After a hectic beginning to the day, ( for the secretary at least ! ), Saturday's Connemara Show in the People's Park was an outstanding sucess, and  the NICPBA and CCtT Committees would like to express their appreciation to all involved, whether in the organisation of the show, it's operation on the day, or by taking part as competitors. Particular thanks are due to the judges, who travelled so far and worked hard all day, scrutinising so thoroughly every single pony. A special mention must be made of the Show Co-ordinator, Lindsey McCallister, who took on her role only very recently - about a fortnight prior to the show, in fact - yet pulled together so many aspects of the production, and was a pleasure to work with. And to our exhibitors and their ponies, many of whom travelled considerable distances, and from very early morning ( one gentleman started out from home at 3 a.m. ! ). Their efforts prove how well regarded The Country Comes to Town and The All Ireland Connemara Foal Championship have become ! We appreciate them all, and wish them well !  May all remain safe and well, and be able to join us again next year !
 
As part of the week-long festival in Portadown and surrounding district, the NICPBA  has been involved since 2005 in running the Connemara Pony section of the Horse and Pony Show, held on the Saturday. The all-inclusive Community Festival is now in it's 11th year, and goes from strength to strength, bringing to the town centre many aspects of life in times past.  
 
Portadown grew up as an access port on the River Bann, connecting the rich agricultural hinterland to other areas of Northern Ireland via Lough Neagh. Though the Festival itself began by exhibiting and demonstrating rural crafts and industries to a populace nowadays often far removed from it's origins, it has grown to encompass the many diverse cultures of those now living in the district, who come from several European countries and beyond. Embracing people from these many cultures, celebrating that diversity and welcoming them into our society, has become an important aspect of The Country Comes of Town Festival, and a major focus for it's committee, all of whom are volunteers.
Since it's inception, the Country Comes to Town has become affiliated to two other major community events, namely the Ballina Salmon Festival, which takes place over several days in Co.Mayo, and The Aberfoyle Oyster Festival in Scotland. Dignitaries from both cities attended The Country Comes to Town, as has become the custom. The Lady Mayor of Ballina and the Lord Provost of Aberfoyle and their retinues were accompanied on their tour by committee members of The Country Comes to Town.
Every year the Festival matures and grows, introducing new attractions for the estimated 30,000 visitors who attend the many different events. Country Music, Flower and Fashion Shows, Dog Shows, barges and boats on the river, Teddy Bears' Picnic, Vintage Vehicles from local clubs, and everything from soda bread to duck races took place this September. For the first time, Traditional Cattle Breeds were exhibited in The Peoples Park, several breed Champions being on display. Many different community organisations contributed to the programme of events, such as church groups and the Rotary Club, some using the Festival to raise their public profile and, in some cases, funds for such worthy causes as The Hospice Fund. In short, anyone who wishes to make the effort can, within the ethos of The Country Comes to Town's aims and objectives, become a part of the whirlwind of activities which make up this, one of Ireland's premier Festivals !  
 

  
Country Comes To Town 

  
Part-bred Registered Connemara Ponies