MAIN Street, Killarney could very well be Fifth Avenue in New York this Thursday as the town comes alive for the colourful, thrill-a-minute 4th July celebrations.
With spectacular floats, marching bands, fun-loving Disney characters, dream machines, cowboys, cowgals, music, fireworks, song and dance, bustling Times Square will be dull in comparison to downtown Killarney where it’s all happening.
The streets will be packed with onlookers waving miniature Star-Spangled Banners, standing beneath giant statues of Uncle Sam and the Statue of Liberty, as Main Street comes alive like never before.
Organised by a sub-committee of Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce, spearheaded by Diarmuid Leen of AIB and Ollie Favier of The Shire, the aim of the festival is to bring the town to life in a fun and exciting way to celebrate all that is great about the US and to remember the years of friendship between America and Ireland.
The highlight will be the colourful, action-packed gala parade that will wind its way through the streets of the town from 7.00pm. It will feature marching bands, custom-made floats, cheerleaders, motorbikes, movie characters and flag-carriers and it will be a spectacle to remember with more than a few surprises.
Pictures: Valerie O’Sullivan
The Independence Day celebration got underway with the raising of the star-spangled banner at the town hall with Mayor of Killarney, Cllr Michael Gleeson, and Chamber of Tourism and Commerce President, Paul Sherry, presiding and the Glenflesk Male Choir reciting the national anthem.
A wild west troupe is expected to ride into this afternoon of July 4 and they could cause havoc top proceed with great caution and ensure you don’t get caught in the crossfire.
The Washington Varsity and Alumni Band, live brass bands and the Three O’s will perform on the streets as the day progresses and a fun-filled street party will get underway at 6.15pm before the gala parade commences.
There is a real teat for movie and music fans tonight when John Travolta and Olivia Newton John will strut their stuff as the smash hit movie Grease will be shown on the giant open air screen on the grounds of Killarney House and the 4th July celebrations will conclude with a spectacular fireworks display that will illuminate the town.
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