*Photograph: Gerard O’Neill
A BLISTERING display of lights will take over Kilmihil this festive season with the return of the Light Up Your Wagon festival.
By Emma Lernihan
More than 150 Christmas light-filled tractors are expected to partake in the quirky tractor run which is renowned for raising the spirits of all onlookers.
The festive event will take place on Sunday, December 18 for the third time, with all proceeds going to Kilmihil GAA/LGFA and Cahercalla Hospice.
Last year, almost €3,000 was raised for the chosen charities.
This year will mark the third edition of Light Up Your Wagon and organiser Karol Downes tells The Clare Echo that the idea to have the first tractor run in Kilmihil stemmed from “everybody being locked up at home during lockdown”.
“The first fundraiser took place in 2020 when Covid 19 was at its peak. Light Up Your Wagon was designed with the idea to both brighten people’s spirits as they ‘lit up the highway’ and simultaneously raise money for local charities while doing so”.
Sparkling, flashing vehicles will line the streets as the tractor run takes a new and improved 10-mile route which begins and finishes in Kilmihil.
The organisers of the event, Kevin Hehir, Carmel O’Halloran, Reney Downes, Veronica Finucane, Senan Callinan, Séan Johnston and secretary Breda Breen – are urging members of the public to support the local community and contribute to this year’s chosen charities.
“There are three categories in regards to vehicles, Tractors, Trucks and Vintage Vehicles,” Karol explained. “There are spot prices for the best lit up vehicles which are kindly being sponsored by local businesses in Kilmihil including Powers Pharmacy, Kilmihil Hardware and Fitzpatricks Circle K.
Light Up Your Wagon begins at 4:30pm on Sunday, December 18. If interested, people can now register their vehicles for the event in the local parish post office in Kilmihil or on the day of the run itself at 3:30pm in the local GAA carpark. All vehicles must be insured in order to participate. The cost is €20 per entry. Everyone is welcome to join, be it just to watch the brightly shining vehicles or to drive one.
