Suited and booted with instruments at the ready, members of the Syddan GFC and Dee Rangers GFC get ready for the Hoedown in Lobinstown this Saturday August 20th from 1-4pm at Meade Potato Company in Lobinstown, Co. Meath. The barndance will take place in a transformed potato store and highlights of the night include music by crowdpleasers the Texas Wildcats, Johnny Cash-inspired James Reilly and the next Nathan Carter - Shane Owens, as well as a country jiving competition with €350 in prize money, a mechanical bullriding contest and a finger-lickin good BBQ! Tickets €25. Check out the facebook page Hoedown in Lobinstown for tickets sellers or call Stephen at 087 986 1043.

The Hoedown in Lobinstown returns to Meade Potato Co. on Saturday, 20th August bringing a mix of foot stomping country music and dance hall fun. 

Organisers Syddan GFC have made some changes to the format as they seek to build on the success of last year's event.  The Texas Wildcats will headline the music and the main competition of the night has moved from the bull ring to the dance floor.  Last year saw local footballers compete on a mechanical bull for a prize for their club.  This year, the main competition is a dance one, open to anyone who fancies their chances doing some country jiving.

Family Fun day on the Farm

Making full use of the Meade Potato Company store which is being transformed for the Hoedown in Lobinstown that night, local parents committees have organised a fundraiser to be held prior to the Hoedown from 1-4pm on Saturday 20th August; activities include a mini tractor grand prix, free farm & factory tours of Meade Potato Company, a junior barn dance, face painting, a farm machinery display and a magic & puppet show suitable for all ages.  All of these are included in the admission price of €5 per person, with children going free and all proceeds going to fund local schools.  Also on offer on the day will be penalty shootouts, sponge throws and pony rides.  From racing around a custom built course on toy tractors to seeing the field to fork journey of the spud at the Meade Farm, to enjoying a magic and puppet show in the Hoedown barn, there are activities to cater for all ages and interests on the day.

Field to Fork Tours at Meade Potatoes

Get to look behind the scenes and see the journey of a spud from field to fork at Meade Potato Co. as one of the many activities on offer on Saturday 20th Aug. from 1-4pm as part of their Family Fun Day.  Other activities include a junior barn dance, mini tractor grand prix, farm and factory tours, farm machinery display, a magic and puppet show suitable for all ages - all included in the entry price of €5 per person, with kids going free.  All proceeds go to the local schools.

Organisers of the Hoedown chose to tap into the growing jiving trend by staging a 6 week jiving course in conjunction with their event.  World Champion Irish dancers turned professional jiving instructors Catherine and Annemarie Parker have turned Syddan GFC Hall into a honky tonk on Mondays from 8-9pm; they will be judging the competition to claim €200 in cash prizes for the best jivers on the night and a trophy for the first place winners sponsored by Seamus and Pat Calliff, local coal merchants and jiving enthusiasts.  All guests are welcome to enter by registering at the Hoedown between 8-9pm. 

The Texas Wildcats have a well-established reputation for keeping dance floors filled with their brand of red hot country music and dance floor favourites.  They will be playing against the backdrop of the Meade Potato Co. store that will be transformed into a country dance hall, complete with a Wild West themed saloon, BBQ area and a mechanical bull.  Anyone wishing to take a break from the dancing, and who has aspirations to be a future bullrider can try their skill on the mechanical bull.  The best time on the night wins a €75 cash prize sponsored by local Salers cattle breeder Oliver Meade. 

For those not jiving or bullriding, there is still a chance to take home some winnings by either entering the €1400 raffle (tickets €5 each) on the night or vying for the Best Dressed Cowgirl and Cowboy competition, sponsored by Hummingbird Boutique, Ben Garry Hairdressers Navan and Sharkey Sports Ardee.  There will be happy hour specials from 8-10pm at the bar, as well as a BBQ which is included in the price of admission featuring spit roasted pork, burgers and salads.

Commenting on the event, Hoedown Committee Chairman Stephen Dillon says, "The Hoedown promises to be an event for both young and old to enjoy with lots of prizes, fun and great music.  Schools and club are coming together to provide a fun filled day for revellers near and far to mark the end of the summer holidays.  A last big bash before the kids go back to school - not to be missed!"

Proceeds of the event go to Syddan GFC Development Fund and sponsors of the event include BK Sports Injury, Callaghans butchers, Joe Norris Motors, Matthews Transport, Meade Potato Co. and PS Supplies. 

Tickets are €25 for the Hoedown and €5/ea. for the raffle, both available from Syddan GFC and Dee Rangers players, Lobinstown Post Office, P.S. Supplies Lobinstown, Callaghans Butchers Ardee and at the Syddan GFC Community Hall on Mondays from 7:30-9:00pm.  For more information call Stephen Dillon on 087 9861043.

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