Ennis launch of open fairs

THE Open Fair project, developed in Clare in 1992, will have its national relaunch in Ennis on Sunday, August 28.

The idea behind the event is to give budding entrepreneurs an opportunity to earn an income by selling goods and offering their services at a local level.
In the current climate, this is never more important according to chairman of Rural Resettlement Ireland, Jim Connolly, who are behind the Open Fair project in association with the Irish Vocational Education Association.
When the concept was introduced in 1992, it was spearheaded by then CEO of Clare Vocational Education Committee, Jim Lyons. All 12 VEC schools in the county were involved and with the co-operation of Rural Resettlement Ireland, it proved to be a huge success.
The project was taken up by VECs in six other counties and was also funded under a European programme for two years. The relaunch has been made possible following a donation from an Irish-American couple.
Mr Connolly said the couple spend their time between Dallas and Clare. They had read about him in The Clare Champion when he decided to enter politics and speaking to them at a later stage, he mentioned the open fair idea. Shortly afterwards, a cheque arrived from America.
Mr Connolly said he is hopeful more funding might be available from Government, to employ a field officer to run the project.
He said the open fairs will offer enterprising individuals a showcase for their talents.
“In theory, it’s simple, by promoting personal development and self-reliance and by boosting local economies, it can make the difference between despair and hope, both for individuals and for communities. The open fair is a way of fostering independence through inter-dependence,” he said.
Mr Connolly said support is being offered for the enterprise by Archbishop of Dublin, Diarmuid Martin and Senator Feargal Quinn and will have its headquarters in Kilbaha with Rural Resettlement Ireland. 
The first open fair is being held at the West County Hotel, Ennis on Sunday, August 28. It is being organised by a local committee and it is hoped to have a big attendance to view the vast range of talent and skills in the Ennis area. There is no entry fee and exhibitors keep any money they make from sales.
“As well as Ennis, we look forward to other towns and communities running open fairs in Clare. It’s a simple idea, it just requires a local committee to organise it and make it work,” Mr Connolly concluded.
Interested people can contact Eithne at 065 9058034 or email openfairirl@gmail.com.