Bernice Harrisonon alternatives to movies and the mall
Rally Ireland 2009
If you’re in the northwest this weekend, you’ll be able to hear this event long before you see it. Rally Ireland 2009, the first round of this year’s World Rally Championship, began on Thursday, and towns across the northwest are holding festivals to celebrate. While the event itself is probably best appreciated by petrolheads, the festivals in Fermanagh, Roscommon, Sligo and Donegal are designed to be family affairs and will include live entertainment, fireworks, food and live rally action on giant TV screens.
Tonight in SligoA rally car will lead more than 200 artists and participants, both volunteers and professional entertainers, in a parade through the city streets. Face painters, magicians and street performers will entertain the crowd on O'Connell Street in advance of the parade's start at 7.30pm from JFK Parade. It ends with a fireworks display at about 8.45pm.
Tomorrow in DonegalRally cars will be parked in the Diamond, offering fans the chance to get an up-close look at these performance cars. The fun begins at 2pm with music and entertainment. The big draw is former Formula 1 supremo Eddie Jordan, who will be performing with his band.
Be a spectatorIf you can stand the noise, watch the action as the cars pass through the stages along the way. Log on to www.rallyireland.org for the route and make sure to read the safety guidelines for spectators.