Crowds turn out for community carnival

Rathcoole was awash with colour on Saturday, August 15 as this year’s Rio-themed SPARK community carnival hit the streets.
By The Newsroom
Published 20th Aug 2015, 06:59 BST
Deputy Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor John Blair, with Tommy Flanagan, Thomas Flanagan and Trafford, winner of the dog show. INNT 34-813CONDeputy Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor John Blair, with Tommy Flanagan, Thomas Flanagan and Trafford, winner of the dog show. INNT 34-813CON
Deputy Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor John Blair, with Tommy Flanagan, Thomas Flanagan and Trafford, winner of the dog show. INNT 34-813CON

Over 800 people turned up to see the colourful procession as the area was transformed by the Rio de Rathcoole Carnival.

Samba bands, stilt walkers, circus performers, world music and dance, a petting farm, inflatables, face painting, craft stalls, classic cars, games, fancy dress competition and a bouncy castle meant there was fun for everyone on the day.

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Two of the main highlights of the day were the dog show and the soapbox derby.

Pictured with the Deputy Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor John Blair, is Ellie Caldwell who brought along Lexi and Bailie to the dog show. INNT 34-805CONPictured with the Deputy Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor John Blair, is Ellie Caldwell who brought along Lexi and Bailie to the dog show. INNT 34-805CON
Pictured with the Deputy Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor John Blair, is Ellie Caldwell who brought along Lexi and Bailie to the dog show. INNT 34-805CON

It proved a very difficult decision for the judges, but Trafford, owned by Tommy Flanagan was the winner of the dog show, which was held at Rathmullan Drive.

The organisers of the event would like to thank Barkin’ Beauties, Pets at Home, and Jollyes Petfood Superstore for supplying the prizes.

Local residents David and Nathan Logan took first place in Rathcoole’s first ever soapbox derby, which took place at Green End. They took home a fantastic prize of £100. Thomas Hamilton came second and received a donated go-kart from local group, Newtownabbey Men’s Shed. Joint third place was a team including James Bulled, Gary Nelson and Samuel Nelson, and a team including Jack, Ben and Neil Orr and Samuel Bulled.

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The carnival was the annual finale of the successful SPARK programme, which ran from August 10 to 15.

It was organised by Rathcoole Neighbourhood Renewal Community and Physical Sub Group and local SPARK churches.

• See more SPARK coverage in this’s week’s Times