Picnic in Park is this weekend

We may not have had Storm Irma in Mullingar last weekend – but the forecast of heavy rain and high winds for all day Sunday led the organisers of the free day-long festival of activities - Picnic in the Park - to postpone the event.

The decision proved justified, and the event has instead been arranged for this Sunday, September 17, starting at 11am.

Organised by Westmeath County Council, in conjunction with Westmeath Food Network and Westmeath Community Development, the inaugural Picnic in the Park Family Fun Day and Food Fair is to be a community event with activities for all the family, including a food and craft fair, live music, sports skills and children’s entertainment.

The food and craft fair, by Westmeath Food Network, will have produce from An Olivia Chocolate, Rogan Smokehouse, Slanemore Farm and Cole’s Home Bakery.

Mullingar has long been known as a being a hotbed of musical talent and a live stage, co-ordinated by the Music Generation Live Music Performance Programme, will showcase a host of talent.

There is an action packed programme of events for young people including a Fairy Trail, face painting, and the Mad Professor, organised by the Westmeath County Council Environment Department, children’s dance class by Elevate Academy of Dance and a double book launch by local children’s book writer Dolores Keaveney including a children’s monster doodle. Authors Maria Bourke and Patricia Gibney will also be on hand for book signings.

The Real Football Academy will demonstrate some soccer skills; local skaters will be in action while Mullingar Scouts are pitching up in the park for the day – so come along and see them in action.

Other local groups and organisations taking part on the day include the local Community Gardaí, Civil Defence, Westmeath Fire and Rescue Services, Mullingar Tidy Towns, Westmeath Tourism and Westmeath Heritage.