This weekend, (Friday 12th to Sunday 14th October 2007) Athy residents and visitors are in for a treat as the first ever Athy Rowing & River Barrow Autumn Festival hits the town. 2007 is the Year of the River Barrow and In order to link with the festivities held in New Ross in January 2007 to open the 'Year of the Barrow', the closing ceremony has been organised by Athy Rowing Club in Athy as part of a whole town festival ; The Athy Rowing & River Barrow Autumn Festival.
Athy Rowing Club was established in 1997 and has seen most of its growth over the past four years. The club presently operates from a container located on the banks of the Barrow in Rathstewart, Athy. The club has organised many events for the festival including a Water Sports Demonstration on Saturday 13th and a Regatta on Sunday 14th. One of the highlights of the festival will be the Banquet - held in the Carlton Abbey Hotel on Saturday 13th. Tickets are €75 are are available from the Carlton Abbey Hotel, Athy or from Marilene at 086 3669118 or by emailing info@athybarrowfest.ie.
There are also many family activities organised for the festival including all weekend street entertainment with Bouncing Castles, Mini Carts, Party Carts, Lazer Zone, Climbing Wall, Music and lots more and an Old Time Fair on Sunday 14th with Wheel of Fortune, Bottle Stall, White Mouse, and Test Your Strength.
For more information, see the website www.athybarrowfest.ie