Weekend Christmas Market for Athlone
Athlone Civic Centre will be abuzz with activity as Athlone's Christmas Market returns today (Friday) and runs throughout the weekend.
The attractive timber market cabins secured by the Athlone Festival & Events Project Group last year will again be provided for the local traders to sell their wares.
These cabins create a marvellous festive atmosphere and will complement the fantastic array of products that will be on sale by local traders from both the Athlone and wider district areas.
Cllr Frankie Keena, who is working with Athlone Chamber of Commerce organising this market, explained that they have reduced the number of cabins from twelve to ten this year in order to allow for adequate space for social distancing so the public can shop in safety.
"Our location has also changed this year whereby the cabins will stretch from the canopy on Church St down towards the Post Office. We will be implementing the public health guidelines of two metre social distancing plus the wearing of face masks. All traders will also have hand sanitiser on their stalls available for public use and appropriate signage will be erected," he added.
"I would like to sincerely thank Westmeath County Council for its generous financial support towards this market as it would not be taking place without their support," added Cllr Keena.
The market will run from 12–7pm on Friday, 9–6pm on the Saturday and 11-6pm on Sunday.
Athlone Chamber is delighted to be involved in organising the market this year. Chamber CEO Gerry McInerney said it's so important for people to shop local this Christmas.
"All participants in the market are from the local area. A vibrant market will attract more people to town and will compliment all retailers," he noted.
Among the businesses participating are A Room in Bloom, Frame your Name, Dedanu Wellness Gifts, Woodcraft, Peeky Boo Dog Accessories, Candles by Regina, Linda Moran Harte-Candles & Scent, Bastion Kitchen Praline Chocolates and Athlone Rotary Christmas Remembrance.