

Lahardane Harvest Fair, or as it’s known locally, August 15th Fair Day, is back again this year and is truly the highlight of the summer. 

This year promises to be a fun-filled event for everyone. A welcome return to the field this year is a display of vintage tractors. Also come along to see ‘EweTube’ star Karol Devaney doing his sheep shearing display in the field. This year the organisers will endeavour to make Lahardane Harvest Fair a day to remember.

Located at the foothills of Nephin, the village of Lahardane will be a hive of activity, starting on Wednesday evening, August 14th, with a night of social dancing in the local Lahardane Community Centre. It is a new addition to the festival agenda this year and a great excuse to get the dancing shoes on and get the festival started. Music on the night is by the wonderful Carmel McLoughlin. Doors open at 7.30 with the music kicking off at 8 until 10 o’clock. Admission is €10, which includes a raffle ticket and light refreshments. You don't want to miss out on that raffle ticket to be in with a chance of winning a fantastic hamper.

The Harvest Fair itself will kick off at 12 noon on Thursday, August 15th, with a field full of activities to enjoy across from Leonard’s Pub in the centre of the village. Fun for all ages including bouncy castles, target shot and the funfair. There will be plenty of opportunities to win prizes throughout the day including vouchers for hotels, restaurants, hair and beauty and so much more. 

Popular activities returning this year include Wheel of Fortune, Water to Wine, Hang Tough, Hook a Duck and Lucky Birthday. Why not get your hands dirty Milking Daisy or test your speed and skill on a brand-new surprise event, come along on the day and all will be revealed! Then enjoy tea and chat in the Tea Tent to reminisce on times past. 

Also on the day enjoy an Irish dancing display from Sheila Moffat's School of Irish Dance, as well as music from talented local girls Katelyn Leonard and Maeve Cosgrove. The star attraction of the day is a massive auction which will be worth hanging around for. The organisers really have outdone themselves this year with the auction folks, it's looking like the best one yet!

The Harvest Fair traditionally was a day where locals came together to celebrate the year’s harvest, selling livestock on the streets and enjoying an annual get-together. In an effort to hold onto this beautiful tradition and honour those who started the event, traders will be welcome to the streets of Lahardane to sell their craft. Old customs have given birth to new ideas, keeping the agricultural element of the Fair Day alive. Along with this there is a busking competition on the street, all buskers welcome.

All proceeds from the event will go towards Lahardane National School. 

The organisers would like to take this opportunity to thank the many businesses near and far for their generous sponsorship and donations. In recent times, the Lahardane Harvest Fair funding was invested in new surfacing around the school grounds, educational trips, school library and much more. Thank you for your support and see you on August 14th and 15th.

Please note that road closures will be in place on Thursday, August 15th, to accommodate the Harvest Fair. Ample parking at the community centre on the day. Pack the wellies just in case, let’s not let the weather ruin the fun!