Scene set for Streete’s 20th anniversary vintage show

‘Fiche bliain ag fás’ could well have been the slogan used for this year’s Streete Vintage Show, which this year is to take place on Sunday June 26.

“It’s our 20th year, but not our 20th show,” says James Parker of the organising committee, a hint of wistful regret evident in his voice as he explains that Covid led to a two-year break in continuity.

The team behind the show aren’t looking back towards 2019, however, but firmly ahead to the 2022 show, which has everything from live country music to vintage cars, craftwork displays, foodstalls and children’s amusements.

For a small area, Streete certainly packs a punch when it comes to community activities, with the result that the annual show in Streete attracts not just locals, but people from across the island, and it is held in the highest regard among vintage enthusiasts.

Being “out of practice” for two years hasn’t really fazed the committee: “You just have to get back into the swing of it: you just have to do your best and try to round up help, and go to different shows and spread the word of it and try and build up the momentum. Then we hope the weather is good and that we will get the crowds,” said James.

Vintage cars and vintage tractors are a main feature, and also stationary engines.

It’s not just the diehard vintage fans who enjoy these, but young people also, and James points out that there’s a great educational dimension to it too.

Live music

The hugely popular country music star Johnny Brady is lined up to perform at the show, as is rising country singer Olivia Douglas – and it turns out there is every incentive to get out and dance: “We have a jiving competition,” James says.

The dancers won’t be competing for just the glory: “For the winners, there is €100 plus a cup; second prize is €50 plus a trophy, and for third place, the prize is €25 and a trophy.

To keep the dancers happy, a state-of-the-art dance floor has been rented for the day.

“We also have lots for children - amusements and face painting and other attractions like that,” he continues.

“There will also be different people selling autojumble and other bits and pieces; also antiques.

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We will have various shops through the field.

Also guaranteed to attract attention will be the traditional tradespeople demonstrating crafts that most people have never seen practised, such as tin-smithing, basket weaving and blacksmithing.

Another attraction being arranged is the presence of some rare or unusual animals and little eyes will also get the chance to feast on a to-scale display of farm machinery.

“It is a real family day,” James says, listing other attractions such as the Bonny Baby competition, and the ‘Guess the weight of the lamb’ competition that Alex Ball from Granard usually runs and also the dog show at 2pm, open to all family pets, regardless of breed.

“It’s all about giving families a great day out, and we have always attracted people from all over,” he says.

Activity on the field will begin at around noon, as the vintage cars and tractors arrive; the music starts at around 1.30pm.

And there’s no need to get Sunday lunch out of the way before attending as there will be food stands at the event.