Pamela Ballantine, who compered the evening, and Mary Garrity, Chairman of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, unveil the new Lady of the Lake Chloe Clarke as outgoing Lady of the Lake, Eimear Donnelly, looks on
THE annual Lady of the Lake Festival got under way last Friday with big crowds making their way through the streets of Irvinestown to enjoy the annual festival.
Chloe Clark was unveiled to a big crowd of spectors as this year’s Lady of the Lake on the opening night. Irvinestown’s Chloe Clarke took over from last year’s Lady of the Lake, Eimear Donnelly.
“The weekend has been brilliant, and it is all very exciting to be the Lady of the Lake. I was surprised, but my family had told me that they were going to vote for me, but I never actually expected to win.” said Chloe Clarke.
Chloe Clarke has grown up attending the Lady of the Lake and has always wanted to wear the cloak. Chloe will be joined throughout the festival by her Ladies in Waiting Amy Knox and Laura Stanford.
“I always wanted to be Lady of the Lake so I am having a lot of fun attending all the events and helping everyone enjoy the festival. My Ladies in Waiting are getting on the best too. They are really lovely wee girls and they are loving being chauffeured around.” said Chloe.
So far, the people of Irvinestown have danced late into the night to country music newbie Cliona Hagan, enjoyed a service on White Island and took part in the donkey and sheep derby. Festival chairman Lisa Wallace and the festival committee have been very busy throughout the festival ensuring everyone is having a good time.
“It has gone very good so far, the weather has been really nice too. The service at White Island was great, and we had 82 going across this year, which was the biggest crowd so far. For the 10 days of the festival it really is all go. Everyone always knows the committee members, because of their tired faces at the end of each day.” said Lisa.
Wednesday is the big fair day at the festival and the truck fest will take place throughout the weekend. Newly cloacked Lady of the Lake will lead the truck convoy through the surrounding areas of Irvinestown.
“I am really looking forward to the truck fest and taking part in all those events. I think I will take part in the sheep dung spitting competition too.” said Chloe Clarke.
The Lady of the Lake festival will continue until Sunday, July 24th and will finish up with live music after the truck convoy.
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