Pictures: Valerie O’Sullivan
Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce has confirmed that the centuries old bonds of friendship that exist between the town and the American people will be appropriately acknowledged on Thursday, 4th July which they described as a day close to the hearts of US citizens just as St Patrick’s Day is considered very special by people in Killarney and Ireland.
The Chamber said that during the preparations for this year’s event, some of its executive members were contacted by members of the Killarney For Palestine group who voiced concerns about this year’s traditional 4th July Festival proceeding, given the conflict in Gaza.
The Chamber Executive met with the individuals involved, on two occasions, and remained in contact in an effort to reach a solution acceptable to both groups.
“The sentiments voiced by the Killarney For Palestine group are acknowledged, fully appreciated and understood and our members have been equally disturbed and horrified by the dreadful events occurring in Gaza.
“It is important for Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce to stress, however, that we are not and never have been a political organisation and Chamber has no political affiliations whatsoever,” a statement read.
Given the circumstances, however, a decision has been taken to completely rebrand this year’s midsummer celebration to A Celebration of Irish and American Friendship and, following the representations made to Chamber, many of the events organised and enjoyed in previous years will not take place this year.
The following changes to the programme will be implemented:
- There will be no free open air big movie experience on the grounds of Killarney House
- There will be no live open air free concert prior to the parade
- There will be no outdoor daytime ceremony at the town hall
- Festival memorabilia and statues will not be displayed on the streets
- There will be no fireworks display
With the 100-year celebration of the opening of Killarney National Park scheduled for 2032, Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce last year initiated a project to celebrate the generosity of the American Bourne-Vincent and McShain families who gifted the park to the people. On that occasion Killarney honoured both families with a celebration of music, song, poetry and drama at an open air ceremony at Killarney House.
“Killarney will always be extremely grateful to the Bourne Vincent and McShain families, not only for Muckross Estate and Killarney House and Gardens, but for the gift of Inisfallen Island, Ross Castle and 8,000 acres of parkland, mountains and lake. This year further events are being arranged to reflect on just what the park has meant to the town and its people and the very special attraction it has become,” the Chamber said.
Both families will be celebrated and remembered during a colourful street parade which has been a hugely popular summertime feature in Killarney for the past 11 years. It will feature spectacular floats, marching bands, dancers, cheerleaders, colourful movie characters and much more.
“Over the years, children have lined the streets to meet and greet their favourite Disney characters, beautiful princesses, cartoon favourites and all the colour and fun the parade brings to the town centre. The gala parade attracts thousands of people to town and it creates a real party atmosphere and a wonderful midsummer boost for local businesses,” the Chamber pointed out.
This year, also, there is an opportunity to reflect on and remember the estimated six million Irish people who have emigrated to the US since 1820, at least a third of whom fled from the Great Famine of 1845-1852, and their descendants now proudly describe themselves as Irish American.
“Chamber wishes to stress that this will be a celebration in recognition of the American people who have been great and loyal friends to Killarney for longer than most people in the town can remember.
“Our function is to support, promote and help develop business and tourism in the town through community-based events, including a number of festivals, such as Wander Wild, the St Patrick’s Festival and Christmas in Killarney,” the business representative organisation stated.
The statement added: “The executive and the members work tirelessly in their efforts to shape Killarney’s sustainable development through effective advocacy, brand development, unity of purpose and fostering strong stakeholder relationships.
“Chamber’s only aim is to continuously build Killarney’s reputation and identity as an admired, world-class, sustainable tourism destination, celebrated for its year-round appeal and its quality as a place in which to live, conduct business and visit”.
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