Light Up Truck and Tractor Run is all set to roll in Mountmellick

MOUNTMELLICK Macra’s annual Light Up Truck and Tractor Run is back by popular demand and will take place again this year on Saturday 14 December.

Trucks and tractors are invited to converge on the town to raise funds for Laois Down Syndrome.

Laois Down Syndrome is a charitable organisation that offers a variety of services for people with the condition across Laois, including speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, art classes, social activities and educational supports Last year’s event, which was held in aid of Eoin’s Journey and the Macra hall roof redevelopment fund, raised over €11,000.

As always, the event is being held the week before Christmas and organisers are encouraging participants to dress in festive attire and decorate their vehicles in lights with all things Christmas.

Prizes will be awarded for best truck and best tractor, as well as a raffle with a host of prizes, including cash prizes up to €500.

Tickets for the raffle costing €10 for three lines can be bought online, from committee members or on the day of the run. The draw will take place in Moloney’s Gaelic Bar later that night.

The assembly point for the run is in the grounds of the Mountmellick Development Association. Registration begins at 3pm, with the run departing at 6pm. The fee for trucks is €30 and €20 for tractors.

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 various locations with collection buckets for those who wish to make a donation.

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 turnout 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.” Speaking at the launch of the run, Katie Flanagan of Laois Down Syndrome 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.”