Galway Advertiser 2007/2007_07_19/GA_1907_E1_016.pdf 

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16 N E W S

www.galwayadvertiser.ie

July 19 2007

Galway to witness the Ninth Wonder of the World on Sunday
BY KERNAN ANDREWS While Machu Picchu, the Taj Mahal, the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, and the Great Pyramid of Giza among the newly announced Eight Wonders of the World, Galway will seek to join that list on Sunday. On that day at 3pm, Mr Big, the local entrepreneur and philanthropic explorer, will finally reveal the amazing Ninth Wonder of the World. A film director and his crew will also be in town to film the residents and the captured monster who is the Ninth Wonder. Be warned though, the beast is frightening... This is the story for this year's Macnas parade, and the acclaimed Galway based group is encouraging everyone to go along and enjoy what will be an extravagant outdoor spectacle of riotous colour, music, excitement, and fun. The parade starts at the top of Bothar na mBan, down onto Eyre Square, through Shop Street, onto Mainguard Street, over O'Brien's Bridge, onto Dominick Street where it disperses at the canal. "This year's parade theme is based around the old Hollywood monster movies from the 1930s and 1940s and has a very distinctive old fashioned, glamorous feel," says Rachael Devir, the parade director. "As well as the Macnas drummers and stilt walkers, audiences will be treated to fabulous displays of swing dancing and acrobatics. Mr Big just can't wait to get on the streets of Galway and unveil the Ninth Wonder of the World!" Expect larger than life costumes, hair, make up, and performances as Macnas will pull out all the stops to ensure this 21st summer birthday parade is one to remember. All water for the parade participants and for water effects will be provided by Galway Water. A dedicated area will be set aside for audience members in wheelchairs at the top of Eyre Square and a security guard assigned to the area. Macnas is still looking for pushers and stewards for the parade. All you have to do is be available from 1pm to 6pm on Sunday and be willing to either push a float or walk along with the parade as a steward. Being involved as a steward or pusher also gets you invited to the Macnas after party, which is being held in Bar903, Eyre Square at 8pm on Sunday.

Macnas dancers get into the swing of things as they prepare for Sunday's fantastic parade.