Mountmellick Macra’s annual ‘Light Up Truck and Tractor Run’ is back by popular demand and will take place again this year on Saturday, December 14.
Trucks and Tractors are invited to converge on the town to raise funds for Laois Down Syndrome.
Last year’s event held in aid of Eoin’s Journey and the Macra Hall Roof redevelopment fund raised €11,745.64 which was split evenly between the two causes.
The Truck and Tractor Run was officially launched on Sunday afternoon in Moloney’s Gaelic Bar.
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 previously years:
“The Light Up Truck and Tractor Run has become a much-anticipated and loved event in the town.
“Last year we were delighted with the turn out and the support we received for the event, not just by the number of trucks and tractors that registered but the entire community that turned out to support the event.
“This is our fourth year to hold the Light Up Run and the event enhances the town and brings Christmas cheer for everyone, both young and old.
“Once again we are very grateful to the board of the MDA and to Paddy Buggy for facilitating us again this year.
Katie Flanagan spoke on behalf of Laois Down Syndrome. She told the people present she is a member of the Committee and helps to organise many events for members.
Katie outlined that the group do not receive any Government or HSE funding and the membership run two big fundraisers every year to sustain the group’s activities
Among the activities organised by Laois Down Syndrome are
- Weekly speech & language therapy for members
- Monthly Occupational Support
- Educational supports
- Art classes
- Social activities
Speaking at the launch, Katie said: “Next year we will need more than €100,000 to keep our club going.
“I want to say thank you to everybody in Mountmellick Macra for inviting us here today and for running this event for our group.
“We are very thankful and we will make sure all money raised will be spent to the gain of the lives of all our members.”
As always, 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. Organisers 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 two top prizes of €500 cash amongst other prizes up for grabs.
Tickets are €10 for three 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 Moloneys Gaelic Bar later that night.
Assembly point for the Run is the grounds of the Mountmellick Development Association.
Registration commences from 3pm with the Run departing at 6pm sharp.
Fee for trucks is €30 and tractors €20. Hot drinks and musical entertainment will be provided onsite by Rock on Paddy from 3pm onwards.
Like last year, the tractor and trucks will take separate routes.
Each year, the committee is aiming to enhance the Run and promise there will be a few surprises in store this year.
There might even be a special appearance by a special guest from the North Pole!
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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