Family fun set to be at the heart of this year's Kingdom County Fair say organisers

The long-running fair, which will take place on Saturday May 11 and Sunday May 12, has received a new lease of life over the past two years ever since it moved to its current location in Ballymacthomas, Tralee (Eircode: V92 XRW6) and organisers said this week that they are hoping to keep the momentum going for year three.

James Tarrant, one of the leading figures behind the fair, spoke to The Kerryman this week and said that they want family fun to be at the heart of this year’s show.

"The last two shows that we've held there have been very successful. They've been lovely. We've spent a good bit of money on preparations for this year so we’ll be hoping for more of the same,” he said, adding that they have recently added a new road through the site which will be a huge boost.

"We're very focused on kids entertainment this year. We have a group called 'Little Rose Buds' and they're coming with their children’s marquee. They'll have a clown and puppet shows, just a really nice line up overall. They were very popular last year so we are delighted that they're back," James continued.

"We also have a guy coming with an interactive circus experience and workshop. He'll be teaching kids to spin plates and to juggle, the works. There's a guy coming from Mayo too and he'll be doing a sheepdog experience for the kids. What he'll be doing is that he'll have the sheepdogs rounding up all these little ducklings.”

"If you see this thing, it's absolutely class. All the kids were reaching out trying to touch the ducks, they were absolutely enthralled,” James added.

Of course, the usual trade stands too will be there on the day as well as other entertainment such animal showing, hot food catering, live music and dancing, dog shows, vintage displays as well as arts and crafts.

"I know everyone says this about their events but I genuinely mean it when I say that numbers are up on last year. Moving to our own premises was a game changer as it's very hard to operate when you don't know where you'll be year after year," said James.

"We have fantastic neighbours. One guy on the Killarney side of us, he gives us nearly 20 acres of parking. Ballymac too, the parish have really taken an interest in the show. They like it and are proud of it. It's a great way of bringing the country into the town."

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