ONE event not to be missed this weekend is the Leap Lights Up parade, street market, and children’s disco on Saturday afternoon and evening.
A number of community volunteers organised last year’s Leap Lights Up event with no clue as to how good it was going to be.
The parade of lights, which involved 20-plus luminous floats and vehicles, delighted hundreds.
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But hundreds more were disappointed to have missed it and vowed to be there for the 2025 event after seeing a video of the ‘24 parade on The Southern Star’s social media platforms.
‘The video has certainly promoted the event to a wider audience so we are expecting a massive crowd this year,’ said Denis O’Donovan, a member of the Leap Lights Up committee.
He explained that it was a bunch of tractors, trucks and car enthusiasts, who are raising money for an Astro turf for Kilmacabea GAA, that organised other events such as the Leap Dyno Day, Leap Revved Up, and Leap in Bloom, that had the bright idea to host this event.
‘This is not about fundraising, ‘ said Denis. ‘It’s a way of giving back, of entertaining the children, and thanking the community for all that has been achieved this year.’
There will be a lot more floats taking part this year, as well as tractors, jeeps, a boat, a 20-tonne digger, a rally car, and some ponies all lit up for the event.
The programme starts at 4pm with a children’s disco in the community hall that will serve teas and coffees for parents, as well as music and a Christmas market in the square.
The parade will start at 5.30pm sharp and come down from the GAA pitch at the back of Leap between the Harbour Bar and Ger’s Diner.
It will pass through the village three times before the vehicle and floats are parked on the Glandore Road, so people can safely walk there to view them up close.
It is the parent’s associations of Leap NS, Maulatrahane NS, and Glandore NS who will be manning the market stalls selling Christmas treats and hot chocolate, and any money raised will go directly to them.
Denis told The Southern Star: ‘We appreciate the support of the Community Council and Leap Scarecrow Festival who have funded the lighting of Christmas trees throughout the village. And we are all looking forward to enjoying this festive event.’
