Streete, Co. Westmeath boasts one of the most renowned Vintage Shows in Ireland and has also become well known as a fun day out for families and folk of all ages. The village’s Vintage Day is so well renowned that two years after it was set up, Streete obtained the All Ireland Vintage Society Rally (2005) and now a full decade on, it comes full circle again with Streete hosting the Irish Vintage Society All Ireland 2015 this July 12th.
This year the rally will feature some of the most interesting vehicles in Ireland, such as vintage cars, tractors, motorcycles, stationary engines, and many more, including from another era – horse drawn equipment. A huge turnout of vehicles is expected on the day, not just because of the All Ireland Rally, but because of the name the Streete Show has developed over the past decade.
Thousands of folk turned up on the 2005 day, and the same and more is expected this year. Expected on the day from all over Ireland are a minimum of 500 cars as well as at least 100 tractors. There will also be many vintage “stand alone” engines. The annual charity Tractor Run around the district is one of the most popular events on Saturday, 11th, the day before the Sunday Vintage Day and it will commence at 4 p.m. from the Streete Parish Park Community Centre and Sports Complex.
Some novel beauties like Model Railway working display will be set up and operated by its owner, Michael Leek and there will also be an opportunity to see some tinsmiths at work.
Everything on the day is built in and around the Community Centre and Sports Complex which is an important resource for the youth of the area. The Sports Centre itself allows for many sporting pursuits. A jaunting car with Clydesdale horses will be present on the day, which is another opportunity not experienced every day. Children’s entertainment will also be on site and it’s important to point out that Order of Malta members will be in attendance on the day, giving of their generous time for the safety of all in the vicinity.
Streete Parish Park members will be supporting the local Tractor Run with support from many neighbouring clubs. The Tractor Run followed by a BBQ in memory of local man, Philip Moran and as said above the approximate 20 mile Run will take place on the Saturday, starting at 4 p.m. Funds raised on the day will be donated to the Irish Heart Foundation, St. Mary’s Catholic Church and the local Church of Ireland in Streete.
There is overnight supervised parking for tractors etc. on Saturday night. There will be a display of early 1900’s vehicles, including steam engines. Another must see is the Ladies Tractor Build at 3p.m. on Sunday when a group of women from Virginia, Co. Cavan called “THE HEATHER ANGELS” will be dismantling and rebuilding a tractor.
It will cost €10 for adults for the day and children are free, which will make the outing more attractive for a family outing. A special souvenir brochure will be available at a minimum cost if required. There will be live music and entertainment on the outdoor stage as well as an area suitable for dancing should you wish.
The atmosphere will be Irish Vintage and it promises to be a most enjoyable day for everyone from a toddler to much much older folk. There will be entertainment for all and as well, there will be entertainment in all the local pubs and food and accommodation in some. Food will be available all day on site.
The Irish Vintage Reps Michael and Maureen Cole expect to have an outdoor stand with all IVS literature and insurance details. There will be many displays etc. and many tea stalls, cake stalls as well as a great selection of crafts too many to mention.
Come and see John Reynolds from County Leitrim, who will have his Horse and Barrel Wagon on display, as he demonstrates the original skill of cooking and baking outdoors. You can sample some bacon and cabbage, cooked on site in a skillet.
The ever popular Dog Show will take place at 3p.m. with nine classes which is being sponsored by well known Oliver Kelleher (Castlebar Ltd).
For some excitement there will be mouse racing and much more. The location of the site is 4 miles off the N4 from Rathowen Church.
The site is on around 12 acres of farmland not including ten acres for parking (with plenty of room for disabled parking). The Vintage Day site is just 56 km from Athlone, 75km from Dublin on the N4 and 25km from Mullingar, also on the N4. Signposts will be at many points from the nearby towns of Edgeworthstown, Castlepollard and Granard.
Pictures from past Streete Vintage Days taken by Michael Fagan
