The gala night will feature a mix of foot-stomping country music and dancehall fun.

The Texas Wildcats will headline the night with their brand of country and dance floor favourites. They will play against the backdrop of the Meade Potato Company store that will be transformed into a country dancehall, complete with a wild west-themed saloon, BBQ area and a mechanical bull.

Jivers from the region have been busy preparing for the new competition which has been introduced this year. Catherine and Annemarie Parker, world champion Irish dancers-turned-professional jiving instructors, have been busy putting enthusiastic dancers through their paces at Syddan GFC hall over the last few Monday nights. All guests are welcome to enter by registering at the Hoedown between 8pm-9pm.

Hoedown committee chair Stephen Dillon says: “The Hoedown in Lobinstown promises to be an event for both young and old to enjoy, with lots of prizes, fun and great music. Schools and the club are coming together to provide a fun-filled day and night for revellers to mark the end of the summer holidays.”

There will be happy hour specials from 8pm-10pm at the bar, as well as a BBQ which is included in the Hoedown admission price of €25 and which features spit roasted pork, burgers and salads. Tickets for the Hoedown, which starts at 8pm, are available from outlets in Lobinstown, Rathkenny, Drumconrath, Nobber, Ardee, and on the night. Proceeds from the event are in support of the local Syddan GFC development fund.

For more information, contact Stephen Dillon on 087-9861043.

Family Fun Day

Earlier in the afternoon, a family fun day will be held at the Meade Potato Company store. This school fundraiser will take place from 1pm to 4pm and activities include a mini tractor grand prix, free farm and factory tours of Meade Potato Company, a junior barn dance, face painting, a farm machinery display and a magic and puppet show suitable for all ages.

All of these activities are included in the admission price of €5 per person, with children going free. All proceeds from this will go to fund local schools.