This article is from page 37 of the 2009-05-19 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 37 JPG
THE picturesque twin towns of Kil- laloe and Ballina are getting ready to look their best ahead of the Fashion Weekend, which takes place from May 22-25.
In the inaugural hosting of what will be an annual event, the Killaloe- Ballina Fashion Week will showcase the sister towns as ideal shopping destinations.
Event organizers Ruth Vaughan, Lorraine Hassett and Grainne Cum- mins explained the aim of the fash- ion week is to showcase Killaloe and Ballina as “one-stop shopping and pampering destinations”’.
Ruth Vaughan explained, “This is a really special place and that’s very much recognised by the population explosion here over recent years, with so many people wanting to live
in and visit Killaloe-Ballina.”
“We are happy to say that not alone are we able to satisfy local fashion needs but so many people from out- side the towns are also now flocking here and availing of what’s on offer,” commented Lorraine Hassett.
Grainne Cummins said, “We just felt that considering we now have so much for people to come here and enjoy, not least in the fashion stakes, it was time to put structure around this by showcasing it all properly so that we maximise the potential of the eda oh
The Fashion Weekend will see participating businesses offering 1n- store promotions, discounts, beauty consultations and free draws, while there will also be face-painting for children (on Friday afternoon from 3- Spm). Participating businesses will display their involvement with
purple and pink balloons outside their premises.
Friday night will also play host to the Fashion and Fun event at The Lakeside Hotel, Killaloe. The evening, which will be built around a fashion show, commences with a champagne and canapés reception, with ladies getting the opportunity to visit the many stands.
Models from the Hilary Thompson Model Agency will display clothing and footwear from local boutiques. There will be prizes for best shoes – sponsored by Rockin Reptile – and also for the best dressed lady.
Ladies will also be treated to wine and finger food during the fashion show, followed by entertainment by Atomic Chicken. Tickets are €30, with raffle proceeds to Killaloe Playground. Champagne has been sponsored by Super Valu, the “Diva’
cocktails by The Lakeside Hotel and wines for the night are kindly spon- sored by Heaney’s Costcutter, Goos- ers Bar and Restaurant and Wines Direct.
Participating business in the Fash- ion Weekend are Lorbees Boutique, Cerise Shoe Boutique, Spirit, Kel – C – Kidz, Forme, Hotspot, Sweetie P’s, The Beauty Boutique, Greene Room, Fine Rags, Shoes 2 Choose, ML’s Hair Studio, Joanne’s Fashion House, Catwalk, Collins Pharmacy and Country Chic.
Anyone wishing to find out more about the event can contact organ- ising committee members Ruth Vaughan of Cerise Shoe Boutique on O61 374384 or 087 9386622; Lor- raine Hassett of Lorbees Boutique on 061 622966 or 087 8513867; or Grainne Commins of Kel – C – Kidz on 061 374429.