It rained. And it rained. And it rained. But this did not stop Santa who decided that the best way to visit the children of Youghal was to make use of the water, and arrive by boat! At 3pm he sailed into the harbour calling Ho! Ho! Ho!
Report Denise FitzGerald / Photo: Santacam E-mail: news@youghalonline.com

The Youghal Fire Brigade were waiting to escort him into the warm and dry cab and drive him through the streets up to Merrick’s Department Store, where a FREE Children’s Christmas Party, part of the ‘I Believe’ Christmas Festival, organised by Youghal Chamber, was about to start. As they emerged from under the Clock Gate, Santa could be seen waving from the front of the Fire Engine at the huge crowds of children who had come out to see him. No rain was going to stop them from greeting Santa, and they thronged the footpaths on either side and spilled out onto the road waving and cheering at the top of their voices.

Lil Danne of Danelle’s and her staff were waiting to greet him at the door and after a photograph or two, he was swept into the store in a flurry of excitement. The middle floor of Merricks was turned into a fairyland of children’s activities for the day, including Barty’s Disco, Balloon shaping, Face Painting, entertainment from the Chatterbox Groups, a dancing area, sweets, crisps, drinks and, of course, a cosy Grotto for Santa himself.

The East Cork Journal was delighted to be present on such an exciting day. The children had the most wonderful time, running and racing, dancing, laughing, eating and playing (and the mams and dads enjoyed it too). The queue for Santa was long and winding, but there was no hurry – everyone was going to meet him, and there was something from him for everyone in the Youghal audience.

Youghal Chamber is to be congratulated on the organisation of their ‘I Believe’ Christmas Festival for Youghal, which includes a huge line up of events to cater for all ages. The Santa visit was just one of the very popular events, and it certainly received the support which it deserved. And the ‘I Believe’ Festival is not over yet – not by a long shot. On Saturday next, December 12th at 2.30pm one of the highlights of the Festival will be the heat of the children’s Xmas Factor Competition. There are two category age groups, from 4-8 year olds and 8-13 year olds. There are great prizes to be won and the competition will create a wonderful buzz of excitement in the town. Then, on December 19th the Xmas Factor final will take place in front of a live audience and a winner will be chosen by a panel of judges. On Wednesday, December 23rd from 2pm to 5pm there will be a Pool Party for all at Aura Leisure Centre.

All in all, a fun filled programme of activities organised by the Chamber to make your Christmas a bright, happy and fun filled time in Youghal.

Click on image to see more of Santa arriving in town