By Callum McGuigan
THE ROLLING hills of County Donegal and the Atlantic coastline provide the backdrop to what many believe to be the most scenic setting for any Twelfth parade.
The annual Rossnowlagh procession will be held on July 5, one week before the Twelfth demonstrations in the North.
It is expected that upwards of 50 lodges from Donegal, Cavan, Leitrim and Monaghan, as well as visiting Orangemen from Northern Ireland and further afield, will take part in the parade which begins close to St. John’s Parish Church at 12.30pm.
The parade then makes its way along country roads lined with supporters, to the demonstration field on the edge of the shoreline. The annual gathering is renowned for its family-friendly atmosphere.
A religious service will be held at 3pm. The service will be conducted by Canon Rev. Brian Russell, Rector of Drumholm Parish. A collection will be taken up in aid of Orange charities.
The return parade will leave the demonstration field at 4.45pm.
Grand Master, Edward Stevenson has once again put in focus the significance of Orange culture and traditions, which is underlined by the scale of the parades.
He said: “Across the 18 venues, we will have tens of thousands of our members – men, women and young people taking part in a community tradition which has been faithfully maintained for well over 200 years.
“Many thousands more will line the streets of host cities, towns and villages. There is simply no other local event which can bring such vast numbers of people onto the streets, either by taking part or by enjoying the day as a spectator. With the continuing growth of the Junior Orange movement we can say with confidence that this is a tradition that will continue to be upheld for many years to come.”
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