BY C.J.MCGINLEY
HUNDREDS gathered on Friday night to mark the start of the festive season as the splendid new Christmas lights were switched on in Letterkenny.
The Market Square area was filled to capacity as families came together to share in the festive spirit. There was music, hot drinks, mulled wine, mince pies and that was even before Santa arrived shortly after 7pm.
Leah Mullan (9), was the toast of the town as she had the honour of switching on the lights. is A pupil of Glenswilly National School, Leah was the winner of a School Art competition. She is a daughter of Gerard and Bella Mullan.
She joined the Mayor of Letterkenny Municipal District, Cllr Michael McBride on the Market Square band stand along with M.C Keith Fletcher to switch on the new lights.
Mr Gerard Grant President of Letterkenny Chamber of Commerce, who hosted the event, said the switching on of the Christmas lights was a “magical event” for the kids and all families.
“I want to pay tribute to all of the retailers on Main Street who stayed open and provided lovely refreshments for everyone as they made their way to the Market Square,” he said.
“It is a great way to kick off the festive season and was a wonderful night of Christmas cheer and goodwill,” he added.
From 5.30pm selected businesses around the town stayed open a little later and gave out sweets, hot chocolate, mulled wine, and other Christmas treats.
Some businesses also had stalls outside with goodies to keep people warm.
“The turning on of the Christmas lights is a lovely family occasion. I hope we manage to spread lots of Christmas cheer,” Mayor McBride said.
The Letterkenny Senior Accordion Band played at the Courthouse and at the band stand during the evening. The official switch was shortly shortly after special guest Santa arrived at the Market Square on board a local fire tender.
Letterkenny Chamber of Commerce has urged everyone to support local businesses’ in the run up to Christmas and share in the festivities and fun over the coming weeks.
For more information check out the ShopLK website www.shoplk.ie or the ShopLK Facebook page www.facebook.com/shoplk .
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