Mountmellick Macra’s Light Up Truck & Tractor Run will take place again this year on Saturday, December 16, kick starting Christmas festivities not only in Mountmellick, but the surrounding areas.
Trucks and Tractors from around Leinster will converge on the town to raise funds the Macra Hall Roof refurbishment fund and Eoin’s Journey which supports the Giggle fund for child patients in St John’s Ward in Crumlin children’s hospital, and to the Paediatrics Unit in Midlands Regional Hospital Portlaoise.
Proceeds of the Run will be split evenly between both causes. The Committee wishes to sincerely thank Martina, Rian and Darragh for allowing them to raise funds in memory of Eoin and on behalf of ‘Eoin’s Journey’.
Last year’s event was held in aid of St Vincent’s Community Nursing Unit and the Irish Air Ambulance and a cheque for c. €4,500 each was presented to both organisations.
The Truck & Tractor Run was officially launched on Sunday morning in the grounds of the MDA.
Speaking at the launch Committee Chairperson, Michael O’Gorman, said the organisers are hoping the whole community will turn out to support the event as they have for the past two years.
He said: “The Light Up Truck & Tractor Run has become a much-anticipated event in the town, Last year we were blown away by the number of trucks and lorries that registered for the event.
“The event enhances the town and brings Christmas cheer for everyone, both young and old. We are very grateful to the board of the MDA and to Paddy Buggy for facilitating us again this year.”
As the event is being held the week before Christmas, organisers are encouraging participants to dress in Christmas attire and decorate their vehicles in lights and all things Christmas.
Prizes for best truck and tractor will be awarded on the night. We are hoping that vehicles taking part will be decorated in a Christmas theme, however, it is important to note that decoration is not essential to participate in the run.
As part of the event, the club is organising a Monster Raffle with a top prize of €1,000 home heating oil up for grabs.
Tickets are €10 for 3 lines and can be purchased on line following the idonate raffle link on the Facebook page, from a committee member or purchased the day of the Run. The draw will take place in Moloney’s Gaelic Bar later that night.
‘Eoin’s Journey’ jerseys will also be available to purchase from family members on the day also.
Assembly point for the Run is the grounds of the Mountmellick Development Association. Registration commences from 3pm with the Run departing at 6pm sharp.
The fee for trucks is €30 and tractors €20. Hot drinks and musical entertainment will be provided onsite by Rock on Paddy from 3.30pm onwards.
In a change from last year, the tractor and trucks will take separate routes.
Following their departure, the trucks will travel down Mountmellick town via Irishtown, travelling onwards for Emo via the Bay Road before travelling to Ballybrittas, Portarlington and back to Mountmellick.
The tractors will take a shorter route this year and will travel down Mountmellick town via Irishtown, travel out the Tullamore Road and return to the MDA car park via Mullaghnard. The routes have been amended for safety reasons.
Members of the public are invited to line the streets and are welcome to visit the MDA Car park to cheer on the event.
Volunteers will be onsite and at the various locations with collection buckets for spectators who wish to donate to the event.
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